5 storylines for Iowa men’s wrestling dual at No. 2 Ohio State

University of Iowa wrestles its first multi-dual weekend of the season. The Hawkeyes travel to No. 2 Ohio State on Friday for a rematch of the National Duals Invitational finals in November. Iowa (9-4, 2-2 Big Ten Conference) will try to avenge the 27-12 loss to the Buckeyes (16-0, 5-0). The Hawkeyes close the weekend at Michigan State (4-6, 1-4) on Sunday.

WILL IOWA REBOUND FROM MINNESOTA LOSS?

The Hawkeyes have suffered through ups and downs this season. They are coming off one of those valleys with a loss to Minnesota. Iowa has dropped to No. 8 in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association NCAA Division I dual rankings. The Hawkeyes need to find consistency, matching the output of leaders like Michael Caliendo (165), 174-pounder Patrick Kennedy and Drake Ayala at 133. Even though Iowa has been short-handed at a couple weights, it proved it still has the depth to post quality wins, like the victory at Nebraska.

The last time the Hawkeyes lost four duals was in the 2011-12 season. They are in danger of matching the most dual losses in Tom Brands’ 20-year tenure, which opened with five losses in the 2006-07 season. Beating Ohio State is a tough task, especially in a hostile atmosphere at Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes have nine ranked wrestlers, including seven in the top 10. Iowa forfeited heavyweight in the first meeting. The Hawkeyes could reverse two or three losses from November and come away with a win, but it’s going to take a stronger and complete effort to get back in the win column.

AYALA GETS REMATCH WITH NO. 2 BEN DAVINO

Ayala is coming off two of his better matches this season. The two-time NCAA finalist has scored 33 points in victories over Nebraska’s No. 8 Jacob Van Dee and Minnesota’s Chris Cannon. Ayala, who had briefly slipped out of the top 10, is back up to eighth, nationally. Second-ranked Davino garnered attention when he surprised many with a 10-4 win over Ayala at the NDI. The Buckeyes freshman was quick and able score multiple takedowns against the two-time All-American and three-time national qualifier. Ayala can show he is all the way back by exacting some revenge and evening the series with Davino. It would be a good boost for Ayala as the final month of the season approaches and it will be a necessity if the Hawkeyes want to get a dual win.

WILL PETERSON RETURN?

Iowa 125-pounder Dean Peterson has missed time recently, wrestling just three matches since the beginning of December. He is listed in the probable lineup with Joey Cruz, who split his matches against Nebraska and Minnesota. Peterson, a three-time NCAA from Rutgers that transferred to Iowa for his senior season, is 7-2. He produced notable victories for the Hawkeyes against Oklahoma State and Iowa State. He was caught in a cradle by No. 4 Nic Bouzakis and lost by pin to open the NDI final. If he is healthy, a rematch with Bouzakis is a good time to return. Not only will he have a chance to avenge the previous setback but he is the best chance for Iowa to overturn the team result. Peterson can be a difference maker and someone Iowa needs in the lineup.

GABE ARNOLD STEPS AT 184 POUNDS AGAIN

Arnold is listed at 184 in Iowa’s probable lineup for this weekend. Second-ranked Angelo Ferrari is expected to miss a second consecutive dual after being seen limping at the end of his match against Penn State. Arnold stepped in and won at Nebraska and took Minnesota’s No. 4 Max McEnelly to sudden victory for the second straight year. Arnold has been a versatile and selfless component, wrestling 174, 184 and 197 in Iowa’s lineup. The 2025 NCAA qualifier has accepted every task asked of him. Depending on when Ferrari returns, Arnold is a capable option to man the spot. He is also a viable option at 197 with Tom Brands hinting during the weekly media availability that Harvey Ludington is likely to maintain his redshirt this season.

Speaking of Ludington and 197, Brody Sampson is the only Hawkeye listed at that weight. He will likely wrestle both duals this weekend. Other lineup notes include Kale Petersen at 141 for Nasir Bailey, who has had hand issues this season. At 149, Ryder Block and Kael Voinovich are both listed, while Victory Voinovich III and Jordan Williams are included at 157. It could mean the competition for those positions have re-opened.

ANOTHER HIGHLY-RANKED FOE FOR BEN KUETER

Kueter has split his last two matches against top-10 foe. The All-American heavyweight was one of the positives against Minnesota, scoring the opening takedown and beating No. 10 Koy Hopke, 5-2. Ninth-ranked Kueter is expected to wrestle No. 3 Nick Feldman. Kueter was 3-0 against Feldman last season, winning 5-4 in the dual meet at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. He added a 2-0 decision at the Big Ten Championships and an 8-2 victory at the NCAA tournament. Kueter has wrestled six straight foes ranked 13th or better, going 3-3 in those matches and moving to 4-3 overall this season. A Kueter decision would be a nine-point swing from the last dual against Ohio State.

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