No. 3 Oklahoma State outscores No. 7 Iowa wrestling 32-11 in electric final home performance of the year

The 2025-2026 college wrestling dual season is poised for a dramatic conclusion as the No. 7 Iowa Hawkeyes travel to Stillwater to face the No. 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys. This matchup is particularly compelling as Iowa previously defeated Oklahoma State earlier in the year by a score of 18-16, but the Cowboys currently hold significant momentum.

A Clash of Wrestling Powerhouses

This dual pits two historically dominant programs against each other, each led by an Olympic champion with a distinct coaching style. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN, promising a high-stakes competition for wrestling fans.

125 Pounds: Peterson vs. Spratley

The dual could open with a battle between No. 6 Dean Peterson of Iowa and No. 7 Troy Spratley of Oklahoma State. Peterson secured a 5-4 victory over Spratley in their earlier meeting this year. With both wrestlers boasting similar records – 10-3 for Peterson and 11-3 for Spratley – a closely contested match is anticipated. This bout is crucial for Iowa, as a win would set a positive tone for the remainder of the dual.

Did You Know? Dean Peterson’s win over Troy Spratley in November 2025 was by a narrow margin of 5-4.

133 Pounds: Ayala vs. Forrest or Ramirez

The 133-pound match is generating significant buzz, potentially featuring Iowa’s Drake Ayala against Oklahoma State’s Jax Forrest. Forrest, a 2025 senior world team member, has quickly become a key figure for the Cowboys with an undefeated record of nine wins. Oklahoma State also has Ronnie Ramirez as an alternate at this weight. The decision of who starts for Oklahoma State will determine their starter for the remainder of the season, as both Forrest and Ramirez have utilized their allotted “five free dates” without forfeiting their redshirt status.

141 Pounds: Petersen vs. Vega

Oklahoma State’s Sergio Vega, a true freshman with an undefeated record, presents a formidable challenge at 141 pounds. Vega has defeated several All-Americans, including Anthony Echemendia, Brock Hardy, Nasir Bailey, and Ryan Jack. Iowa’s Kale Peterson, with a respectable 10-3 record, will face a difficult task against the in-form Cowboy.

Expert Insight: Oklahoma State’s success at 141 pounds with Sergio Vega highlights the program’s ability to develop and showcase emerging talent, potentially shifting the balance of power in this dual.

149 Pounds: Block vs. Swiderski, Burton, or Hickman

At 149 pounds, Iowa’s Ryder Block previously defeated Oklahoma State’s Casey Swiderski 5-3. Oklahoma State has also listed Kolter Burton and Beau Hickman as potential starters. A rematch between Block and Swiderski would be a key test for both wrestlers as they prepare for postseason competition.

157 Pounds: Williams/Voinovich vs. Robideau

Oklahoma State freshman Landon Robideau, with a record of 13-1, is favored at 157 pounds. Iowa may field either Jordan Williams (7-6) or Victor Voinovich III (8-4). Robideau previously majored Voinovich 16-5 in their last encounter.

165 Pounds: Caliendo vs. Lockett

The 165-pound match features a clash between Iowa’s No. 4 Mikey Caliendo and Oklahoma State’s No. 2 Ladarion Lockett. Lockett is undefeated at 13-0 and has defeated Caliendo previously. Caliendo, with a career record of 92-19, will need a strong performance to overcome Lockett’s dominance.

174 Pounds: Kennedy vs. Facundo

Iowa’s No. 3 Patrick Kennedy will face Oklahoma State’s No. 7 Alex Facundo at 174 pounds. This match is expected to be a hard-fought contest, potentially deciding the outcome of the dual. Kennedy and Facundo have split their previous two meetings.

184 Pounds: Arnold vs. Ryder

Due to injury, Iowa may start Gabe Arnold at 184 pounds in place of Angelo Ferrari. Arnold will face Oklahoma State’s No. 9 Zack Ryder. Ryder previously defeated Ferrari 4-2 at the National Dual Invitational.

197 Pounds: Sampson vs. Merrill

Oklahoma State’s Cody Merrill is favored at 197 pounds against Iowa’s Brody Sampson. Merrill has improved since his previous match against Iowa’s Mo Endene, who has since left the program.

285 Pounds: Kueter vs. Doucet

The dual will conclude with a heavyweight matchup between Iowa’s No. 9 Ben Kueter and Oklahoma State’s No. 8 Konner Doucet. Doucet has a 13-2 record and has only lost to NCAA champions. Kueter will need to elevate his offensive game to challenge Doucet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of this dual meet?

This dual meet closes out the 2025-2026 regular season and features two traditional wrestling powerhouses. Iowa previously defeated Oklahoma State, but Oklahoma State has gained momentum, making this a highly anticipated rematch.

Which weight class is considered the most important?

Several weight classes are considered crucial, including 165 pounds (Caliendo vs. Lockett) and 174 pounds (Kennedy vs. Facundo), as these matches could potentially decide the outcome of the dual.

Who are some key wrestlers to watch?

Key wrestlers to watch include Oklahoma State’s Jax Forrest at 133 pounds, Sergio Vega at 141 pounds, and Ladarion Lockett at 165 pounds, as well as Iowa’s Drake Ayala at 133 pounds and Mikey Caliendo at 165 pounds.

Given the competitive nature of this dual, what strategic adjustments might coaches make during the competition to gain an advantage?