Iowa Wrestling Set for Marquee Big Ten Clash with Minnesota at Carver-Hawkeye
The Big Ten grind doesn’t let up, and neither does Iowa wrestling. After a bounce-back win over Nebraska, the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes are set for another test Friday night as they host No. 6 Minnesota in a heavyweight showdown at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
This one’s more than just another dual-it’s a chance for Iowa to keep building momentum in the heart of the conference season, while Minnesota rolls into Iowa City with something to prove.
Hawkeyes Riding High After Statement Win in Lincoln
Iowa’s 22-14 road win over then-No. 6 Nebraska on January 23 was exactly what the program needed.
Coming off a tough showing against top-ranked Penn State, the Hawkeyes responded in a big way, winning six of ten bouts and picking up bonus points at 149 and 165 pounds. That performance not only steadied the ship but also marked a milestone for head coach Tom Brands, who notched his 300th career dual meet victory at the helm of the program.
From top to bottom, Iowa wrestled with urgency and grit in Lincoln. It was a reminder of what this team is capable of when it’s locked in-and with the Gophers coming to town, that same edge will be crucial.
Minnesota Looking to Keep Momentum Going
Minnesota, ranked sixth nationally, is also coming off a confidence-boosting win. The Gophers handled business against Wisconsin on January 25, rolling to a 26-10 victory that helped them regroup after back-to-back losses to Nebraska and No. 2 Ohio State.
This is a team with firepower, and they’ll be looking to flip the script in a rivalry that’s been dominated by Iowa in recent years.
History Heavily Favors the Hawkeyes
When it comes to the all-time series, Iowa holds a commanding 81-28-1 lead. The Hawkeyes have won 11 straight over the Gophers, including four in a row at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The last meeting-a 23-11 Iowa win on February 14, 2025-was another example of how the Hawkeyes have consistently found ways to control this matchup.
Minnesota’s last win over Iowa? That came back in 2014, also in Iowa City, when the Gophers edged out a 19-15 victory. It’s been a long drought, and you can bet that’s not lost on either side.
How to Watch and Listen
- Time: 7 p.m. CT
- Stream: BTN+ (subscription required)
- Radio: AM 800 KXIC, Hawkeye Radio Network, and HawkeyeSports.com
- Commentators: Steven Grace and Mark Ironside will be on the call
Iowa’s Projected Lineup: Ranked and Ready
Here’s a look at the Hawkeyes’ probable starters heading into Friday night’s showdown:
- 125: Dean Peterson (Sr.) - Ranked 6th across most polls, or Joey Cruz (Jr.), who’s posted an 11-5 record
- 133: Drake Ayala (Sr.) - A top-10 talent looking to bounce back from a .500 start
- 141: Nasir Bailey (Jr.) - Ranked 11th, brings a 10-6 record into the dual
- 149: Ryder Block (So.) - A rising star at 7-3, ranked as high as 6th nationally
- 157: Jordan Williams (Jr.) - Consistent and ranked 12th, with an 8-4 mark
- 165: Michael Caliendo (Sr.) - One of Iowa’s anchors, ranked 3rd and sitting at 10-2
- 174: Patrick Kennedy (Fifth-year) - Another top-3 wrestler, boasting a 10-1 record
- 184: Gabe Arnold (So.) - Quietly dominant at 11-2
- 197: Harvey Ludington (Fr.) - 8-1 overall, 3-2 unattached, or Brody Sampson (R-Fr.)
- 285: Ben Kueter (So.) - Ranked in the top 10, still finding rhythm at 3-3
This is a lineup that blends experience with emerging talent. From proven veterans like Caliendo and Kennedy to younger names like Block and Arnold, Iowa’s roster is built to compete deep into the season.
The Bottom Line
This dual has all the ingredients: two top-10 teams, a storied rivalry, and a packed house at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. For Iowa, it’s about continuing to build momentum and sharpening for March. For Minnesota, it’s a shot at a statement win and a chance to break a decade-long drought against the black and gold.
Friday night in Iowa City? Expect intensity, high-level wrestling, and a crowd that knows exactly what’s on the line.