Iowa men’s wrestling begins Big Ten schedule with dual at Nebraska featuring multiple toss-ups

The Iowa men’s wrestling team will return to the mat for the first time in about two weeks.

The Hawkeyes actually have competed just once in the last month. As they soar into conference duals, Coach Tom Brands has his eyes set on production and results.

“We’re looking for performance,” Brands said. “We’re looking for these guys to step out and compete like they want to compete.

“Wrestle your best match. Stay in your best positions. Do what you do best. Control what you can control. And that’s part of the preparation.”

The third-ranked Hawkeyes open Big Ten Conference competition against No. 6 Nebraska Friday at Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb. (6:30 p.m., BTN). The two teams combine for 17 wrestlers ranked by at least one of four national rankings.

“Really, you can mention 10 weight classes,” Brands said. “That’s what we want to see. A ready state of mind. Go out there and wrestle your match. Do what you’re capable of doing and things will take care of themselves.”

Both teams are 5-0 overall and face multiple toss-up matches. The dual could teeter on a number of bouts.

At 125, Iowa’s No. 9 Drake Ayala faces No. 5 Caleb Smith. Top-ranked 141-pounder Real Woods (9-0) is one of three unbeaten Hawkeyes and takes on No. 8 Brock Hardy. Second-ranked 157-pounder Jared Franek (14-0) is expected to face No. 3 Peyton Robb.

Iowa’s Brody Teske could wrestle Jacob Van Dee in a rematch of the Soldier Salute final, which Teske won, 5-4.

Wrestling is a sport that features both an individual and team dynamic. The best approach is for each wrestler to concentrate on their personal efforts. Win the majority of the battles and win the war.

“If everybody does their job, we’re going to be at a good place at the end of the day,” Brands said. “This team has always been good, great when they get ready to go. I’m talking about taking care of the things they need to take care of, as far as that ready state of mind.

“When our guys focus on that type of stuff, a pretty good team we’ve got.”

Caleb Rathjen followed a win in the Columbia dual with a title at the Soldier Salute where he defeated teammates Victor Voinovich III and Cade Siebrecht. He also topped Anthony Ferrari, who had committed to Iowa, in the finals. After the tournament, Brands noted how Rathjen’s words and actions demonstrated he wanted to separate himself from the competition. He will have another chance against Nebraska’s No. 1 Ridge Lovett.

“There’s no need to be uptight about this opportunity,” Brands said. “No need to worry what do the coaches think or what do the fans think. It doesn’t matter. Go out and do what you do best. Don’t look over your shoulder. It’s all good. Just go out there, relax and do what you do best. The thing is these guys have been doing that for a long, long time. They know how to do it. Just go do it.”

Two notable names not listed in the probable lineups are former Iowa City High state champions Gabe Arnold and Ben Kueter.

Arnold has wrestled a limited schedule, maintaining his ability to redshirt this season. He is 7-0 and has defeated multiple ranked foes at 174 and 184. Brands has said they will be smart using his last two competition dates before a decision must be made, though the natural 174-pounder Arnold has said he will do whatever the coaches ask.

“He’s an enthusiastic competitor and we love it,” Brands said. “We love that attitude.”

Kueter was with the Hawkeyes’ football team as a linebacker through the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1. The U20 World Champion and projected heavyweight has joined the wrestling room. Brands said it is a process to determine the best time to plug him in the lineup. Bradley Hill is 17-8 at heavyweight.

At the very least, Kueter provides depth and options.

“If it were up to him, he would have went yesterday,” Brands said. “Very eager and we love it. Hill is doing a great job. The more the merrier. We love it.”

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