As Iowa State gears up for a pivotal in-state wrestling showdown with Northern Iowa, the updated probable lineups following weigh-ins offer a clearer picture of what fans can expect on the mat. With several ranked matchups and some lineup flexibility still in play, this dual is shaping up to be a high-energy, high-stakes battle between two programs that know each other well.
Let’s break down the projected matchups, weight by weight, and highlight where things could get especially interesting.
**125 pounds: No. 11 Stevo Poulin vs.
No. 31 Trever Anderson OR Bowen Downey OR Brandon Paez**
Poulin has been a consistent force for Iowa State this season, and he’ll look to set the tone early. Whether it’s Anderson, Downey, or Paez stepping in for UNI, Poulin will be the favorite on paper-but don’t underestimate the chaos that can come with a late lineup shuffle.
This could be a tone-setting match for the Cyclones.
**133 pounds: No. 3 Evan Frost OR Adrian Meza vs.
No. 22 Julian Farber**
Frost has been one of the top lightweights in the country, and if he gets the nod, this could be a marquee matchup. Farber brings grit and ranked credentials of his own, so expect a technical, hard-fought contest.
If Meza steps in instead, it may shift the dynamic, but either way, this bout carries serious implications.
**141 pounds: No. 3 Anthony Echemendia vs.
Max Brady**
Echemendia has been dominant all season, and he’ll come in as a heavy favorite here.
Brady will have his hands full trying to slow down one of the most explosive wrestlers in the country. For Iowa State, this is a prime opportunity to put bonus points on the board.
**149 pounds: No. 11 Jacob Frost vs.
No. 32 Caleb Rathjen OR Ethan Basile**
Frost continues to climb the rankings and has shown versatility and poise in tight matches. Rathjen or Basile will be tasked with trying to keep things close, but Frost’s offense could be tough to contain.
If he gets rolling early, this could be another match where ISU looks to pad its lead.
**157 pounds: No. 8 Vinny Zerban vs.
Cael Rahnavardi OR RJ Weston**
Zerban has been a steady presence in the middle of the lineup, and he’ll be favored regardless of who UNI sends out.
Rahnavardi and Weston both bring toughness, but Zerban’s pace and mat awareness give him the edge. This could be a key swing bout if UNI is looking to keep the dual close.
**165 pounds: No. 15 Connor Euton vs.
No. 6 Ryder Downey OR Jack Thomsen**
This is one of the most intriguing matchups of the night. If Downey goes, we’re looking at a top-15 showdown with serious postseason implications.
Euton has the tools to pull off the upset, but Downey’s been rock-solid all year. Expect a physical, grind-it-out type of match-one that could tilt the dual depending on the outcome.
**174 pounds: No. 13 MJ Gaitan OR Aiden Riggins vs.
No. 12 Jared Simma**
Another ranked battle here, and it’s a toss-up depending on who hits the mat. Gaitan vs.
Simma would be a must-watch bout between two guys with similar styles-both aggressive, both capable of scoring in flurries. Riggins could also bring a different look for ISU.
Either way, this one has “match of the night” potential.
**184 pounds: No. 12 Isaac Dean vs.
No. 22 Nick Fox**
Dean has quietly put together a strong season and will look to continue that momentum here. Fox is no slouch, though, and this could turn into a tactical battle.
Expect a lot of hand fighting and positional wrestling-points will be at a premium.
**197 pounds: No. 2 Rocky Elam OR CJ Carter vs.
John Gunderson OR Carson Babcock**
If Elam wrestles, ISU has a major edge here.
He’s been nearly untouchable this season and brings a mix of power and technique that’s tough to match. Carter is a solid backup, but Elam’s presence changes the complexion of the dual.
UNI has a few options here as well, but they’ll be in for a challenge no matter who takes the mat.
**285 pounds: No. 1 Yonger Bastida vs.
Adam Ahrendsen OR Grant Stromberg**
Bastida at heavyweight has been one of the stories of the season.
His transition to the weight class has been seamless, and he’s now the top-ranked big man in the country. Ahrendsen or Stromberg will have to weather the storm early and try to limit damage, but Bastida’s athleticism and pace make that easier said than done.
Final Takeaway:
This dual has all the ingredients of a classic: ranked matchups, potential upsets, and a pair of programs that don’t shy away from physical, high-level wrestling.
Iowa State has the edge on paper, especially with top-tier talent like Bastida, Elam, and Echemendia in the lineup. But UNI has depth, and if they can steal a few swing matches-particularly at 165, 174, or 184-they could keep things interesting.
One thing’s for sure: expect a fired-up crowd, tight scrambles, and plenty of intensity from the first whistle to the last. This is Iowa wrestling at its finest.