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.

Matt Randolph made an immediate impact competing in one of the nation's most successful college wrestling programs, Augsburg University.

Randolph, a native of Jordan, Minnesota, earned All-America honors as a freshman at 149 pounds.

On Thursday, Randolph was named NCAA Division III Freshman of the Year by The Open Mat.

Randolph, a Minnesota state champion and four-time state finalist, shined immediately in freshman season, winning a title at the Augsburg Invitational. In December, Randolph finished runner-up at the MSOE Invitational before winning a title the following weekend at the North Central College Invitational.

He posted a 3-0 record at NWCA National Duals in January and helped lead the Auggies win their ninth NWCA National Duals title.

Randolph was dominant in his first postseason competition, winning a Region VII title without giving up a point. He had two technical falls, a major decision and a decision, outscoring his opponents 43-0.

He entered the 2025 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships as the No. 4 seed at 149 pounds. After receiving a first-round bye, Randolph shut out Xavier Pena of Centenary 7-0 in the second round. He then edged Dubuque's Brett Back to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Randolph fell to top-seeded (and eventual national champion) Hayden Brown of Johnson & Wales in the semifinals. He came back to win in the consolation semifinals before falling in the third-place match to finish fourth as a freshman.

He compiled a season record of 31-4, with two of his losses coming to 2025 national champions in NCAA Division II and Division III.