For a team in fierce contention for the national championship, Nebraska's wrestling squad isn't necessarily sending the ideal number of competitors to nationals in St. Louis.

Compared to Iowa State (10) and Iowa (9), the Huskers bring just seven wrestlers to the meet that starts Thursday.

But it's a very strong seven, as five Huskers received seeds in the NCAA brackets unveiled Monday afternoon, with 157-pounder Jordan Burroughs and 197-pounder Craig Brester getting No. 1 seeds. Nebraska was the only team to enjoy such an honor.

Only 149-pounder and heavyweight Tucker Lane were not seed. Lane's status is a bit of a surprise, considering he's beaten the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 wrestlers. Lane was also upset in some matches during the middle of the year, as well.

At 165 pounds, Stephen Dwyer received a No. 7 seed, which puts him on a collision course with No. 2 seed Andrew Howe of Wisconsin, a redshirt freshman. The 165-pound class is so bunched up anyhow that the difference between Dwyer and Howe is neglible at best.

At 174, Brandon Browne picked up a No. 3 seed.

At 184, Vince Jones received a No. 12 seed.

Brester and Burroughs, meanwhile, got the best draws possible, although Burroughs, should he win all the way to the semifinals, would face the 2007 champion, Gregor Gillispie of Edinboro. Brester should get a rematch with Oklahoma State's Clayton Foster, who beat Brester in Lincoln, in the quarterfinals, while round four with Iowa State's Jake Varner looms in the finals.

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