Get excited, wrestling fans! One of the biggest matches of the 2024-25 NCAA D1 wrestling season is happening soon. The #3 Oklahoma State Cowboys will take on the #5 Northern Iowa Panthers in a thrilling showdown at the McLeod Center in Northern Iowa.
When and Where?
The match is on Friday, January 24, starting at 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local time). If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry—you can watch it live with your FloWrestling subscription!
Why Should You Watch?
Both teams are ranked in the top five nationally. If you live near Cedar Falls, you’ll want to see this live, especially since there’ll be a mechanical bull to ride on the concourse! Don’t miss it—grab your tickets now!
A Look at Their Rivalry
The two teams have faced each other many times. Oklahoma State has the upper hand with 34 wins compared to Northern Iowa’s 4.
- Recent Battles: From 2017 to now, Oklahoma State leads 5-2. Northern Iowa’s wins came in 2020 and 2022, both by scores of 19-15.
- Older Matches: The Cowboys dominated earlier eras too, including streaks from 2000-2013 and 1984-1994.
How Are They Doing This Season?
- Oklahoma State: The Cowboys, led by their new coach David Taylor, are 9-0 this season. They also won the toughest tournament, the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Their closest match so far was a win against West Virginia, 30-12.
- Northern Iowa: Coached by Doug Schwab in his 15th year, the Panthers are also undefeated at 9-0. They’ve beaten tough teams like Nebraska and Arizona State and finished strong in major tournaments like the NWCA National Duals.
Who’s Wrestling?
Here’s a look at the exciting matchups:
- 125 lbs: #4 Troy Spratley (OSU) vs. #20 Trever Anderson (UNI)
- 133 lbs: #19 Reece Witcraft or Cael Hughes (OSU) vs. #21 Julian Farber (UNI)
- 141 lbs: #4 Tagen Jamison (OSU) vs. #5 Cael Happel (UNI)
- 149 lbs: #12 Carter Young (OSU) vs. #13 Colin Realbuto (UNI)
- 157 lbs: #13 Caleb Fish (OSU) vs. #4 Ryder Downey (UNI)
- 165 lbs: #6 Cameron Amine (OSU) vs. #12 Jack Thomsen (UNI)
- 174 lbs: #3 Dean Hamiti (OSU) vs. #16 Jared Simma (UNI)
- 184 lbs: #3 Dustin Plott (OSU) vs. #2 Parker Keckeisen (UNI)
- 197 lbs: #7 Luke Surber (OSU) vs. #12 Wyatt Voelker (UNI)
- 285 lbs: #3 Wyatt Hendrickson (OSU) vs. #15 Lance Runyon (UNI)
Match Highlights
- 125 lbs: Spratley has beaten Anderson before but both are coming off tough losses.
- 133 lbs: If Witcraft wrestles, it’ll be a close match. Farber is also on a winning streak.
- 141 lbs: Happel has beaten Jamison three times, but Jamison’s recent results make this exciting!
- 149 lbs: Both wrestlers are ranked close, making this match hard to predict.
- 157 lbs: Downey is a favorite but Fish’s bold style makes him dangerous.
- 165 lbs: Expect a close battle with Amine having a slight edge.
- 174 lbs: Hamiti is undefeated and the favorite, but Simma could pull an upset.
- 184 lbs: Keckeisen has dominated this rivalry with Plott and is aiming for a big win.
- 197 lbs: A true toss-up! Surber and Voelker are evenly matched.
- 285 lbs: Hendrickson is heavily favored, but anything can happen!
What to Expect
This match will be packed with action and surprises! While Oklahoma State looks stronger overall, Northern Iowa could pull off an upset, especially if they win key matches early.
Make sure to watch—it’s going to be an unforgettable night of wrestling!
