Iowa Wrestling Returns to Carver for Key Big Ten Showdown vs. Michigan
The No. 7 Iowa Hawkeyes are back home in Iowa City tonight, and Carver-Hawkeye Arena is set to be rocking as they host No.
10 Michigan in a pivotal Big Ten dual. With both teams looking to solidify their postseason positioning, this one has all the makings of a classic conference clash.
Iowa Riding High After Michigan State Rout
The Hawkeyes (10-5, 3-3 Big Ten) are coming off a statement win on the road, where they steamrolled Michigan State 40-6 on Feb. 8.
It was as dominant as it gets-nine wins in ten bouts, with the only blemish being a forfeit at 197 pounds. That kind of performance doesn’t just boost the win column; it builds momentum, and Iowa will look to ride that wave into tonight’s matchup.
Michigan Looking to Bounce Back
On the other side, Michigan (8-4, 4-2 Big Ten) comes in trying to stop the bleeding after back-to-back losses to two of the nation’s top teams-No. 2 Ohio State and No.
1 Penn State. Those defeats were tough, but they also came against elite competition.
A win in Iowa City would be a major resume-builder for the Wolverines and could shift the narrative of their season.
History Favors the Hawkeyes-But It’s Close
Iowa holds the edge in the all-time series, leading 34-27-1, and has won 10 of the last 12 meetings. At home, the Hawkeyes are 15-10-1 against Michigan, and Carver-Hawkeye Arena has long been one of the toughest environments in college wrestling. That home mat advantage could be crucial tonight.
When and Where to Watch
- Start time: 8 p.m. CT
- TV: Big Ten Network (Zach Mackey and Tim Johnson on the call)
- Radio: AM 800 KXIC, Hawkeye Radio Network, and streaming on hawkeyesports.com (via YouTube) with Steven Grace and Mark Ironside
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial available for new users)
Iowa’s Probable Lineup Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the Hawkeyes’ projected starters and the potential options at each weight class:
- 125 lbs - Dean Peterson (No. 6 nationally) is the expected starter, but Joey Cruz could also get the nod. Peterson brings senior experience and an 8-3 record, while Cruz is 11-6 and offers a different style.
- 133 lbs - Drake Ayala (ranked as high as No. 6) has had an up-and-down season at 7-6, but he’s battle-tested and capable of big wins.
- 141 lbs - Kale Petersen has quietly put together a stellar 17-2 record. The sophomore is one of Iowa’s most consistent performers this season.
- 149 lbs - Ryder Block (ranked No. 13-19 across polls) has the edge here, but Kael Voinovich is a redshirt freshman to watch if he gets the start.
- 157 lbs - This one’s a toss-up between Jordan Williams and Victor Voinovich III, both sitting at 8-5. Williams is slightly higher ranked, but the coaches could go either way.
- 165 lbs - Michael Caliendo (No. 3 in most rankings) is a rock for Iowa. At 13-2, the senior is a title contender and a key piece of tonight’s dual.
- 174 lbs - Another top-tier wrestler for the Hawkeyes, Patrick Kennedy (also ranked No. 3) enters at 13-1. He brings grit, power, and a relentless pace.
- 184 lbs - Gabe Arnold is 12-4 and continues to develop into a reliable option in the middle of the lineup.
- 197 lbs - This slot is still up in the air. Brody Sampson (7-9) has seen the bulk of the action, but Harvey Ludington, a talented freshman with an 8-2 record (7-2 unattached), could be a wildcard.
- 285 lbs - Ben Kueter (ranked in the top 10) rounds out the lineup. At 5-4, the sophomore is still finding his footing, but his ceiling remains sky-high.
What’s at Stake
This dual is more than just a mid-February matchup-it’s about seeding, momentum, and pride. For Iowa, a win would reinforce their top-10 standing and build confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season. For Michigan, it’s a chance to right the ship and prove they can hang with the Big Ten’s elite.
Expect a hard-fought battle from start to finish. The Hawkeyes have the edge on paper and the crowd behind them, but Michigan’s lineup has the firepower to make things interesting.
Strap in. This one should be fun.