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.

Jarrel Miller came to Iowa Central with high expectations after a tremendous high school career at St. Edward High School in Ohio. He won a state championship and reached the state finals four times. In addition, Miller was successful on the national level, winning a Fargo title and reaching the Walsh Ironman finals. He was one of the nation's top 60 recruits in the Class of 2025.

It did not take long for Miller to make his mark in NJCAA wrestling after debuting in Iowa Central's lineup in December. He ascended to No. 1 in January and less than months later won a national championship.

On Wednesday, Miller was announced as The Open Mat's NJCAA Men's Freshman of the Year.

The Cleveland native made his college wrestling debut on Dec. 10 at 197 pounds, winning by pin in the first period. Miller's breakout performance, however, came a month later when he competed at the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Duals in Miami, Ohio. Competing at 184 pounds, Miller posted an undefeated record, notched wins over the No. 1 and No. 2 wrestlers in the weight class, while leading Iowa Central to the team title at the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Duals.

Less than two weeks later, Miller bumped up to 197 pounds for a dual meet against No. 1 Indian Hills and defeated returning national champion Andrew Marquez.

Miller carried that momentum into the postseason. He claimed a title at the NJCAA North Central District Qualifier with a first-period pin over Johnathan Clohecy of Indian Hills.

He entered the 2026 NJCAA Men's Wrestling Championships in Council Bluffs, Iowa, as the No. 1 seed at 184 pounds. Miller pinned his first three opponents to reach the national semifinals. In the semifinals, Miller cruised to a 12-3 major decision over Seth Martin of Idaho. Miller then capped off his season with a 16-9 win over Western Wyoming's Banks Love to win the national championship as a freshman at 184 pounds.