Cowboys Set for Key Weekend Duals Against Missouri and Utah Valley
If the weather holds, Oklahoma State wrestling is gearing up for a pivotal weekend with two duals on the slate-one on the road, one at home, and both with big implications. First up, the Cowboys head to Columbia to face a tough Missouri squad on Friday, then return to Stillwater to host Utah Valley on Sunday.
The Cowboys are riding high, ranked No. 5 in the latest NWCA Coaches Poll. Missouri checks in at No. 15, making them the fifth-highest ranked team in the Big 12.
Friday’s dual isn’t just a top-15 clash-it’s a measuring stick for both programs, and there are some serious matchups to keep an eye on. Let’s break down the top three bouts that could define OSU’s showdown with the Tigers.
**3. 157 pounds: No. 6 Landon Robideau (OSU) vs.
No. 15 Teague Travis (Missouri)**
This one comes with some backstory.
Teague Travis is no stranger to the Cowboys. He spent the first part of his college career in Stillwater, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament twice before transferring to Missouri at the semester break. Now, he’s finishing out his career in his home state, and Friday night, he’ll line up across from the guy who beat him out for the starting spot earlier this season-OSU true freshman Landon Robideau.
Robideau has been electric out of the gate, going 8-1 to start his college career. His lone loss came in tiebreakers to reigning national champ Antrell Taylor (Nebraska), and he’s racked up bonus points in seven of his eight wins. He’s not just winning-he’s dominating.
Travis, meanwhile, is 6-2 since his transfer and just got his first dual action last weekend. He dropped a tight 5-1 decision to No.
10 Kaleb Larkin (Arizona State), then responded with a 19-4 tech fall over Utah Valley’s Alex Emmer. He’s clearly still got fire in the tank, and with a little extra motivation facing his former team, this one could be a gritty, emotional battle.
**2. 174 pounds: No. 7 Alex Facundo (OSU) vs.
No. 10 Cam Steed (Missouri)**
Every time Alex Facundo takes the mat, it seems like it’s against a ranked opponent-and he keeps showing up.
The Penn State transfer is 9-4 this season and is coming off a statement win over Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational champ Carter Schubert in the Bedlam dual. Facundo’s physicality and pace have made him a tough out for anyone at 174.
Cam Steed is no slouch either. He was an All-American at 165 last season and capped his year with a win over OSU’s Cam Amine in the 7th-place match at nationals.
Now up at 174, Steed is 6-4 on the year and just recently returned from a November injury. He’s still working his way back into form, but his experience and mat savvy make him a dangerous opponent.
They’ve got a couple of shared opponents this season, and the results tilt slightly toward Facundo:
- Against Iowa’s Patrick Kennedy: Facundo lost 4-1 in sudden victory; Steed lost 6-4.
- Against Oklahoma’s Carter Schubert: Facundo won 7-2 earlier this month; Steed lost 6-5 back in November.
This matchup could swing the dual. Expect a tactical, hard-fought affair between two battle-tested guys.
**1. 184 pounds: No. 8 Zack Ryder (OSU) vs.
No. 3 Aeoden Sinclair (Missouri)**
This is the one fans should circle.
Two of the top redshirt freshmen in the country are set to collide at 184, and it’s a glimpse into the future of college wrestling. Zack Ryder and Aeoden Sinclair were both blue-chip recruits in the 2024 class-Sinclair was ranked No. 4, Ryder No. 5-and they’ve already started living up to the hype.
They’ve met once before, back at the 2022 U17 U.S. Open in freestyle, where Ryder edged Sinclair 5-3. That was then-this is now.
Sinclair has been on a tear this season, going 16-1 with his only loss coming in tiebreakers to Iowa’s Angelo Ferrari at the National Duals. Even more impressive? He’s posting a 76% bonus rate, which means he’s not just winning-he’s blowing people out.
Ryder, meanwhile, is 9-4 and has been tested early and often. Three of his losses are to opponents currently ranked in the top seven, including a 4-2 loss to Ferrari at the National Duals. He’s shown he can hang with the best, and this matchup is another chance to prove it.
This bout is loaded with talent, pedigree, and postseason implications. It’s the kind of matchup that could show up again in March-on a much bigger stage.
What’s at Stake
These duals aren’t just about rankings-they’re about momentum. Oklahoma State has a chance to solidify its top-five status and build toward the postseason with a strong showing this weekend. Missouri, meanwhile, would love nothing more than to knock off a conference rival and climb the rankings.
Friday night in Columbia is shaping up to be a showcase of elite talent, especially in the middle weights. And Sunday’s return to Stillwater offers a chance to regroup and refocus, assuming the Cowboys handle business.
Weather permitting, this weekend is all about grit, rivalry, and rising stars. And if you're a wrestling fan, you won’t want to miss it.