Ohio State Defeats Iowa State in Little Rock Showdown Sunday
In a thrilling performance, the No. 2 Ohio State wrestling team defeated No. 3 Iowa State 21-13 during a highly anticipated dual meet on Sunday. This match took place in Little Rock and was part of the 2025 Journeymen Collegiate Duals. Earlier, Ohio State secured a decisive 34-9 victory over Arkansas-Little Rock.
Summary of Ohio State’s Matches
- Match Against Iowa State:
- Ohio State built an early 9-0 lead after winning the first three bouts.
- Jessie Mendez, ranked No. 1, defeated No. 4 Anthony Echemendia 5-1 in the 141-pound category.
- Ben Davino secured a close 4-2 victory over No. 3 Evan Frost at 133 pounds.
- Brandon Cannon’s late pin at 157 defined the match, allowing Ohio State to clinch the win.
- Match Against Arkansas-Little Rock:
- Ohio State showcased dominance with six wins by bonus points.
- Jesse Mendez won decisively by pinning his opponent in just 1:38.
- Ben Davino and Brandon Cannon also excelled, winning their matches by technical falls with scores of 20-3 and 20-4, respectively.
Event Highlights
Ohio State’s consistent performance against top-ranked opponents stands out this season. They now hold three dual victories against teams in the top three and five victories over top-10 opponents.
Upcoming Competitions
Ohio State is set to continue its dual competition on January 4, 2026, against Oregon State. They will then introduce Big Ten duals at home against Indiana on January 11, 2026. Both matches will be crucial as the Buckeyes aim for further victories in their season.
Key Match Results Against Iowa State
| Weight Class | Ohio State Wrestler | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | Nic Bouzakis | Stevo Poulin | W, 9-2 |
| 133 | Ben Davino | Evan Frost | W, 4-2 |
| 141 | Jesse Mendez | Anthony Echemendia | W, 5-1 |
| 157 | Brandon Cannon | Kane Naaktgeboren | W, Fall (6:49) |
| 197 | Rocky Elam (ISU) | Luke Geog | L, 0-9 |
| 285 | Nick Feldman | Yonger Bastida | L, 2-4 |
In conclusion, Ohio State’s latest victories consolidate their reputation as a formidable force in collegiate wrestling, particularly with their strong performance against high-ranking teams like Iowa State. They are set to enhance their record as the season progresses.
