Rafael Hipolito injury update: Oklahoma wrestler out for season with foot injury

Oklahoma 157 pounder Rafael Hipolito is out for the season due to a foot injury, he announced Wednesday. The Virginia Tech transfer was just 1-1 for the Sooners, wrestling earlier last month.

Hipolito won his first match 5-2 at the Tiger Style Invitational over Purdue’s Kade Law and did not continue afterwards. He had to medically forfeit out of the competition due to what he said was a Lisfranc injury.

Hipolitio qualified for NCAAs last season for the Hokies before hitting the portal. He released a statement on social media.

“Unfortunately, in my first competition of the season I injured half of my foot (Lisfranc) and I will not be able to fight again this season,” Hipolito said on Instagram, via translation. “Not what I wanted, but everything in life has a purpose. Thank God I came out of surgery fine now to focus on recovery. Better things will come in the future, I trust God’s plan. Thanks to all who stand by me. Especially my family.”

Hipolito has an 18-6 varsity record and went 11-4 in redshirt for Virginia Tech two seasons ago. He was expected to be a fringe All-American contender this season for the Sooners.

Hipolito, who has a jiu jitsu background, is one of the more unique middleweights in college wrestling due to his style. He was recently awarded his brown belt and won the IBJJF Virginia Summer Open at purple belt this year.

Oklahoma will miss him in the lineup now coinciding the Sooners have to go to Rutgers Saturday for a massive Big 12 vs. Big Ten showdown.

The No. 20 Sooners take on the No. 12 Scarlet Knights, but without Hipolito in the middle of the lineup. Still, the dual is very intriguing, especially up top with ranked matchups.

174 is expected to be No. 7 Carter Schubert (OU) vs. No. 9 Lenny Pinto (RU). But after that, it’s a battle of former teammates. 

At 184 pounds, No. 11 Brian Soldano, who was a two-time NCAA qualifier for Rutgers, takes the mat for Oklahoma. He’ll take on No. 15 Shane Cartagena-Walsh, who took over the starting spot last season in Piscataway. Cartagena-Walsh was a Round of 16 finisher at the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

The dual is set for Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET. It’ll take place at Rutgers at Jersey Mike’s Arena on Big Ten Network.