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Schedule Surveillance: 2025-26 Iowa women's wrestling

by: Tanner Lafever20 hours agoTannerLafever
Kennedy Blades suplex
For the first time in program history, Iowa women's wrestlers like Kennedy Blades will have three opportunities to wow home fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. (Photo Credit: Isabella Tisdale/Daily Iowan)

The start of the 2025-26 Iowa women’s wrestling season is a mere 10 days away.

That’s right, folks – on Saturday, November 1, the top-ranked Hawkeyes will take the mat to kick off their pursuit of the inaugural sanctioned NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championship.

Late last week, the program finally released its full schedule for this season – and now I’m here to break it all down from start to finish.

The Hawkeyes will compete in the state of Iowa on 12 occasions during the 2025-26 season.

I did a similar exercise earlier this month with the men’s schedule – which you can read here.

The premise? To summarize the pertinent information for each date/event (or at least what we know as of this typing), plus add a nugget or two on what Iowa fans can look forward to.

I’ve also scanned the schedule of every Top 25 NCAA and Top 20 NAIA team to get an idea of which programs will be competing in which open tournaments this season.

(Spoiler alert: the Hawkeyes are going to run into a whole bunch of them.)

Season tickets are now available (link here) for a program-record three home dual(s) dates – plus another dual tournament event set to be held in Coralville this February.

And as you’ll read shortly, just about all of them will offer some high-powered opponents to test the two-time reigning national team/dual champions.

Having said that, let’s dive right in!

**All listed times are Central Standard**

November 1 (Sat) – @ Luther Hill Open

  • Indianola, IA (Blake Fieldhouse – Indianola Middle School)
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. start
  • TV/streaming: Rokfin/IA Wrestle (wasn’t streamed in 2024)

The best news regarding Iowa’s 2025-26 season opener is that Hawkeye fans will actually be able to watch it from home if they choose!

That wasn’t the case a year ago for the Luther Hill Open.

Fortunately, IA Wrestle announced Monday that it would be streaming the 2025 edition live on Rokfin (subscription required).

We don’t know for certain which of their wrestlers each team will bring to the tournament, but in-state NAIA powerhouses #2 Grand View and #5 William Penn could both enter a slew of highly ranked athletes.

Among four ranked NCAA programs (in addition to Iowa), preseason #14 William Jewell (MO) headlines the bunch.

November 1 (Sat) – @ NWCA All-Star Classic

  • Location: Piscataway, NJ (Jersey Mike’s Arena)
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. start
  • TV/streaming: live on FloWrestling

The same day as the Luther Open, one Hawkeye will be flying solo out in New Jersey.

That’s because Reese Larramendy has a premier matchup against 2024 Olympian Esther Kolawole at the 2025 NWCA All-Star Classic.

Kolawole – who enrolled at William Penn (IA) midway through last season – is among the best wrestlers in the world at her weight.

Last month, the Nigerian narrowly lost her bronze medal match at the Senior World Championships – finishing fifth at 62 kilograms.

She breezed through her competition on the way to an NAIA national title last spring and also has a hotly contested loss to Iowa alum Macey Kilty on her resume.

Point being, she’ll be favored against Larramendy – the 2024 NCWWC champion and third-place finisher last March.

This will be an exhibition bout that counts toward neither wrestler’s in-season record. Regardless, it represents a huge litmus test for Larramendy – who’s ranked #2 in the preseason NCAA Coaches Poll at 145.

If the Hawkeye is competitive – much less wins this match – it’d signify that she’s taken a real leap forward entering 2025-26.

The only other Iowa women’s wrestler to compete in the All-Star Classic was Marlynne Deede – a winner back in 2023:

November 2 (Sun) – All-Iowa Dual (Cornell College + Central College)

  • Location: Iowa City, IA (Carver-Hawkeye Arena)
  • Time: 2:00 p.m. start
  • TV/streaming: TBD (presumably Big Ten Plus)

Iowa’s first home dual(s) of the 2025-26 season will mark its earliest yet as a program.

A day after the Luther Hill Open/All-Star Classic, the Hawkeyes host a pair of in-state opponents at the “All-Iowa Dual.”

Cornell College returns to Iowa City after getting blanked 47-0 in 2024. They’ll be joined by Central College, who’s yet to face the Hawkeyes in a dual setting.

I won’t sugarcoat it – this should be a bloodbath.

