Let’s talk about next year

[NLhawk62]

I think we can all agree this year has been ugly. Ugliest season in a long time. It’s February and this season isn’t quite over yet, but let’s start talking about next year.

Is next year rock bottom for the program?

133 and 165: Black holes heading to 2026.
141 and 157: Holes. Not looking good.
149 and 285: Meh. Potential, could say lots, but mediocre results.
125 and 197: TBD. Not enough sample size.
174 and 184: Sure fire AAs and potential finalist/champs.

As the roster stands right now and what we’ve seen, there’s only two guys I feel confident in heading to into next year. This squad will need some serious development. They’ll also need to hit the portal hard at 2-4 weights. 133 and 165 specifically.

I’m on the record that the Brands need to go. It’s getting increasingly hard to get excited about the future of the program and where it’s headed.

 

[giveitall]

Next year...worse than this year.

 

[dgordo]

 

[UNIHawk]

I think we can all agree this year has been ugly. Ugliest season in a long time. It’s February and this season isn’t quite over yet, but let’s start talking about next year.

Is next year rock bottom for the program?

133 and 165: Black holes heading to 2026.
141 and 157: Holes. Not looking good.
149 and 285: Meh. Potential, could say lots, but mediocre results.
125 and 197: TBD. Not enough sample size.
174 and 184: Sure fire AAs and potential finalist/champs.

As the roster stands right now and what we’ve seen, there’s only two guys I feel confident in heading to into next year. This squad will need some serious development. They’ll also need to hit the portal hard at 2-4 weights. 133 and 165 specifically.

I’m on the record that the Brands need to go. It’s getting increasingly hard to get excited about the future of the program and where it’s headed.

Pretty much agree except the sure fire AA part for Arnold.

 

[IndianaHawk98]

I think we can all agree this year has been ugly. Ugliest season in a long time. It’s February and this season isn’t quite over yet, but let’s start talking about next year.

Is next year rock bottom for the program?

133 and 165: Black holes heading to 2026.
141 and 157: Holes. Not looking good.
149 and 285: Meh. Potential, could say lots, but mediocre results.
125 and 197: TBD. Not enough sample size.
174 and 184: Sure fire AAs and potential finalist/champs.

As the roster stands right now and what we’ve seen, there’s only two guys I feel confident in heading to into next year. This squad will need some serious development. They’ll also need to hit the portal hard at 2-4 weights. 133 and 165 specifically.

I’m on the record that the Brands need to go. It’s getting increasingly hard to get excited about the future of the program and where it’s headed.

Estrada comes back and I wonder if Bailey can make 133 again. Besides that, either 141/133 will be hole, unless Kale Petersen somehow turns it up a notch (2-3x).

165 and 197 concern me more than anything. Maybe Ludington just needs more time in the room, the Wisconsin was the only really bad loss. Gavin Nelson made a world team and is no slouch but still, don’t know what he will be next year.

Also, big fan of CJ; but his performances did not looking promising… at all (unfortunately).

Man… The 2027/2028 class couldn’t come fast enough.

 

[IndianaHawk98]

125 - Leo Deluca rFr.
133 - Bailey or Petersen or transfer
141 - Bailey or Petersen or Transfer
149 - Ryder Block Jr.
157 - Miguel Estrada So. / Jordan Williams Sr.
165 - CJ Torres Fr. / Transfer
174 - Gabe Arnold Jr.
184 - Angelo Ferrari So.
197 - Harvey Ludington rFr.
HWT - Ben Kueter Jr. / Michael Mocco TFr.

In the Summer Mocco took Cole M down 3 times in freestyle and loss due to step outs… maybe Mocco can immediately contend for the spot when he steps on campus.

Kueter is obviously hurt or just something is wrong between the ears. He is one of the most athletic HWT wrestlers, he could win it all with his abilities…

Going to miss Caliendo, PK, and Ayala. Will be major losses, only Gabe will fill one of those voids.

This is why recruiting HAS to continue to be priority, because we need solutions for 3-4 years, rather than for a year or 2…

Thankfully some of the field will also graduate in some classes but still, just a little nervous…

 

[BrianLafevre]

 

[Stick Kitty]

Can't buy your way out of lazy recruiting!

 

[Mattski]

125 - Leo Deluca rFr.
133 - Bailey or Petersen or transfer
141 - Bailey or Petersen or Transfer
149 - Ryder Block Jr.
157 - Miguel Estrada So. / Jordan Williams Sr.
165 - CJ Torres Fr. / Transfer
174 - Gabe Arnold Jr.
184 - Angelo Ferrari So.
197 - Harvey Ludington rFr.
HWT - Ben Kueter Jr. / Michael Mocco TFr.

