Ohio State Wrestling Triumphs at National Duals, Defeats Nebraska and Iowa
Ohio State wrestling has made headlines with a strong performance at the inaugural National Duals Invitational, claiming the grand prize of $200,000. The Buckeyes showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, securing resounding victories against top-ranked teams.
Ohio State’s Path to Victory
Ohio State began the event with a commanding display, starting with a 33-6 victory over No. 24 Wyoming. They continued their winning streak by defeating No. 9 Minnesota with a score of 29-6. Their most impressive match came against No. 2 Nebraska, where Ohio State triumphed 33-3. In this match, the Buckeyes won nine out of ten bouts, highlighted by Ethan Stiles’ pin at 149 pounds and major decision victories from Ben Davino, Brandon Cannon, and Paddy Gallagher.
Championship Match Highlights
The championship match against Iowa further showcased Ohio State’s prowess. The dual began explosively, with Nic Bouzakis pinning 10th-ranked Dean Peterson, giving Ohio State a quick 6-0 lead. Ben Davino followed with a 10-4 win over Drake Ayala, the NCAA runner-up at 133 pounds. Two-time NCAA champion Jesse Mendez added to the lead with a notable 17-1 tech-fall victory over ninth-ranked Nasir Bailey.
Lead Expands Before Halftime
By halftime, Ohio State established a commanding 21-0 lead. Stiles edged out Ryder Block with a 3-2 decision, and Cannon secured a major decision win over Victor Voinovich, finishing the first half on a high note.
Iowa’s Attempted Comeback
Iowa managed to gain momentum after halftime, winning three consecutive matches via sudden-victory decisions. Michael Caliendo bested Paddy Gallagher, followed by Patrick Kennedy overcoming Carson Kharchla, and Angelo Ferrari defeating Dylan Fishback. Additionally, Massoma Endene won an 8-3 decision over Seth Shumate at 197 pounds.
Final Result
Despite Iowa’s efforts, the bonus points earned by Ohio State’s early wins proved crucial. Iowa opted to forfeit the heavyweight match, solidifying Ohio State’s championship victory at 27-12.
| Weight Class | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 125 | Nic Bouzakis (OSU) def. No. 10 Dean Peterson (IOWA) | F, 1:34 (6-0) |
| 133 | No. 9 Ben Davino (OSU) def. No. 3 Drake Ayala (IOWA) | D, 10-4 (9-0) |
| 141 | No. 1 Jesse Mendez (OSU) def. No. 9 Nasir Bailey (IOWA) | TF, 17-1 (14-0) |
| 149 | No. 9 Ethan Stiles (OSU) def. Ryder Block (IOWA) | D, 3-2 (17-0) |
| 157 | No. 8 Brandon Cannon (OSU) def. Victor Voinovich (IOWA) | MD, 14-2 (21-0) |
| 165 | No. 2 Michael Caliendo (IOWA) def. No. 9 Paddy Gallagher (OSU) | SV-1, 4-1 (21-3) |
| 174 | No. 2 Patrick Kennedy (IOWA) def. No. 9 Carson Kharchla (OSU) | SV-1, 4-1 (21-6) |
| 184 | No. 3 Angelo Ferrari (IOWA) def. No. 7 Dylan Fishback (OSU) | SV-1, 4-1 (21-9) |
| 197 | No. 16 Massoma Endene (IOWA) def. Seth Shumate (OSU) | D, 8-3 (21-12) |
| HWT | No. 6 Nick Feldman (OSU) by forfeit | 27-12 |
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Ohio State remains undefeated in the season, showcasing their potential as a championship contender. The Buckeyes rank among the top wrestling programs, alongside Penn State, who did not compete in the National Duals Invitational. This performance solidifies Ohio State’s position in the national wrestling landscape.
