The Iowa men’s wrestling team is gearing up to close the gap on No. 1 Penn State in their final duals as they face some tough competition in the coming weeks. Despite facing challenges such as the graduation of key players and off-the-mat controversies, the No. 2 Hawkeyes remain focused on the task ahead.

With an undefeated record of 10-0, the Hawkeyes have secured victories in significant duals against top-10 programs Iowa State and Nebraska. However, their schedule is about to get more challenging as they prepare to take on the No. 12 Wolverines led by coach Sean Bormet.

Michigan boasts nine wrestlers in its lineup ranked in the top 20, including standout performers like junior 133-pounder Dylan Ragusin, graduate student 149-pounder Austin Gomez, and graduate student 174-pounder Shane Griffith. While the Wolverines have faced recent losses, they remain a formidable opponent and have historically given the Hawkeyes tough competition.

Looking back at their history, Iowa holds a 34-26-1 record against the Wolverines, a departure from their usual dominance within the Big Ten Conference. Despite their recent successes, Iowa is well aware of the challenge posed by Penn State, with whom they will face off in a dual on Feb. 9 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Head coach Tom Brands acknowledges the gap between Iowa’s current ranking and the No. 1 position, emphasizing the urgency to catch up to the competition. Penn State, with its strong lineup of top-ranked wrestlers, presents a significant challenge for the Hawkeyes as they strive to secure the top spot in the nation.

As the season approaches its final battles in weight class, the Hawkeyes are focused on their ultimate goal of being the best team in the nation. With the determination to close the gap on Penn State, Iowa’s wrestling team is gearing up for some intense matchups in the coming weeks.