In the Summer Mocco took Cole M down 3 times in freestyle and loss due to step outs… maybe Mocco can immediately contend for the spot when he steps on campus.

Kueter is obviously hurt or just something is wrong between the ears. He is one of the most athletic HWT wrestlers, he could win it all with his abilities…

Going to miss Caliendo, PK, and Ayala. Will be major losses, only Gabe will fill one of those voids.

This is why recruiting HAS to continue to be priority, because we need solutions for 3-4 years, rather than for a year or 2…

Thankfully some of the field will also graduate in some classes but still, just a little nervous…

I'd be shocked if we aren't replacing multiple names mentioned above particularly 74 and 84 unfortunately.

 

[IndianaHawk98]

I'd be shocked if we aren't replacing multiple names mentioned above particularly 74 and 84 unfortunately.

I can’t see them transferring out, unless TnT get fired… if we can’t perform in march I don’t know what the offseason will look like… I get that a large amount of the fan base are wanting TnT gone; but it will only depend the wound. I would see a lot of guys leaving and a lot of decomitts. We need to perform in march and pull a rabbit out of the hat like Nebraska did last year..

It would be a major loss to lose any talent from the incoming classes. We finally got good classes coming through 2027/2028.

 

[Anon1750875978]

Frankly, I wouldn't blame anyone that portals out.

Who has improved this season?

Bob should hire an attorney and see if he can sue for fraud for some of these guys getting a bag.

 

[IndianaHawk98]

Frankly, I wouldn't blame anyone that portals out.

Who has improved this season?

I mean… that’s fair but if we carry that mindset, then we should’ve seen a BUNCH of transfers from other programs aswell. Ohio st. has been gathering the top 1-3 recruiting classes within the last years and they’ve just started looking good. Bouzakis, Paddy Gallhager, Nick Feldman, Vinny K., Luke Geog, Roman R., Kharchala, and Seth Schumate were highly anticipated recruits and just now started to make some noise… and some on that list still haven’t made noise. Why haven’t they transferred out? Bouzakis was a top 3 recruit and didn’t AA 2 years in a row.. why didn’t he transfer out? There were obviously no improvement within the first 3 years for his collegiate career. And there’s many other schools where they haven’t performed to their ability nor their student athletes improved within their tenure at their universities.

I get it, we are fans and carry a high standard for Iowa; but some things are larger than wrestling. Some will not transfer out due to loyalty to staff and believing in their leaderships process to steer them in the right direction (on and off the mat).

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

Pretty much agree except the sure fire AA part for Arnold.

Yep. My man has no offense. I know he fills in at a weight or two above his ideal weight, but either way he still has no offense. Guys with no offense remind me of the Bull his last two seasons...everything could go well (B10 champ x 4), but also could go bad (not reaching his peak during NCAAs). We need to learn/teach the technique of scoring a TD in periods one and two or we're going to continue losing these battles in period three. More and more I see Angelo as a potential champ and certain AA (barring injury) and 3-4 other weights as hopeful R12 / borderline AAs, and the rest 1-2 or 2-2 type guys. It's hard to feel confident about next year when you don't see any scoring out of those returning next year or those waiting in the wings...

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

Estrada comes back and I wonder if Bailey can make 133 again. Besides that, either 141/133 will be hole, unless Kale Petersen somehow turns it up a notch (2-3x).

165 and 197 concern me more than anything. Maybe Ludington just needs more time in the room, the Wisconsin was the only really bad loss. Gavin Nelson made a world team and is no slouch but still, don’t know what he will be next year.

Also, big fan of CJ; but his performances did not looking promising… at all (unfortunately).

Man… The 2027/2028 class couldn’t come fast enough.

And is the 27/28 class still coming to Iowa based on how we're looking this year and next. I can definitely see people bailing just as they've done in the past if we don't make some changes.

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

125 - Leo Deluca rFr.
133 - Bailey or Petersen or transfer
141 - Bailey or Petersen or Transfer
149 - Ryder Block Jr.
157 - Miguel Estrada So. / Jordan Williams Sr.
165 - CJ Torres Fr. / Transfer
174 - Gabe Arnold Jr.
184 - Angelo Ferrari So.
197 - Harvey Ludington rFr.
HWT - Ben Kueter Jr. / Michael Mocco TFr.

In the Summer Mocco took Cole M down 3 times in freestyle and loss due to step outs… maybe Mocco can immediately contend for the spot when he steps on campus.

