Iowa men’s wrestling: Gabe Arnold will fill key role for No. 2 Hawkeyes in upper-weight lineup

IOWA CITY — Gabe Arnold made his Iowa wrestling dual debut against Oregon State last season.

He defeated former All-American Travis Wittlake, maintaining his redshirt after bouncing between 174 and 184 pounds.

Arnold is listed at 184 pounds in the probable lineup, opening his first official season when No. 2 Iowa faces No. 23 Oregon State Saturday in Corvallis, Ore. Time will tell whether this is his permanent spot to help the Hawkeyes.

“We'll see,” Arnold said during the team’s wrestling media day. “It's not my choice. I mean, it is a little bit my choice, but at the end of the day it is what the man upstairs wants,” referring to Coach Tom Brands’ office that overlooks the Bob and Kathy Nicholls Wrestling Room.

“So, you know, right now, I'm at 184 because that's where I feel like I can give my best contribution to this team,” Arnold said. “That’s what I'm going to do.”

Iowa has a logjam of capable competitors at those two weights.

Nelson Brands, a 2023 All-American at 184, returns for a medical redshirt season. NCAA qualifier Patrick Kennedy, who competed at the U23 World Championships last week, is also listed at 174. True freshman Angelo Ferrari was the No. 1 national recruit in the Class of 2024.

“We love all four of those guys, and there's nothing wrong with sorting things out amongst friends,” Brands said. “How's that? We love the competition.”

Arnold was 12-1 last season, winning tournament titles at the Luther Open and Soldier Salute. In addition to the win over Wittlake, he beat former All-American Will Feldkamp of Iowa State.

Arnold said he felt undersized at 184 last season and did what the team needed. He’s bigger and stronger and Arnold admitted 174 is a bit of a cut.

“I feel pretty strong and solid at 184,” Arnold said. “I’m not the tallest guy in the world. I like to joke around and say I’m 6-foot, but I’m probably a solid 5-7 with eight hours of sleep, especially when I eat my Wheaties, I’m like 5-7 1/2 and that’s what really matters.

“I’m embracing all the challenges that are going to come my way whether it be at 184, 174 or maybe 125. It doesn’t matter.”

One of the top matchups for Saturday comes at 197. Three-time All-American Stephen Buchanan is now a Hawkeye. He placed third each of the last two seasons. Buchanan is ranked No. 1 by Flowrestling and is expected to face No. 5 Trey Munoz.

Iowa owns a 7-1 all-time record against Oregon State.

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