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.

J.D. Perez built an impressive college wrestling resume before joining the Life University wrestling team.

Perez spent the first four years of his college wrestling career at Ottawa University, where he became the program's first three-time NAIA All-American and its all-time winningest wrestler.

After transferring to Life University for the 2024-25 season, Perez added to an already-impressive resume and put an exclamation point on his college wrestling career by winning a national title and finishing as a four-time All-American.

On Friday, Perez was named 2025 NAIA Men's Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat.

The New Mexico native shined all season long at 184 pounds. He claimed tournament titles at the Georgia Open, Lucha Open and Battle in the Bluegrass.

Perez kicked off his postseason by dominating his competition at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships, getting two pins and a technical fall before winning in the finals by forfeit over teammate Kendall Norfleet.

Seeded No. 1 at the 2025 NAIA Men's Wrestling Championships, Perez opened his national tournament with back-to-back wins to secure a spot in the semifinals. He topped his teammate Norfleet 7-4 in the semifinals. Perez then defeated Doane's Tyson Beauperthuy to secure the national championship at 184 pounds.

He finished the season with a perfect 29-0 record.