But with Iowa football on a bye week, and women’s/men’s basketball not set to open their season(s) until November 3 and November 4 respectively, it’s a great chance to get over to Carver-Hawkeye Arena and support women’s wrestling as it embarks upon a historic season.

November 8 (Sat) – @ Waldorf University Open

  • Location: Forest City, IA (John K. Hansen Fieldhouse)
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. start
  • TV/streaming: TBD

A first for the Iowa program, the Waldorf University Open finds its way onto the 2025-26 schedule.

A three-and-a-half-hour trek from Iowa City, other notable (NCAA) tournament entries include #10 Wartburg and #17 Simpson.

NAIA #2 Grand View is also entered, as is #6 Doane (NE) – who’s highly ranked team is led by 2025 Team USA Senior World teamer Cristelle Rodriguez.

November 15 (Sat) – @ Throwdown on the Yorktown (#5 Presbyterian)

The season’s third weekend represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the Hawkeyes – and wrestling in general.

Iowa will dual against #5 Presbyterian (SC) – atop the flight deck of a World War II aircraft carrier.

(Yes, you’re reading that correctly.)

The second ‘Throwdown on the Yorktown’ is the occasion, with the Iowa/Presbyterian matchup among a card that features eight other men’s and women’s programs.

All will get the unique chance to compete outdoors, doing so on a Navy vessel commissioned way back in 1943.

Iowa is 2-0 all time against Presbyerian – who could very well be in team trophy contention come NCAAs next March.

November 16 (Sun) – @ Blue Hose Challenge

  • Location: Clinton, SC (Templeton Gymnasium)
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. start
  • TV/streaming: TBD

So as not to make a cross-country flight with just one dual (albeit an incredible opportunity) to show for it, Iowa will follow up the ‘Throwdown on the Yorktown’ with an appearance at the following day’s Blue Hose Challenge.

There, some 173 miles to the northwest, hosts Presbyterian will stage an open tournament featuring five Top 10 NCAA/NAIA programs.

The headliner (excluding Iowa) will be NAIA #1 Life University – who continues to do battle with the Hawkeyes on an annual basis.

These two crossed paths at a pair of open tournaments a year ago, plus a dual at Life’s home gym. And each time the Eagles come after Hawkeyes with both extreme motivation and top-shelf talent.

November 21-22 – @ Missouri Valley Open

  • Location: Marshall, MO (Burns Athletic Center)
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. start (both days)
  • TV/streaming: live on FloWrestling

Annually the toughest (or close to it) tournament on Iowa’s regular season schedule, this year’s Missouri Valley Open will present no less of a challenge.

At present, six of the Top 10, and 11 of the Top 25 ranked NCAA programs are entered – a list that includes neither first-year program Lehigh (a strong NCAA team trophy contender) nor Oklahoma State’s burgeoning club (more on that in a second).

And on the NAIA side, 10 of the Top 15 schools have this event on their 2025-26 schedule.

Yeah, it doesn’t get much tougher than this.

December 7 (Sun) – Home duals (Oklahoma State + #6 Colorado Mesa)

  • Iowa City, IA (Carver-Hawkeye Arena)
  • Time: 2:00 p.m. start
  • TV/streaming: TBD (presumably on Big Ten Plus)

I mentioned Oklahoma State a few sentences ago, and here the Cowgirls take center stage.

Iowa/Oklahoma State women’s wrestling – live at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

How cool is that?

I wrote at length about the significance of this first-of-its-kind meeting a few weeks ago and it still holds true.

Oklahoma State enters as ‘just’ a club program – albeit one with several highly ranked prospects littering its roster. But in the (hopefully near) future, that may not be the case.

Meanwhile, not to be overlooked is #6 Colorado Mesa – an established top-tier program visiting Iowa City for the first time.

For fans in attendance at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on December 7, you’ll get to witness not only a historic matchup but some darn good wrestling throughout the afternoon.

I know I can’t wait to see it.

December 11 (Thurs) – @ #2 Grand View (NAIA)

  • Location: Waukee, IA (Waukee Northwest HS)
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.
  • TV/streaming: TBD

Four days later at Waukee Northwest High School, Iowa will travel west for the rare weeknight dual.

Waiting for it will be NAIA #2 Grand View – the returning national team/dual runners up.

Per the Des Moines Register’s Eli McKown, Iowa/Grand View will be preceded by a marquee high school dual between Raccoon River and Ankeny – which finished first and second at the Class 2A Iowa State Tournament last season.