Kueter is obviously hurt or just something is wrong between the ears. He is one of the most athletic HWT wrestlers, he could win it all with his abilities…

Going to miss Caliendo, PK, and Ayala. Will be major losses, only Gabe will fill one of those voids.

This is why recruiting HAS to continue to be priority, because we need solutions for 3-4 years, rather than for a year or 2…

Thankfully some of the field will also graduate in some classes but still, just a little nervous…

Yeah, that lineup does not make one feel very good about our future. Definitely looks like a team that places 6th or worse at best. I see one AA/potential champ and a bunch of hopefuls who have a better chance of going 1-2 or 2-2 at NCAAs than becoming AAs.

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

I can’t see them transferring out, unless TnT get fired… if we can’t perform in march I don’t know what the offseason will look like… I get that a large amount of the fan base are wanting TnT gone; but it will only depend the wound. I would see a lot of guys leaving and a lot of decomitts. We need to perform in march and pull a rabbit out of the hat like Nebraska did last year..

It would be a major loss to lose any talent from the incoming classes. We finally got good classes coming through 2027/2028.

Yes, good classes coming in but can we keep them. Like you I don't think AF or GA transfer...unless. If Angelo fails to finish in the top 4 I can see him going elsewhere in hopes of better development. Not sure about GA; he's stuck around this long. As for rabbits coming out of hats, I just don't think we have enough offense or the right defense for any potential rabbit tricks this year. I think we're going to be clinging to hopes for 6th and hoping not to slip to 8th. If either AF or Pk finish a rung or two below their current rankings of 2nd and 3rd, that strips a good chunk of points off our top line and quickly takes us down around 8th place. Can't believe this season has come to this. Ugh. Love the Hawks and not going to stop contributing to the team but this sucks.

 

[TheREALSpooner]

Estrada comes back

Man… The 2027/2028 class couldn’t come fast enough.

Estrada. Ummmm…yay I guess?

So we might, maybe be good again in 3-4 years? When our coach is in his 60s? And what makes anyone think we are going to suddenly start developing guys again?

 

[jerseyhawk]

Dark days peeps.
Love Brands and everything he’s done as a wrestler and coach but it’s time to pass the torch

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

Iowa wrestling is finished as of right now. Next year is Iowa even a top ten team??? Our big money NIL transfers the last couple years, except for Buchanan, speak for themselves. You lose three of our four top wrestlers off this team, without any real heavy hitters waiting in the wings. If Angelo transfers, we might as well cancel the season next year.

 

[WhiteDog125]

Where’s the few apologists left for the head Moran?! They always have a really ignorant excuse.

 

[kingstown]

Where’s the few apologists left for the head Moran?! They always have a really ignorant excuse.

They are busy watching replays of the Zagreb open. A random ranking series tournament in a different sport is what really matters. Get with the times.

 

[Cedarfalls]

It’s crazy (and painful) to think about how the outlook for the program really changed when Basset decided not to come.

 

[Anon1750875978]

It will be fascinating to see what happens to Carver tix sales next season if this year ends like it looks it will.

Tix costs might need to recede a bit as an incentive?

 

[Babbahganoosh]

Was Buchanan even a portal or NIL guy?
I thought it was SB, by may have been one of the others…
One just showed up, enrolled and walked into the wrestling room.

 

[98lberEating2Lunches]

Remember when the next year's thread always started with 6-7 AAs, 2-3 Finalists, 1-2 Champs? .... jeez, wtf happened to Iowa?

 

[TheREALSpooner]

Was Buchanan even a portal or NIL guy?
I thought it was SB, by may have been one of the others…
One just showed up, enrolled and walked into the wrestling room.

Of course he was. You think a guy with his resume showed up to wrestle for free?

Iowa recruited him directly off the OK roster with $$$.

 

[Gusaford1]

Remember when the next year's thread always started with 6-7 AAs, 2-3 Finalists, 1-2 Champs? .... jeez, wtf happened to Iowa?

Yep. Even the "glass is always full" crowd have had their spirit broken. Beth, save us, please.

 

[RockySmith]

Yes, good classes coming in but can we keep them.

true.

Additionally, Tom always redshirts. The 2027 guys will redshirt in 2028, and come online in 2029. By then most of the Iowa point scorers will be gone. The lack of good recruiting classes in 2025 and 2026 (only DeLuca, Mocco and Ludington) is going to hurt for a long time. Only one of those guys is truly a blue chip. Recruiting is key.

