The Open Mat presents awards annually in three categories for each division of college wrestling at the conclusion of the season. Awards are presented for Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year and Wrestler of the Year.

Iowa Central's Matt Sarbo won his second straight NJCAA national title at 149 pounds and was undefeated against NJCAA competition.

On Monday, Sarbo was named 2024 NJCAA Men's Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat. It marks the second straight year Sarbo has won a national award from The Open Mat. Last season, Sarbo was named NJCAA Men's Freshman of the Year.

Sarbo concluded his sophomore season with a 29-2 record. One of his most notable wins this season by pin over 2024 NAIA national champion Chase Zollman of Missouri Valley at the Grand View Open.

Sarbo opened the 2024 NJCAA Men's Wrestling Championships with three consecutive pins to reach the semifinals. In the semifinals, Sarbo rolled to a 19-4 technical fall over Gabe Maki of Pratt. Sarbo claimed his second national title with a 10-4 win over Jaden Two Lance of Carl Albert State. He became the first Iowa Central wrestler to repeat as a national champion since Todd Small accomplished the feat in 2018. Sarbo also helped Iowa Central to a national runner-up finish as a team.