Iowa Wrestling Heads to Columbus for Clash with No. 2 Ohio State
The road doesn’t get any easier for No. 8 Iowa wrestling.
After a tough home loss to Minnesota, the Hawkeyes are heading into the heart of Big Ten country for a marquee matchup against undefeated No. 2 Ohio State at the Covelli Center in Columbus.
Iowa, now 9-4 overall and 2-2 in conference duals, is looking to bounce back from a 23-16 defeat at the hands of the Gophers-a result that snapped an 11-dual winning streak against Minnesota. Despite outpacing the Gophers in takedowns (15 to 9), Iowa dropped six of the ten bouts, and that was the difference.
Now, the Hawkeyes face an even steeper challenge. Ohio State comes in at 16-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten, and they’ve been rolling through opponents with a deep, balanced lineup that’s firing on all cylinders.
A Rivalry with History-and a Recent Twist
Historically, Iowa has owned this series. The Hawkeyes lead the all-time head-to-head 42-5 and have had plenty of success in Columbus, winning 19 of 22 meetings there. Under head coach Tom Brands, Iowa is 10-3 against the Buckeyes.
But the most recent meeting between these two programs tells a different story. When they faced off earlier this season in the National Duals Invitational Finals in Tulsa, Ohio State came away with a commanding 27-12 victory. That result wasn’t just a win-it was a statement.
For Iowa, this rematch is a chance to respond, reset, and reassert themselves in the Big Ten race. For Ohio State, it's an opportunity to reinforce their dominance and keep their perfect season alive.
Watch Info
Start Time: 7 p.m. CT
Streaming: Available via Fubo (free trial available for first-time users)
Ohio State's Projected Lineup
Let’s take a look at the Buckeyes’ expected starters. This group is loaded with talent and depth, particularly in the lighter weights:
- 125: Nic Bouzakis (10-1)
- 133: Ben Davino (19-0)
- 141: Jesse Mendez (14-0)
- 149: Ethan Stiles (12-3)
- 157: Maddox Shaw (7-2) / Daxton Chase (7-6) / Landon Desselle (6-3)
- 165: Paddy Gallagher (10-5) / e’Than Birden (17-7)
- 174: Carson Kharchla (12-2)
- 184: Dylan Fishback (12-3)
- 197: Luke Geog (10-4) / Seth Schumate (16-5)
- 285: Nick Feldman (16-2)
Davino and Mendez have been particularly dominant this season, both entering the dual undefeated. Feldman at heavyweight is another name to watch-he’s been a force all year and will pose a major challenge for Iowa in the final bout.
What’s at Stake
This dual is more than just a battle between two top-10 teams-it’s a measuring stick for Iowa as they head into the back half of the season. A win in Columbus would be a massive momentum swing after the Minnesota loss. A strong showing, even in defeat, could help solidify seeding and confidence heading into the postseason.
For Ohio State, it’s about staying perfect and continuing to build toward a potential Big Ten title and a deep run at nationals.
One thing’s for sure: when Iowa and Ohio State hit the mat, you’re going to see elite-level wrestling, weight class after weight class. Buckle up.