Ohio State Wrestling Battles Iowa State at Journeymen Collegiate Duals

Ohio State wrestling, currently undefeated at 8-0, is set to compete in the Journeymen Collegiate Duals on December 21 in Nashville, Tennessee. The event, which will be broadcast live on FloWrestling, features an opening match against Little Rock (2-4) at 1 p.m. ET, followed by a much-anticipated matchup against #3 Iowa State (2-0) at 3 p.m. ET.

Match Preview: Ohio State vs Iowa State

The dual between Ohio State and Iowa State promises to be a showdown, highlighting five key matchups involving top-ranked wrestlers. This dynamic battle carries significant implications for NCAA Championships seeding.

Key Matchups to Watch

• 133 lbs: #2 Ben Davino (OSU, 13-0) vs #3 Evan Frost (ISU, 9-0)

  Both wrestlers have shown stellar performances this season, with Davino holding a win over two-time national finalist Drake Ayala.
• 141 lbs: #1 Jesse Mendez (OSU, 8-0) vs #4 Anthony Echemendia (ISU, 8-0)

  Mendez seeks a third NCAA title in 2026 and has previously defeated Echemendia in earlier encounters.

• 157 lbs: #5 Brandon Cannon (OSU, 9-1) vs #3 Vinny Zerban (ISU, 8-1)

  Cannon’s performance against college competitors remains flawless, while Zerban previously bested him in the 2025 NCAA Championships.

• 285 lbs: #3 Nick Feldman (OSU, 10-1) vs #1 Yonger Bastida (ISU, 9-0)

  Feldman aims for redemption after a loss to Bastida in 2023 and looks to close the gap in their matchup.

Event Schedule

Here’s a quick overview of the match schedule for the Journeymen Collegiate Duals featuring Ohio State:

Ohio State’s Performance This Season

Ohio State has excelled in their dual season, securing victories against top programs, including a standout win against #11 NC State, 26-10, on December 12. Their impressive dual record demonstrates their readiness for the upcoming challenges.

Iowa State’s Strength

Iowa State, with a record of 2-0, is a formidable opponent. Their recent matches reflect a strong start to the season, emphasizing their competitive edge.

Little Rock’s Journey

Little Rock’s current dual season record stands at 2-4. Their recent encounters with higher-ranked teams have posed challenges but have also provided valuable experience.

The duals on December 21 will be critical for Ohio State and Iowa State, as both teams aim for success in a highly competitive wrestling landscape. Stay tuned for live updates and highlights exclusively on El-Balad.