Wolverines Add Zepeda from Transfer Portal with Four Years of Eligibility
4/30/2026 1:34:00 PM | Wrestling
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan Ron Weiser Head Wrestling Coach Sean Bormet announced Thursday (April 30) the addition of transfer Daniel Zepeda to the Wolverine program. Zepeda, who spent his first collegiate season at North Carolina State, had four years of eligibility remaining and projects at 149 or 157 pounds.
"Daniel is exactly the kind of competitor we want at Michigan -- tough, disciplined and still rising," said Bormet. "He comes out of an outstanding high school program and one of the toughest wrestling landscapes in the country in California. He's proven himself in elite competition and brings an exceptional mentality that fits our room. I know he and Moses [Mendoza] are thrilled to be together again, and we're thrilled to have another incredible brother combo in our program."
Zepeda posted a 9-1 record for the Wolfpack this past season, taking first place at the Reno Tournament of Champions and second at the Southern Scuffle -- both at 157 pounds -- before a knee injury prematurely ended his season. He earned bonus points in seven of his nine wins, including five falls.
A native of Gilroy, Calif., Zepeda was a three-time California state champion for Gilroy High School and head coach Daniel Cormier. He posted a career prep record of 149-7, including a perfect 52-0 record as a senior. In freestyle competition, Zepeda was a 2024 junior national champion at 144 pounds and a three-time Fargo All-American.
Zepeda was the No. 8 overall prospect in FloWrestling's Class of 2025 Big Board and the No. 2 150-pound wrestler. Named 2025 Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award for California and the west region, he was a Doc Buchanan champion and Super 32 finalist and in 2023 and earned a fall against Bo Bassett at the Who's Number One event.
He is the older brother of incoming freshman Moses Mendoza, himself a two-time California state champion and the No. 9 overall recruit in the Class of 2026.