Here’s guessing just about all those high school athletes (and their families) will stick around to watch the nightcap. And the continued growth of/excitement behind women’s wrestling in the state of Iowa will only enhance further because of it.

December 14 (Sun) – @ North Central College Invitational

  • Location: Naperville, IL (Gregory Arena)
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. start
  • TV/streaming: TBD (was on Flo last year)

I touted the Missouri Valley Open as (potentially) the toughest regular season tournament on Iowa’s schedule. But if it isn’t, the North Central College Invitational can be the only other answer.

It may not be as big (just a one-day event), but as I noted last December, boy does it attract some heavy hitters – from the college ranks and beyond.

I’ve counted six of the top eight ranked NCAA programs scheduled to attend this year, plus another seven ranked between 14-25. Add in Oklahoma State and Menlo (the 2024 NAIA national champions who are ineligible for the postseason as they transition to NCAA D2 status) and you’ve already got a loaded field.

Throw another five Top 10 ranked (NAIA) teams into the mix and now things just get ridiculous.

Oh yeah, and the very next day Final Exam week begins at Iowa.

(As if there weren’t enough for the Hawkeyes to worry about already.)

January 9-10 (Fri/Sat) – NWCA National Duals

  • Cedar Falls, IA (UNI-Dome)
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. start
  • TV/streaming: live on FloWrestling

After nearly a month between competitions, Iowa will return to the mat post-Christmas break with a third-consecutive National Duals title on its mind.

A year ago, the Hawkeyes trounced all comers in Cedar Falls. But in 2024, it took everything they could muster to pull out a one-point finals victory over North Central.

I’m anticipating another difficult road awaiting the back-to-back champs this January, especially if #2 McKendree (IL) is at full strength.

January 17 (Sat) – @ Cliff Keen Mike Duroe Invitational

  • Location: Mount Vernon, IA (Small Athletic and Wellness Center)
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. start
  • TV/streaming: TBD (was on Flo last year)

Iowa kicks off another Saturday/Sunday doubleheader with its first-ever trip to the Cliff Keen Mike Duroe Invitational.

They won’t have to travel far, however, as Mount Vernon hosts the event just 25 miles down the road.

Expect a heavy presence of in-state schools – including #10 Wartburg, #17 Simpson and #22 Dubuque.

This could be an opportunity for many of Iowa’s back-ups to see their first live action in over a month.

January 18 (Sun) – Home Duals (Lehigh + #9 Otterbein University)

  • Iowa City, IA (Carver-Hawkeye Arena)
  • Time: 12:00 p.m. start
  • TV/streaming: (presumably on Big Ten Plus)

The following afternoon, Iowa hosts its third and final home dual(s) of the season – meaning it’ll also be Senior Day in Iowa City.

By this point, Lehigh will almost certainly be a Top 10 (if not Top 5) team in the NCAA rankings. The Mountain Hawks have four U20 World teamers on their inaugural varsity roster.

The headliner – Aubrey Jimenez – enters the collegiate ranks with a similar pedigree to that of Iowa’s Kennedy Blades and Kylie Welker.

So yeah, you won’t want to miss this one.

Meanwhile, #9 Otterbein earns its preseason ranking largely on the back of two-time national champion Olivia Shore.

Shore won her second NCWWC title last March, besting a field at 103 pounds that included a pair of Hawkeyes who finished third/fourth respectively.

Whomever gets the call for Iowa in this matchup will have no easy task on their hands.

January 24 (Sat) – @ Journeymen College Duals

  • Location: Albany, NY
  • Time: 12:45 p.m. start
  • TV/streaming: TBD (was on Flo last year)

The Hawkeyes wrap up a busy January with a return trip to Albany, New York.

Once again, the Empire State plays host to the Journeymen College Duals – where Iowa romped to a 4-0 showing last season.

This year’s round robin event features a quartet of intriguing opponents.

#15 Elmira (NY) and #21 Gannon (PA) enter the season ranked, but by late-January it’d be no surprise if Sacred Heart (CT) and King (TN) presented the stiffest test(s).

After a sixth-place finish at nationals in 2024, Sacred Heart had a down follow up in 2025. But the Pioneers still have some notable talent and could easily break well into the Top 25 this season.

