3 Takes: Two decades later, Nebraska wrestling still chasing Iowa win
No. 6 Nebraska wrestling (9-4, 2-1) fell 22-14 to No. 4 Iowa (9-3, 2-1) in front of a record-setting crowd at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Chasing their first win over the Hawkeyes since Jan. 19, 2006, the Huskers’ lack of attack keeps the two-decade drought hanging above them.
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Here are the three biggest takeaways from NU’s loss…
Fans delivered, Huskers didn’t
Despite the sub-zero temperatures, Nebraska’s fanbase showed up and delivered. After setting a dual-attendance record of 7,094 on Dec. 21, 2025, against Oklahoma State, the Big Red faithful took the home-mat advantage to new heights with 7,891 packing the Devaney Center.
Yet NU couldn’t feed off the electric environment throughout the dual. In fact, the Huskers only had two takedowns through their first eight matches. Those two came from No. 8 Jacob Van Dee (133) and No. 14 Chance Lamer (149), each of whom lost.
Head coach Mark Manning was beyond disappointed.
“Everyone knows. Not good. Not good. My fault. Not good,” the Nebraska wrestling coach said post-dual.
The “Go Big Red” chants were mighty. However, the “Let’s Go Hawks” lingered on.
“I just thank Husker Nation for showing up when it’s -5 (degrees),” Manning said. “Amazing crowd with great energy. We didn’t do our job, just got out-wrestled.”
Hardy hits 100, but wants more
Although the overall taste was sour for Nebraska, No. 3 Brock Hardy made history by picking up his 100th win as a Husker. However, the senior 141-pounder had to earn it against No. 10 Nasir Bailey in a gritty 1-0 decision.
The milestone meant the world to the multi-time All-American. Still, what he really wanted was a dual win over the rival school.
“It was a really special moment, and I definitely shouldn’t have known beforehand. It’s been looming for a bit,” Hardy said. “But it’s bittersweet because it felt good to do, but I think I would trade all 100 wins for a dual win against Iowa.”
McDanel & Ferrari finish strong
Iowa had its victory clinched after eight bouts, but that didn’t stop Nebraska from finishing strong in its last two matches.
No. 9 Camden McDanel (197) dominated Brody Sampson the entire three periods. The sophomore All-American even had six of NU’s nine total takedowns on the night, which helped him secure a 20-5 technical fall.
Meanwhile, No. 4 AJ Ferrari picked up another top-10 win over No. 8 Ben Kueter. The redshirt junior heavyweight landed a double-leg takedown to close out the first period and maintained his grip to take down Kueter in a 4-1 decision. Ferrari improved to 8-1 on the season and now has an opportunity avenge his only loss to No. 3 Nick Feldman on Sunday.
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Other Results
***Sophomore Alan Koehler (125) fell in a 4-2 decision to Joey Cruz in the dual-opener.
***Junior No. 8 Jacob Van Dee (133) lost his first bout since the season-opener in a 12-6 decision to No. 10 Drake Ayala.
***No. 14 Chance Lamer (149) battled against No. 17 Ryder Block to lead 5-4 entering the third period. However, Block’s cradle was too strong to escape as Lamer was pinned late.
***No. 5 Antrell Taylor (157) went back-and-forth with No. 12 Jordan Williams in a bout that went all the way to sudden victory. But the 2025 NCAA Champion forced a stall by Williams to hang on in a 2-1 decision.
***No. 7 LJ Araujo (165) was controlled by No. 3 Michael Caliendo the entire bout. In fact, the Iowa senior landed four takedowns to pull off a 14-4 major decision.
***At 174, No. 6 Christopher Minto vs. No. 3 Patrick Kennedy took six periods for a grappler to emerge on top. While it appeared Minto may have had a takedown in the second period, Kennedy’s stamina out-manned Minto to take it 2-1 in sudden victory.
***No. 7 Silas Allred (184) lost a 4-1 decision to Gabe Arnold, which secured the Hawkeye dual win.
Next up, Nebraska hosts No. 2 Ohio State (13-0, 2-0) at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday. The Buckeyes beat the Huskers 33-3 earlier in the season. It can be seen on B1G+.
