Hawkeyes

Iowa Wrestler Gabe Arnold Remains with Hawkeyes, Shifts Focus to 174 Pounds

IOWA CITY, Iowa – August 5, 2024 – In a reversal of earlier reports, Iowa wrestling‘s Gabe Arnold will continue with the Hawkeyes program, the University confirmed today. Despite an announcement last month indicating Arnold’s departure from the roster, an athletics department spokesperson stated he was “never officially off the roster,” a fact Arnold himself corroborated to the des Moines Register.

The news provides a boost to the depth and competitive potential of the Iowa wrestling team. Arnold, a 2025 NCAA qualifier and Iowa City High graduate, is projected to compete at 174 pounds next season. This move comes as redshirt freshman Angelo Ferrari demonstrated promise at 174 while redshirting at 184 during the previous season.

Last year, Arnold wrestled primarily at 184 pounds, initially achieving a 12-0 record before a medical forfeit to teammate Ferrari at the Soldier Salute. His performance became more inconsistent as the season progressed, finishing with a 3-2 record at the Big Ten Championships and 2-2 at the NCAA Championships.

A key factor influencing the weight class change appears to be Arnold’s size. at 5-foot-7, he faced challenges generating offense against larger opponents, scoring over six points in only 10 of his 25 matches, with only two of those victories coming against future NCAA qualifiers.

His move to 174 pounds is not without precedent. Arnold previously found success at that weight as a true freshman, securing multiple wins against NCAA All-Americans. The 174-pound spot is currently held by Patrick Kennedy, who is entering his final season after placing fourth at the 2024 NCAA Championships.

While Arnold isn’t promptly slated for a starting role, his presence provides crucial depth and a potential successor to Kennedy following his graduation. His talent also offers Head Coach Tom Brands increased flexibility in lineup construction as the season unfolds and potential weight class adjustments arise.

Arnold retains three years of eligibility, making his continued presence a valuable long-term asset for the Hawkeyes wrestling program.

Key Details:

Confirmed Roster Status: Gabe Arnold remains on the Iowa wrestling roster despite initial reports of his departure.
Weight Class Change: Arnold will compete at 174 pounds next season, shifting from his previous weight of 184 pounds.
Previous Season Record: Arnold finished the 2024 season with a 15-2 record (including the medical forfeit), with a 3-2 Big Ten Championship record and a 2-2 NCAA Championship record.
Future Potential: Arnold provides depth and a potential future starter at 174 pounds following the graduation of current starter Patrick Kennedy.
* Eligibility: Arnold has three years of eligibility remaining.