On the two points mentioned already, having a year to focus on Olympic training could benefit Mekhi enormously ... even if he did not make the Olympic team. Freestyle is a different beast, and despite his amazing success with it so far, he is still new to it. Can you imagine how much he could learn if the Olympic redshirt year gives him opportunities to train with guys like Jordan Burroughs and Kyle Dake? How much better would he be 4 years later because of that opportunity? And his college career will end in just three more competitive years: freestyle could make him millions and set him up for life with coaching opportunities, etc. That's all wild speculation, except the amazing benefits of training with current greats.

And improving odds of being a 4x NCAA Champ. He's been on a wild ride and tough grind for a while now. Having an extra year to develop and take stock of what he's done and what he wants to do could only help. Besides, an extra year is just an extra year of physical and emotional growth.

Finally, team goals. The top teams in the hunt for high podium finishes manipulate redshirt years all the time, often holding a kid back a year just because they know their shot at the podium may be better the next year. The team will have a lot of younger guns competing next year. Maybe having Mekhi with three years left after some others have that rookie year under their belts will be better for the team.

Just thoughts. I'll be happy to see him do whatever he and the coaches decide.