The Ohio State Buckeyes wrestling team etched their names into the history books once again, delivering a commanding 24-9 victory over the fifth-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes in front of a record-shattering audience at the Covelli Center. This triumph not only marked the program's first-ever 17-0 start but also represented their second win against Iowa this season—an unprecedented feat given the historical dominance the Hawkeyes have held over the Buckeyes.
Prior to the current 2025-26 campaign, Ohio State's all-time record against Iowa stood at a dismal 4-44. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. A 27-12 victory in November foreshadowed what was to come, and Friday night's performance solidified the Buckeyes' status as legitimate contenders among the Big Ten's elite programs.
The atmosphere was electric as 4,749 passionate fans packed the Covelli Center, setting a new attendance record and creating an environment that would prove crucial as the match unfolded. The dual meet began at the 157-pound weight class, where Iowa immediately established control.
Victor Voinovich III kicked things off for the Hawkeyes, defeating Maddox Shaw 5-1 in a decision that set an early tone. The momentum continued to swing Iowa's way as third-ranked Michael Caliendo topped e'Than Birden 8-2, followed by third-ranked Patrick Kennedy edging out fifth-ranked Carson Kharchla 2-1. Just like that, the Buckeyes found themselves in an early hole, trailing after three consecutive matches.
But wrestling meets are marathons, not sprints, and Ohio State's resilience would soon be put on full display.
The pivotal moment arrived at 184 pounds when seventh-ranked Dylan Fishback stepped onto the mat against Gabe Arnold. What transpired next would ignite the Buckeyes' comeback and awaken the record-breaking crowd. The two competitors battled through three grueling periods, each scoring once to force a sudden victory overtime period.
In the extra frame, Fishback appeared to secure a match-winning takedown, but the officials initially declined to award the points. Seizing the moment, Arnold countered and seemed to score his own takedown. Ohio State head coach Tom Ryan didn't hesitate, immediately throwing the red challenge brick onto the mat to contest the call.
After a brief but tense video review, the officials overturned their original decision, awarding Fishback the takedown and three crucial team points. This reversal proved to be the spark that ignited Ohio State's rally, sending the Covelli Center crowd into a frenzy and shifting the entire momentum of the dual meet.
Feeding off that energy, tenth-ranked Luke Geog delivered a dominant performance at 197 pounds, rolling past Brody Sampson 13-4 to earn a major decision. Geog's victory was comprehensive, scoring takedowns in all three periods, including two in the final frame, to narrow Iowa's lead to 9-7.
The intermission provided a strategic reset, and Ohio State emerged with renewed purpose.
At 285 pounds, third-ranked Nick Feldman faced a significant psychological hurdle in eighth-ranked Ken Kueter—an opponent who had defeated him three times during the previous season. This time, however, Feldman authored a different ending. In a battle of wills that showcased his growth and determination, Feldman secured a crucial second-period takedown to earn a 3-2 decision, giving Ohio State its first lead of the dual at 10-9.
The Buckeyes weren't done. Second-ranked 125-pounder Nic Bouzakis came out firing like a cannon against sixth-ranked Dean Peterson, amassing seven points in the opening period alone, including four from a near fall. Though Peterson battled back over the final two periods, Bouzakis maintained control, sealing a 9-5 decision that pushed Ohio State's advantage to 13-9.
The 133-pound weight class featured another ranked showdown, with second-ranked Ben Davino continuing his perfect season against ninth-ranked Drake Ayala. Davino, who entered the dual with an unblemished 21-0 record (16-0 in dual meets), showcased his championship pedigree in a 4-2 decision built on one takedown and one escape, improving his season record to 22-0.
With two matches remaining, Ohio State still had their ultimate weapon waiting in the wings.
Two-time NCAA champion Jesse Mendez, the top-ranked wrestler at 141 pounds, made quick work of Kale Peterson in a performance that can only be described as a masterclass. Mendez put on a takedown clinic, overwhelming his opponent to secure an 18-3 technical fall. The bonus-point victory added five team points to the Buckeyes' total, effectively extinguishing any remaining hope for an Iowa comeback.
Leading 21-9 with one match remaining, Ohio State's victory was already assured, though the final bout would extend the margin even further.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. For a program that has historically struggled against Iowa, defeating the Hawkeyes twice in one season represents a seismic shift in the Big Ten wrestling landscape. The 17-0 start is unprecedented in Ohio State wrestling history, and the manner in which they achieved it—rallying from an early deficit in front of a record crowd—demonstrates the team's mental toughness and championship character.
Coach Tom Ryan's strategic decision to challenge the call in Fishback's match proved to be a turning point, not just for that individual bout but for the entire dual meet. It showcased the coaching staff's confidence in their athletes and their willingness to fight for every point.
The individual performances told a story of growth and redemption. Nick Feldman's victory over a previously dominant opponent signaled his evolution as a competitor. Nic Bouzakis's explosive start set the tone for his weight class. Ben Davino's continued perfection added another chapter to his remarkable season. And Jesse Mendez's dominant tech fall reminded everyone why he's a two-time national champion.
But perhaps most importantly, this was a team victory in the truest sense. From the electric crowd that created a home-field advantage to the wrestlers who fed off that energy, from the coaching staff's strategic decisions to the athletes' execution on the mat, every element came together perfectly.
As Ohio State continues its historic season, this win over Iowa will be remembered as a defining moment—a statement that the Buckeyes are not just participants among the Big Ten elite, but legitimate contenders for conference and national championships. The record-breaking crowd witnessed history, and the 24-9 scoreline only tells part of the story. The real narrative is one of resilience, growth, and the emergence of a wrestling powerhouse that has finally learned how to slay its biggest dragon.
With the regular season progressing and postseason tournaments on the horizon, Ohio State has sent a clear message to the rest of the collegiate wrestling world: the Buckeyes have arrived, and they're here to stay.