ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell wrestling announces the addition of 10 incoming freshmen who will join the Big Red program for the 2026-27 season. The class features a collection of nationally accomplished wrestlers, including state champions, national champions and All-Americans representing seven different states. Intermat ranked the class third in the nation, with seven individual recruits in the top 70 pound-for-pound nationally.
The group includes Jude Correa (197), Elijah Cortez (133), Isaiah Cortez (125), Adrian DeJesus (149), Rocco Dellagatta (285), Elijah Diakomihalis (184), Kai Napadow-Baquero (125), David Ogunsanya (165), Alessio Perentin (165) and Ben Zuckerman (141).
"We are extremely excited to welcome this class of student athletes to Cornell," shared The David Dunlop '59 Head Coach, Mike Grey. "This group has a lot of talent on the mat, strong character, and dedication to academics. We expect an immediate impact from many of our freshmen - both in competing right away for starting spots and in contributing to leadership and team culture."
With credentials spanning some of the nation's top high school and prep wrestling programs, the incoming class brings a wealth of championship experience to Ithaca. The group combines 16 state championships, multiple national tournament titles and several years of leadership experience as team captains.
Jude Correa joins the Big Red after a historic career at Wyoming Seminary, where he became a four-time Prep National champion from 2022-25. The Pelham, N.H., native finished his career as the program's all-time leader in wins, pins and Prep National team points while earning No. 1 national rankings at multiple weight classes throughout his career. Correa served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons and competed for Doughboy Wrestling Club.
The Cortez brothers will continue their wrestling careers together in Ithaca after standout careers at Gilroy High School in California. Both Isaiah and Elijah Cortez captured two California State championships during their careers while also finishing third twice. Isaiah, a World Silver medalist for Team USA at the U20 Greco Roman World Championships in 2024, will compete for another title at the U20 Freestyle World Championships this August. Elijah won the Midlands College title in 2025. Both Isaiah and Elijah captured dominant US Open crowns in the spring of 2026 at 57kg and 61kg, respectively.
Adrian DeJesus arrives from New Jersey with a decorated resume, earning two state championships while competing at Saint Peter's Prep, DePaul Catholic and Saint Joseph Regional. He placed all four years at the state tournament and took third at the prestigious Super 32 Challenge. DeJesus helped Saint Joseph Regional capture the 2025 New Jersey team state championship and served as team captain during his senior season.
Rocco Dellagatta gives Cornell another strong presence at heavyweight after a dominant high school career in New Jersey. He won back-to-back state championships in 2024 and 2025 and captured a Fargo national championship in 2024. He will join his older brother, Mikey Dellagatta, as a member of the Big Red wrestling program.
A Rochester, N.Y., native, Elijah Diakomihalis continues a strong Cornell wrestling family tradition after following in the footsteps of his older brothers Yianni and Greg, both Cornell wrestling alumni. Elijah earned a New York state championship at 184 pounds in 2024, captured a Fargo 16U national title in 2023 and earned a bronze medal at the U17 Freestyle World Championships.
Kai Napadow-Baquero joins the Big Red from Winchester High School in Massachusetts after a standout prep career that included three state podium finishes, All-America honors and two seasons as team captain. He will continue his academic and athletic journey at Cornell alongside his twin sister.
David Ogunsanya comes to Ithaca from River Forest High School in Illinois after establishing himself as one of the state's top wrestlers. A 2026 Freestyle Fargo All-American and two time Illinois Class 3A state placewinner, Ogunsanya was also a four-time Illinois Greco state finalist and helped lead his team to a fourth-place finish at the 2026 Illinois Class 3A Team State Championships.
Alessio Perentin brings an impressive international and national resume to Cornell after a championship-filled career at Delbarton School in New Jersey. A three-time New Jersey state champion and four-time placer, Perentin also captured a Fargo national title, represented Team USA at the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic All-Star event and won an Italian National Championship. He will represent Team Italy at 74 kg at the U20 Freestyle World Championships in August.
Ben Zuckerman rounds out the class after a highly decorated career at Greens Farms Academy in Connecticut. A three-time New England Prep champion and three-time Connecticut Prep state champion, Zuckerman earned Prep Nationals All-America honors in 2025 and was a two-time NHSCA All-American. He also represented Brazil at the international level, earning a silver medal at the 2024 Pan American Championships.
"We have seen many freshmen make significant impacts nationally over the past few decades at Cornell and we believe this class has the ability to make its mark in 2026-27," said head coach, Mike Grey.
The incoming class will join a Cornell program that continues to compete among the nation's elite. The Big Red captured its second consecutive Ivy League Tournament championship in 2026 and qualified five wrestlers for the NCAA Championships.