King, on the other hand, continues to undergo a massive overhaul following last October’s departure of legendary coach Jason Moorman (and several of his top athletes) to Tarleton State (TX) – which could have its own NCAA Division I program as early as next year.

Bret Fry now steps into the full-time job at King following his time at prep powerhouse Wyoming Seminary.

With some talent still on the roster, plus some new faces in the mix, I expect King to become a ranked team in 2025-26.

February 7 (Sat) – @ Grand View Open

  • Des Moines, IA (Johnson Wellness Center and Dave Sisam Arena)
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. start
  • TV/streaming: TBD (was on Rokfin/IA Wrestle last year)

Iowa’s last (open) tournament of the year is another doozy.

The Grand View Open annually draws a loaded field – perhaps as one final proving ground before postseason lineups are decided.

This year looks to be no different, with #7 Fort Hays State (KS), #15 Quincy (IL) and Lehigh all joining Iowa as notable NCAA entries.

A trio of Top 5 NAIA programs add to the firepower.

This event has also been known for attracting some elite high school and/or senior-level competitors.

The 2025 edition was certainly no exception – as Iowa produced an impressive five individual champions.

We’ll have to see what type of crew the Hawkeyes send this season. Because unlike years past, they’ve got another marquee event 24 hours later.

February 8th – @ “For Her Duals”

  • Location: Coralville, IA (Xtreme Arena)
  • Time: All day
  • TV/streaming: TBD

With schedule changes/conflict forcing the Iowa women to end their participation in the Soldier Salute, a brand-new event was quickly established at the same location to ensure the Hawkeyes (and women’s wrestling) would continue to bring an annual top-tier competition to Xtream Arena in Coralville.

The “For Her Duals” was the result and will begin this season with a loaded field.

I wrote more about the event’s inception and its top-tier teams back in early September.

To summarize, placement within a pair of four-team pools (one NCAA, one NAIA) will determine the subsequent cross-division matchups.

Iowa’s chief competition will be #2 McKendree – in what could easily be a rematch from the National Duals final. The Hawkeyes will also face #14 William Jewell (MO) and Ursinus (PA).

Meanwhile, the NAIA pool features four different Top 8 preseason squads led by #1 Life (GA) and #5 William Penn – either of which could be a handful for Iowa if they’re at full strength.

It’s truthfully an embarrassment of riches, especially given the short notice on which this event was established. And Josh Schamberger and all the folks at the Iowa City Area Sports Commission deserve huge props for their efforts to make it happen.

February 21 (Sat) – @ NCAA Regional Championships

  • Location: Indianola, IA (Cowles Fieldhouse)
  • Time: All day
  • TV/streaming: TBD (was on Rokfin/IA Wrestle last year)

The inaugural NCAA Championship season means we’ll get a slightly different postseason format in 2026.

Still here are regional qualifying tournaments. But now, only the top three placers at each weight will qualify for the national tournament. And teams can only enter 10 wrestlers (one per weight class).

In years past, wrestlers had to place in the top four and teams could enter up to 15 athletes.

(I type all of this through gritted teeth, BTW.)

Another thing that remains the same is Iowa’s regional site – as it’ll head to Indianola and hosts Simpson College for the third time in as many years.

The rest of the field looks to be similar, if slightly larger than the 2025 version based upon these proposed regional assignments.

Given its format, this will always be a nervy experience – especially if a wrestler drops to the consolations.

Fortunately, none of Iowa’s 15 entries experienced those nerves last season. Whichever combination of 10 Hawkeyes gets the call in 2026 will be hoping to repeat their performance.

March 6-7 (Fri/Sat) – @ NCAA Championships

  • Location: Coralville, IA (Xtream Arena)
  • Time: All Day
  • TV/streaming: TBD (was on Flo last year)

Finally, we’ve come to the grand finale.

180 women will qualify for the first-ever officially sanctioned NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships in March.

Assuming 10 Hawkeyes are among them, they’ll get the chance to make history (yet again) in this rapidly growing sport.

The first NCAA qualifier, the first NCAA All-American, the first individual NCAA champ, the first NCAA team title – all will be on the table just down the road at Xtream Arena.

As has been the case with every preceding year in recent memory, the talent across the women’s college landscape is ever improving.

So, whomever represents Iowa at the national tournament this spring will do so against the program’s greatest collective challenge yet.

(And I do expect the Hawkeyes to be challenged in a major way come March 6-7.)

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