Full Breakdown
Ohio State Claims National Duals Title with Victory Over Iowa
11/17/2025, 6:29:32 AM
Dominant Performance in the Finals
The Ohio State Buckeyes secured the championship title at the 2025 National Duals Invitational by defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 27-12 in the finals held at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This victory not only earned Ohio State a $200,000 prize but also showcased their depth and strength across various weight classes.
Ohio State began the championship match with a decisive pin from Nic Bouzakis at 125 pounds, defeating Iowa's No. 10 Dean Peterson in just 1:34. Following this, Ben Davino claimed a 10-4 decision over No. 2 Drake Ayala at 133 pounds, and Jesse Mendez, the top-ranked wrestler at 141 pounds, delivered a technical fall against No. 9 Nasir Bailey, winning 17-1. The Buckeyes extended their lead to 21-0 with victories from Ethan Stiles and Brandon Cannon, who won their respective matches at 149 and 157 pounds.
Iowa managed to respond with wins in the latter part of the match, including sudden victory decisions from Michael Caliendo, Patrick Kennedy, and Angelo Ferrari, but it was not enough to overcome the early deficit. The match concluded with a forfeit at heavyweight, granting Ohio State an additional six points.
Key Individual Performances
Several Ohio State wrestlers stood out during the tournament. Jesse Mendez's performance, including a win over No. 2 Brock Hardy of Nebraska in the semifinals, bolstered his case for the Hodge Trophy. Bouzakis, Davino, Cannon, and Feldman each finished the tournament with undefeated records, demonstrating the team's overall strength.
In contrast, Iowa's head coach Tom Brands acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in scoring more points earlier in matches. Despite the loss, he praised the resilience shown by the back half of his lineup.
Tournament Overview
Ohio State's path to the finals included a dominant 33-3 victory over No. 2 Nebraska in the semifinals, while Iowa edged out No. 5 Oklahoma State 18-16 to secure their spot in the championship match. Nebraska ultimately finished fourth after losing to Oklahoma State 33-6 in the third-place dual.
The tournament featured a total of 16 teams, with Ohio State and Iowa emerging as the top competitors. The Buckeyes' performance throughout the weekend solidified their position as a formidable force in collegiate wrestling, likely propelling them to the No. 2 spot in the upcoming NWCA poll.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Tom Ryan of Ohio State remarked on the team's performance, stating, "This is an Ohio State team that essentially maxed out on the weekend and outperformed at every weight class." Meanwhile, Iowa's Tom Brands expressed confidence in his team's potential, saying, "I know that we can do more... we will go back to work."
What's Next
Looking ahead, Ohio State will host Kent State on November 20, while Iowa prepares to face the University of Pittsburgh on November 21. Both teams aim to build on their experiences from the National Duals as they continue their seasons.
