Wrestling with Greatness: NCAA D1 Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey, stuffing, and pretending to enjoy Aunt Carol’s cranberry surprise. For wrestling fans, it’s a time to feast on some of the best action NCAA D1 has to offer. Week 4 served up an incredible spread of tournaments, duals, and roster battles that had us asking: why isn’t there a national holiday to honor college wrestling? Let’s call it “The Thanks-for-Wrestling Feast,” complete with parades, pies, and endless replays of heavyweight bouts.
As the action unfolded across mats nationwide, one thing became clear: the competition is heating up faster than a post-tournament buffet line. Here’s a look at the week’s standout moments, served with a side of humor and just the right amount of drama.
The Dual of the Year (of the Week): UNI vs. SDSU
In what can only be described as a wrestling rollercoaster, the Northern Iowa Panthers edged out South Dakota State’s Jackrabbits in a 16-15 nailbiter under the UNI-Dome’s massive roof. Wrestling in a football dome? Bold move. Wrestling so well that every single point mattered? Legendary.
Each team claimed five victories, keeping fans on the edge of their seats (or bleachers) for all ten bouts. The Panthers clinched victory via criteria, outscoring SDSU 62-51 in match points. It was a night to remember, not just because of the tiebreaker, but also thanks to UNI’s Parker Keckeisen. The defending national champ outdueled SDSU’s Bennett Berge in a top-five clash at 184 pounds, cementing his status as a dominant force.
UNI’s win was a tribute to the power of teamwork, precision, and a well-timed home-court advantage—plus, it didn’t hurt that the crowd of 3,307 made their voices heard. Wrestling in the dome turned out to be a slam dunk. Or should we say, a pin?
Penn State’s All-You-Can-Wrestle Buffet
Penn State rolled into the Black Knight Invitational like a heavyweight at an all-you-can-eat dinner, entering multiple wrestlers per weight class and leaving little on the table. The Nittany Lions showcased their depth by dominating the tournament, all while sorting out internal roster battles.
At 125 pounds, freshman phenom Luke Lilledahl bested veteran Kurt McHenry, solidifying his claim to the starting spot. Over at 157, Tyler Kasak edged out Alex Facundo in a head-to-head final, proving that intra-squad rivalries can be as intense as any dual meet.
And then there’s 197 pounds, where redshirt freshman Josh Barr bulldozed his way to a title with two pins and two majors. With performances like that, Barr isn’t just making a case for the lineup—he’s putting the rest of the country on notice.
Corn and Combat: Iowa vs. Iowa State
The CyHawk rivalry continued its reign as one of wrestling’s greatest spectacles. Iowa extended its dominance over Iowa State with a 21-15 victory, marking their 20th consecutive win in the series. While the Cyclones fought valiantly, the Hawkeyes proved once again that they’re as tough as the Midwest weather.
Highlights included true freshman Angelo Ferrari snagging his first collegiate win, Drake Ayala’s thrilling victory over All-American Evan Frost, and Stephen Buchanan’s 10-0 shutout at 197 pounds to seal the deal for the Hawkeyes. The real winner, though? Corn, which got plenty of shoutouts from both fanbases.
Gable Steveson: The Return of a Legend
Hold onto your singlets, folks—Gable Steveson is back. The two-time NCAA champ and Olympic gold medalist returned to the mat for Minnesota, picking up two technical falls in his first weekend back. His dominant performance reminded everyone why he’s a generational talent and added a little extra star power to a Golden Gophers squad that shut out both North Dakota State and Campbell.
Gable’s return isn’t just a win for Minnesota; it’s a win for college wrestling as a whole. His charisma, athleticism, and ability to make tech falls look effortless bring a level of excitement that’s hard to match. Welcome back, champ. The mat missed you.
The Keystone Classic: Philly Wrestling at Its Finest
In the historic Palestra, Lock Haven walked away with the team title, fueled by four individual champions. Virginia Tech and Penn also had strong showings, with standout performances from Caleb Henson, Hunter Catka, and Max Gallagher. Bonus points for the hospitality room, which remains undefeated in the eyes of everyone lucky enough to attend.
Heavyweights and Heavy Metal
In a lighter (or heavier) moment, Iowa State was compared to Slipknot in a fun mashup of wrestling and music. Why? Because they’re both from Iowa, they wear matching outfits, and they bring a level of intensity that’s unmatched. The analogy might be a stretch, but hey—when you’re covering this much action, you’ve got to have a little fun.
Final Thoughts: Wrestling Season Feels Like a Holiday
As we dive into Thanksgiving and the heart of the NCAA wrestling season, it’s clear that college wrestling is more than a sport—it’s a spectacle. From intense rivalries to breakout performances, every match tells a story of grit, determination, and just a little bit of chaos.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who loves a good underdog story, this week proved once again why wrestling deserves its own holiday. Because honestly, who wouldn’t want to celebrate “The Thanks-for-Wrestling Feast” every November? Pass the gravy—and the takedowns.