Iowa City, Iowa – The seventh-ranked University of Iowa wrestling team prepares for a challenging weekend, hosting No. 10 Michigan on Friday evening before traveling to face Purdue on Sunday afternoon. Friday’s dual is slated for 8 p.m. CT and will be televised on BTN, although Sunday’s match at Purdue begins at noon CT and will be streamed on B1G+.
The Hawkeyes (14-1 overall) hold a significant historical advantage over both opponents. Iowa leads the all-time series against Michigan 34-27-1, having won 10 of the last 12 meetings, though Michigan secured a 24-11 victory in Ann Arbor last year. Against Purdue, Iowa boasts a dominant 48-4-3 record, with a 34-match winning streak, including a 37-6 win in their last encounter in West Lafayette. Purdue’s last win against Iowa dates back to 1961.
Head coach Tom Brands has a strong record against both programs, holding an 11-2 all-time record against Michigan and a perfect 14-0 record against Purdue. Brands recently achieved his 300th win at Iowa during the team’s victory at Nebraska, ranking him second in program history for overall wins and winning percentage.
This weekend also marks Senior Day for six Hawkeyes: Drake Ayala, Michael Caliendo, Patrick Kennedy, Gage Marty, Dean Peterson, and Sebastian Robles. Five of these seniors – Ayala, Caliendo, Kennedy, and Peterson – could wrestle their final matches in Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Friday.
Several Hawkeyes have demonstrated individual success against their Purdue counterparts. Joey Cruz holds a 1-0 record against Isaiah Quintero, Patrick Kennedy has a 19-4 tech fall victory over Brody Baumann, and Ben Kueter defeated Hayden Filipovich at last year’s NCAA Championship.
Iowa’s roster features a wealth of experience, including ten wrestlers with prior NCAA Championships experience. Drake Ayala, Nasir Bailey, Michael Caliendo, Patrick Kennedy, and Ben Kueter are past All-Americans. The Hawkeyes have maintained a streak of crowning at least one All-American in 54 consecutive tournaments, dating back to 1972.
The Hawkeyes recently saw success at the Soldier Salute, with Jordan Williams winning the title at 157 pounds, defeating Missouri’s Teague Travis 7-3. Iowa also finished as runners-up at the National Duals Invitational, earning $170,000, falling to Ohio State in the finals after victories over Missouri, Illinois, and Oklahoma State.
Iowa’s 2025-26 schedule is challenging, featuring nine ranked opponents, including No. 1 Penn State, No. 2 Nebraska, and No. 4 Ohio State. The team has seven newcomers on the roster, including transfers Nasir Bailey (Little Rock), Dean Peterson (Rutgers), and Jordan Williams (Oklahoma State/Little Rock). Four Hawkeye freshmen – Harvey Ludington, Leister Bowling IV, Leo DeLuca, and Ty Miller – have competed as attached competitors this season, utilizing NCAA guidelines allowing five dates of competition without using a season of eligibility.
The Hawkeyes continue to draw strong attendance, leading the nation in wrestling attendance for the 18th consecutive year, averaging 13,640 fans per home date. The program now competes in the newly constructed $31 million Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center, which opened in May 2024.
