NOVI SAD, Serbia – Northern Michigan University's Greco-Roman wrestling program had a landmark showing at the 2025 U23 World Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia. 

Payton Jacobson made history by winning the program's first-ever U23 World medal with a bronze at 87 kg. Otto Black added another bronze at 67 kg, while Max Black finished fifth at 60 kg. Kaden Ercanbrack and Kenneth Crosby also represented Northern Michigan, contributing to a strong overall performance for Team USA.

Jacobson advanced to the semifinals, lost, but immediately rebounded to secure bronze, while Otto Black fought through the repechage to claim his medal. The two medals mark the first time the U.S. earned multiple Greco-Roman medals at the U23 Worlds in the same year, highlighting the strength of NMU's program on the international stage.

This historic outing highlights Northern Michigan's growing prominence in Greco-Roman wrestling and the elite talent of its athletes competing globally.

More information from the U23 World Championships can be found here.