EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE wrestling Head Coach Daryl Thomas announced the addition of six newcomers for the 2026-27 season.
The newest Cougars include Dominic Brown (Greenwood, Indiana), Austin Brown (Hannibal, Missouri), Shawn Kogan (Hawthorn Woods, Illinois), Linkin Carter (Butler, Indiana), Isaak Arevalo (Arlington, Texas) and Asadbek Fayzullaev (Tashkent, Uzbekistan).
This is in addition to the signees announced this past November: Maximus Hay (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Kiernan Meink (Omaha, Nebraska), and Wil Oberbroeckling (Pleasant Hill, Iowa).
Below is a sketch of each newcomer.
Dominic Brown
Greenwood, Indiana
Center Grove HS
Projected Weight Class: 125
Indiana 2026 State Finalist, 2x placewinner
Chose SIUE Over:
Indiana, North Dakota State, Chattanooga, and Kent State
Why SIUE?
"I chose SIUE as I felt its atmosphere, coaching staff, and team were best fitted for me to chase my goals of winning an NCAA Championship and becoming an All-American. I found the academics to be top tier and the wrestling team to possess a high level of work ethic and dedication. This culture allows me to further better my skills as not only to become a championship caliber level wrestler but to also become a better young man."
From Coach Thomas:
"Dom comes from a great high school program in Center Grove and trains at The Howe School of Wrestling with phenomenal coaches' Andrew Howe and Jon Morrison. His high tenacity and love for the sport is what drew us to him. We're excited about the edge he'll bring to our light weights."
Austin Brown
Hannibal, Missouri
Hannibal HS
Projected Weight Class: 125
2x Missouri State Champ, 2x NHSCA All-American
Why SIUE?
"I chose SIUE because it felt like home when I arrived on campus with other kids I have grown up with through Purler and DC Elite. The coaching staff seemed like they would push me and make me a better person and athlete and help me accomplish my goals of being an All-American. I've always wanted to go to SIUE knowing it's a family not just a team."
Chose SIUE Over:
Appalachian State
From Coach Thomas:
"Austin is a great wrestler who is ultra talented on top and had great success nationally. He's been in and out of the rankings for the last two years and once he puts a little more size and strength on, he can be very dangerous."
Shawn Kogan
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
Stevenson HS
Projected Weight Class: 133
Illinois state medalist third place
Chose SIUE Over:
Columbia , Virginia Tech
Why SIUE?
"I chose SIUE because the moment I stepped on campus for my visit and met my future/current coaches I knew this place would be right for me, I felt I would be supported through my whole journey and be surrounded by like-minded and goal-oriented individuals. The home feeling the campus gave filled with nature and all the facilities to help me grow as an athlete along with a student were unbelievable."
From Coach Thomas:
"Shawn comes from a great high school program in Stevenson and club at Relentless Training Center with Jordan Blanton and Ryan Prater. He's only been wrestling 4-5 years and has tremendous feel and athleticism and competes with a relentless passion for the sport. He's got a limitless ceiling."
Linkin Carter
Butler, Indiana
Eastside HS
Projected Weight Class: 157
2026 Indiana State Champion
Ranked #244 on Mat Scouts
Chose SIUE Over:
North Dakota State, Michigan State
Why SIUE?
"I chose SIUE because I felt like the coaching staff truly believed in me. When I got to campus and met the guys, I felt like I would be surrounded by hungry, goal-oriented people. The coaching staff made it obvious they wanted me there and believe I can accomplish a lot of amazing things."
From Coach Thomas:
"Linkin is an incredible kid with great morals, values and character who seamlessly fits what we're looking for in recruiting. His edge and competitive fire stood out as we evaluated him throughout the process but more importantly his will to win."
Isaak Arevalo
Arlington, Texas
Army West Point
Projected Weight Class: 133
4x Texas State Champion
16-7 in redshirt at Army
2nd Place Zingo Nationals
Chose SIUE Over:
Appalachian State, Missouri, Drexel
Why SIUE?
"I chose SIUE because of the overall environment and system the coaches have built amongst team. When I first got to campus, I immediately felt the spirit of community. I knew this would be the place where I'd achieve my goals and build my future outside of wrestling. Having such like-minded people around, allows space to move forward and get the most out of the time being."
From Coach Thomas:
"Isaak is a transfer from Army West Point. We had the chance to recruit him in high school and get to know him and his work ethic and commitment to the sport are second to none. He was a four-time state champion in high school and comes from a winning HS program and an elite club in Texas with Quenten Perez and Carver James."
Asadbek Fayzullaev
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Northwest College
Projected Weight Class: 184
Two-time NJCAA All American finishing second and third
Chose SIUE Over:
Clarion, Grand View
Why SIUE?
"I choose SIUE because of the environment, community that built around the university and supporting coaching staff. When I first came on visit I knew that this University was going to be a good place for me to achieve my goals."
From Coach Thomas:
"Asadbek is an incredible human being who's grown so much in his two years in the United States at Northwest College. He will bring an international feel to our upper weights which will benefit everyone around him. He's the ultimate competitor when the lights come on."
