Duke Wrestling Returns Home to Face Appalachian State in Key Midseason Matchup
The Duke wrestling team is back at Cameron Indoor Stadium this Wednesday night, welcoming Appalachian State for a pivotal non-conference showdown. Set for a 6 p.m. start, this marks the 22nd meeting between the two programs, with the Mountaineers holding a 15-6 edge in the all-time series. And while Duke has struggled historically in this matchup-including a tough 45-5 loss last season in Boone-they enter this one with some momentum and a few standout performers who are making serious noise on the national scene.
A Familiar Face on the Sidelines
There will be an extra layer of emotion on the bench for Duke, as first-year assistant coach Codi Russell faces his alma mater for the first time. A 2021 graduate of Appalachian State, Russell built an impressive collegiate résumé with 94 career wins, four NCAA Championship appearances, and three Southern Conference titles at 125 pounds. Now, he’ll be coaching against the program that helped shape his wrestling career-this time, from the other side of the mat.
Last Time Out: Gritty Comeback Win at Gardner-Webb
Duke enters the Appalachian State match with a 5-3 record, fresh off a dramatic 24-22 road win over Gardner-Webb earlier this month. That dual saw the Blue Devils claw back from a 14-0 deficit, winning five of the final seven bouts to seal the comeback.
It started at 149 pounds, where redshirt freshman Dylan Ross delivered a gritty 4-0 decision after a scoreless two-period grind. Ross, now 2-2 in duals and 5-2 overall, showed poise beyond his years, turning the tide with a reversal that set the tone for Duke’s rally.
At 157, Mikey Boulanger followed with a 6-5 decision that showcased his resilience. After trailing 4-3 heading into the third, the Milford, Massachusetts native flipped the script with a reversal and never looked back.
Then came Aurelius Dunbar at 165 pounds, and the graduate transfer wasted no time making his presence felt. The Greencastle, Pennsylvania product stormed to a 7-1 lead with a takedown and nearfall, then finished it off with a pin that put six huge points on the board for Duke.
Redshirt sophomore Aidan Wallace kept the momentum rolling at 174, pinning Andrew Wilson for his 10th win of the season. Wallace, ranked 23rd nationally, is now 19-6 in dual action and a key part of Duke’s upper-weight success.
After Gardner-Webb responded with major decisions at 184 and 197 to retake the lead, it all came down to the heavyweights-and once again, Connor Barket delivered. Ranked 19th in the country, Barket dominated early with a takedown just 45 seconds in, added five more, and closed the match with a statement pin that clinched the win for the Blue Devils.
Barket and Wallace Leading the Charge
Barket and Wallace have been Duke’s anchors this season, combining for a 19-1 record to start the 2025-26 campaign. Barket, a redshirt junior from West Lafayette, Indiana, is undefeated at 9-0 and currently ranked in all major national polls-#19 by FloWrestling, #22 by Intermat, and #23 by WrestleStat.
Wallace, wrestling at 174 pounds, has also earned national recognition. He’s ranked #23 by Intermat, #26 by FloWrestling, and #31 by WrestleStat. His 10-1 record includes several clutch performances, and his ability to finish matches with pins has been a difference-maker.
Dunbar Making an Immediate Impact
Graduate student Aurelius Dunbar has also made a strong impression in his first season with the Blue Devils. At 5-1 on the year, he’s picked up wins against Sacred Heart, Morgan State, Mercyhurst, and VMI, with his only loss coming against Drexel. His win over Gardner-Webb was not just timely-it was dominant-and he’s quickly becoming a key contributor in the middle of Duke’s lineup.
Strength in the Upper Weights
Duke’s success this season has largely come from its upper-weight classes. Of the team’s 169 total points so far, nearly half-82-have come from the 165, 174, and heavyweight divisions. That trio of Dunbar, Wallace, and Barket has not only been productive but also clutch, often turning the tide in tightly contested duals.
Historic Context and What’s at Stake
This matchup with Appalachian State carries more than just midseason implications. The Mountaineers have won the last six meetings in the series, and Duke is just 2-5 all-time when hosting them in Durham. But with a rejuvenated roster, two nationally ranked wrestlers, and a coaching staff that includes a former Mountaineer great, the Blue Devils have a real shot to flip the script.
With five wins already on the board, Duke has matched its highest win total since the 2021-22 season. Over the past decade, the program has reached five or more wins just three times-this season, in 2021-22, and in 2017-18. A win on Wednesday would not only end a six-match skid against Appalachian State but also signal that this Duke squad is building something real.
What to Watch
- **Can Duke’s upper weights continue to carry the load? ** Barket, Wallace, and Dunbar have been the backbone of this team.
If they continue to dominate, Duke has a real shot at pulling off a statement win.
- **Will the lower and middle weights step up?
** Duke fell behind early against Gardner-Webb before the comeback. A stronger start could be the difference against a seasoned Appalachian State squad.
- **How will Codi Russell’s presence factor in? ** Facing his alma mater for the first time, Russell brings a unique perspective and motivation to the bench.
His insight into the Mountaineers’ style could give Duke an edge.
The stage is set at Cameron Indoor. A nationally ranked duo, a rising transfer, and a program looking to turn the corner-it’s all there. Now it’s up to the Blue Devils to seize the moment.