Cowboys Set for Friday Night Blackout vs. UNI: Three Must-Watch Matchups in Stillwater
Oklahoma State is gearing up for a big weekend on the mat - and it starts under the Friday night lights in Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Cowboys are pulling double duty for the first time since November, with two home duals on tap.
Sunday’s showdown with No. 3 Iowa State may be the marquee event, but Friday’s dual against No.
13 Northern Iowa is anything but a warm-up.
The Panthers are coming to Stillwater with a gritty, battle-tested roster, and the Cowboys will need to be sharp from the opening whistle. Let’s break down three of the most compelling potential matchups from Friday’s dual - bouts that could set the tone for the entire weekend.
**3. 133 pounds: No. 12 Jax Forrest (OSU) vs.
No. 25 Julian Farber (UNI)**
This one features a rising star in orange and black against a seasoned veteran from UNI.
Jax Forrest has wasted no time making his presence felt since joining the Cowboys midseason. The early enrollee is off to a perfect 6-0 start, and he’s not just winning - he’s dominating.
Five of those six wins have come with bonus points, including a 16-1 tech fall over Missouri’s Gage Walker, who came into that match ranked No. 26.
Now Forrest could be facing another ranked opponent in UNI’s Julian Farber - a redshirt senior with serious credentials. Farber is a two-time NCAA qualifier and placed third at last year’s Big 12 Championships. He’s already seen a couple of Cowboys this season, beating Sam Smith at the Cougar Clash before falling to eventual champ Ronnie Ramirez in the semis.
This will be a test of youth versus experience - Forrest’s explosive offense against Farber’s savvy and mat awareness. If Forrest can keep the pressure high and control the pace, he could pick up another signature win early in his Cowboy career.
**2. 174 pounds: No. 7 Alex Facundo (OSU) vs.
No. 12 Jared Simma (UNI)**
This is a matchup that’s been brewing since December.
Facundo and Simma were originally slated to meet in the finals of the Cougar Clash, but Simma medically forfeited, saving the showdown for another day. That day looks like Friday night in Stillwater.
Simma enters at 10-4 on the season and is riding a four-match win streak, with three of those coming by major decision. He’s been sharp lately, but his last top-tier test didn’t go his way - a 10-1 loss to Nebraska’s Christopher Minto on January 3.
Facundo is plenty familiar with Minto himself, having split two tight matches with the Husker standout this season. Outside of that loss, Facundo has been rock solid, winning nine of his last 10 bouts. He’s coming off back-to-back wins over Top 10 opponents, including a 7-2 decision over OU’s Carter Schubert and a gritty 2-1 win over Missouri’s Cam Steed.
Facundo has a knack for showing up in big matches, and this one fits the bill. Expect a physical, tactical battle between two wrestlers who know how to grind.
**1. 165 pounds: No. 2 Dee Lockett (OSU) vs.
No. 6 Ryder Downey (UNI)**
Now we’re talking marquee matchup.
This potential bout is the headliner for good reason - two top-six wrestlers, both with serious postseason resumes, and both capable of dictating the outcome of the dual.
UNI’s Ryder Downey brings experience and a résumé that speaks for itself. He’s a two-time NCAA qualifier, a Big 12 champion in 2025, and a consistent presence in the top tier at 157 before moving up this year.
At 165, he’s 14-2 with quality wins over No. 11 Nico Ruiz, No.
7 LJ Araujo, and No. 8 Braeden Scoles.
His only losses? To Will Denny and Bryce Hepner, both ranked in the top 15.
Lockett, meanwhile, is the definition of a breakout freshman. He’s 9-0 to start his collegiate career and already has wins over Denny (7-2 at National Duals) and Araujo (4-1 in sudden-victory). He’s shown poise beyond his years and a knack for rising to the moment.
This is a classic clash of styles - Downey’s experience and mat IQ against Lockett’s athleticism and momentum. It’s the kind of match that could swing the dual and give us a preview of what’s to come at the Big 12 Championships.
Final Word
Friday night in Gallagher-Iba is shaping up to be a statement opportunity for Oklahoma State. With a top-15 opponent in town and a top-3 team waiting on Sunday, the Cowboys have a chance to build momentum and showcase their depth.
UNI isn’t coming to Stillwater to roll over - they’ve got the firepower to make things interesting. But if OSU’s stars rise to the occasion, especially in these three key matchups, it could be a long night for the Panthers.
One thing’s for sure: the lights will be low, the stakes will be high, and the action on the mat will be worth watching.