 

[IRON HAWK]

MAN this thread SUCKS BALLS!!!!

Someone, ANYONE, give me some HOPE!!!

Lets see BEST CASE!!! Lets see what IF we could say pull this off?????? PERFECT world, YOU are the Coach, what moves would you try to make to put together a team for next year. EVERYTHING and ANYTHING goes!!!!

 

[Hawx224]

I think Iowa is better off in some ways than people think. With the right coaching, I think we’ve got some guys that can make some noise. Block, Arnold, Kueter, DeLuca all are pieces that can be built around, if they can make a jump. Unfortunately, I don’t see any of them making that jump with the situation as is

 

[NLhawk62]

Remember when the next year's thread always started with 6-7 AAs, 2-3 Finalists, 1-2 Champs? .... jeez, wtf happened to Iowa?

It’s sad to think about. The team this year has one or two hammers. Next year there might be zero. We know Ferrari has the talent, but it’s not his style. Could DeLuca be that guy? Who knows. He’s already hurt in his young college career.

It’s hard to see things clicking for multiple guys to actually compete for titles. I guess things could, but if the last few years is evidence, then it probably won’t.

 

[WEH8ST8HAWK]

When Metcalf takes over and hires Kemerer and a couple other younger studs do the Bachmans, Kenneys and the rest of our recruits stay committed? They should if they want to be part of our resurgence.

 

[Hawx224]

When Metcalf takes over and hires Kemerer and a couple other younger studs do the Bachmans, Kenneys and the rest of our recruits stay committed? They should if they want to be part of our resurgence.

Don’t think Metcalf is the guy to lead a resurgence of the Iowa program

 

[Mattski]

I can’t see them transferring out, unless TnT get fired… if we can’t perform in march I don’t know what the offseason will look like… I get that a large amount of the fan base are wanting TnT gone; but it will only depend the wound. I would see a lot of guys leaving and a lot of decomitts. We need to perform in march and pull a rabbit out of the hat like Nebraska did last year..

It would be a major loss to lose any talent from the incoming classes. We finally got good classes coming through 2027/2028.

I hope you're right but I'm afraid you aren't.

 

[Greg12]

Remember when the next year's thread always started with 6-7 AAs, 2-3 Finalists, 1-2 Champs? .... jeez, wtf happened to Iowa?

I guess I’m older than you. Every April it used to be next season is the year we finally get 10 All Americans. And, it always made sense. In April.

 

[el dub]

Estrada comes back and I wonder if Bailey can make 133 again. Besides that, either 141/133 will be hole, unless Kale Petersen somehow turns it up a notch (2-3x).

165 and 197 concern me more than anything. Maybe Ludington just needs more time in the room, the Wisconsin was the only really bad loss. Gavin Nelson made a world team and is no slouch but still, don’t know what he will be next year.

Also, big fan of CJ; but his performances did not looking promising… at all (unfortunately).

Man… The 2027/2028 class couldn’t come fast enough.

You won’t be seeing those guys on the mat until 29-30.

 

[el dub]

I'd be shocked if we aren't replacing multiple names mentioned above particularly 74 and 84 unfortunately.

Why do you say that?

 

[el dub]

Iowa wrestling is finished as of right now. Next year is Iowa even a top ten team??? Our big money NIL transfers the last couple years, except for Buchanan, speak for themselves. You lose three of our four top wrestlers off this team, without any real heavy hitters waiting in the wings. If Angelo transfers, we might as well cancel the season next year.

Why would Angelo transfer out? Am I missing something here?

 

[TherealGrip220]

First, thank you to everyone thinking about me. Second, I will not disappoint you I never back down from a good scrap. I could be referring more towards battles with big fish these day, but Im sticking with it anyways.

I will start out by saying this season is not over and we will have a fairly good ending. Im sure it will be less then satisfactory for most, but better then we would expect given the season results so far.

Fish have many layers, there are scales, skin, guts and bones. Once you get around and through all that you have this outstanding meat that can be utilized in so many ways. There is fried fish, baked fish, sautéed fish, blackened fish, poached fish, steamed fish, fish sandwiches, fish soup well you get the point.

A wrestling season has many layers also, so let me finish by saying next season will have layers and after this season ends we will begin to witness the layers start for the next upcoming season. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

 

[Reibar]

Why would Angelo transfer out? Am I missing something here?

Any wrestler in the NIL era it fair game and with the family history saying otherwise is foolish.

It’s crazy (and painful) to think about how the outlook for the program really changed when Basset decided not to come.

Well fooled yourself ,this has been trending that direction for 5 years.