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In the upcoming showdown between Oklahoma State and Iowa, both teams have demonstrated strength across five weight classes. However, the matchups involve more than just their rankings. Here’s a look at the compelling narratives and essential information on each of the twenty anticipated starters competing this Sunday.

125 Pounds: No. 4 Troy Spratley vs. No. 16 Joey Cruz

This year has seen significant growth for both Troy Spratley and Joey Cruz. Spratley, a redshirt sophomore for Oklahoma State, has transitioned from a respectable Round of 12 competitor last season to a formidable title challenger. Conversely, Cruz, also a redshirt sophomore for Iowa, shifted from backup duties to a position where he is poised to make an impact at the national tournament.

As the two face off, they will compete in a true test of their capabilities in a match that could determine the fate of their teams. Spratley holds a distinct advantage with a 16-3 record, boasting earlier season victories against All-American Eddie Ventresca, Caleb Smith, and Jore Volk. Meanwhile, Cruz stands at 10-7 but has impressively defeated top-20 opponents such as No. 17 Cooper Flynn and No. 18 Nicolar Rivera.

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Spratley must not underestimate Cruz; if opportunities for bonus points arise, he must capitalize on them. In a dual where every match and point counts, Spratley is expected to lead his team early, securing at least a 3-0 advantage for the Cowboys.

133 Pounds: No. 21 Reece Witcraft vs. No. 2 Drake Ayala

The matchup at 133 pounds mirrors the previous weight class but favors Iowa this time. Iowa’s No. 2 Drake Ayala enters this bout with a clear advantage on paper, yet Witcraft is not to be underestimated; he possesses the scrappy tenacity that could pose challenges for Ayala.

Witcraft and Ayala previously faced each other at 125 pounds in 2022, where Ayala secured a 17-6 victory. Witcraft now steps into the 133-pound role previously held by four-time NCAA finalist Daton Fix, bringing sharpened skills into this matchup.

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Currently boasting a record of 14-1 with his only defeat coming from Stanford’s No. 6 Tyler Knox, Ayala has proven to be a force. Witcraft’s record stands at 9-4, featuring wins over ranked competitors including No. 16 Jacob Van Dee and No. 22 Cleveland Belton. While Ayala is favored, the match promises to be competitive, especially at Carver-Hawkeye Arena where he’s expected to go for bonus points.

141 Pounds: No. 5 Tagen Jamison vs. Cullan Schriever

The 141-pound division showcases the most significant disparity in rankings between Oklahoma State and Iowa, with the Cowboys fielding No. 5 Tagen Jamison against Iowa’s Cullan Schriever. However, I believe it unlikely that bonus points will be scored in this bout compared to the previous weight classes.

Iowa’s Cullan Schriever must avoid being pinned, as he has shown he can compete closely against top-tier grapplers, suffering only narrow defeats in recent encounters. Despite dropping decisions to All-American athletes, Schriever has proven resilient.

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Tagen Jamison has established himself as a significant contender this season, boasting a 14-3 record with impressive victories over All-American Sam Latona and Brock Hardy. As a clear favorite in this match, he will aim for bonus points, while Schriever’s goal will be to remain competitive and keep the score close.

149 Pounds: No. 18 Carter Young vs. No. 3 Kyle Parco

If the rankings hold true in the early rounds, we could witness a split between the two teams at weights 125, 133, and 141 pounds, with Oklahoma State taking the first and last of these. Iowa’s talented middleweight Kyle Parco is expected to shine at 149 pounds, matching up against Carter Young from Oklahoma State.

In his time with the Cowboys, Young has demonstrated consistency, qualifying for the national tournament twice and currently holding a 10-9 record featuring a notable win over No. 10 Colin Realbuto of Northern Iowa.

In contrast, Parco is considered a tier above with four All-American honors and a victory over No. 4 Ridge Lovett of Nebraska this season. This matchup may present the ideal opportunity for Parco to showcase his skills and potentially win by bonus points, aiming to maintain an undefeated record at home in his final year.

157 Pounds: No. 14 Caleb Fish vs. No. 3 Jacori Teemer

This match serves as the significant wildcard in the dual, contrasting with the clearer favorites in other bouts. Oklahoma State’s Caleb Fish, a senior with a commendable 16-6 record, has shown remarkable improvement and has notable wins against highly ranked opponents.

On the flip side, Iowa’s No. 3 Jacori Teemer has recently returned from an injury setback and holds a record of 2-1 since his comeback. While Teemer remains ranked, his prior top position has shifted, leading to questions about his current form against Fish, who is eager to prove himself.

These considerations make for an intriguing match-up. Will Fish be able to compete with Teemer if he’s only at 80%? This will be a critical clash between a rising star and a proven veteran.

165 Pounds: No. 6 Cameron Amine vs. No. 2 Michael Caliendo

In the 165-pound clash, Oklahoma State’s Cameron Amine will face Iowa’s Michael Caliendo, who has shown remarkable scoring prowess recently. With two prior meetings ending in Caliendo’s favor, Amine will be keen to measure where he stands against the elite of his division.

Caliendo has been racking up points in his matches, retaining an impressive rhythm. Amine, gaining from his coaching staff, will look to disrupt Caliendo’s game plan and challenge him effectively in this crucial battle.

174 Pounds: No. 3 Dean Hamiti vs. either Patrick Kennedy or Nelson Brands

The matchup at 174 pounds remains uncertain, with Iowa potentially featuring either Patrick Kennedy, who holds a 10-3 record, or Nelson Brands, a 4-1 competitor returning from suspension. Both wrestlers are solid choices but will face a tall order against the dynamic Dean Hamiti, who boasts an impressive 18-0 record.

Hamiti has been dominant in his new weight class and possesses the attributes to outpace either Iowa wrestler. This bout has the potential to shift the momentum in favor of the Cowboys depending on Hamiti’s performance.

184 Pounds: No. 3 Dustin Plott vs. Gabe Arnold or Angelo Ferrari

The 184-pound bout is another area of uncertainty for Iowa, with Gabe Arnold listed as a probable starter. However, there’s also speculation that highly promising freshman Angelo Ferrari may make his debut. Regardless of who takes the mat, they will be challenged by No. 3 Dustin Plott, who is currently holding a strong record.

While Arnold has experience against Plott, Ferrari’s recent performance indicates he could present an unexpected challenge. This match is pivotal for Iowa and may determine the flow of the dual meet.

197 Pounds: No. 6 Luke Surber vs. No. 1 Stephen Buchanan

As Iowa’s lone No. 1-ranked wrestler, Stephen Buchanan faces a challenging outing against the formidable Luke Surber. With an unbeaten record, Buchanan’s task will be to gain as much leverage as possible heading into heavyweight, where Oklahoma State can score crucial points.

Buchanan’s past encounters with Surber suggest a competitive match, but he has demonstrated the capacity to deliver high-stakes performances. This contest will serve as an opportunity for him to solidify his reputation ahead of the national championship.

285 Pounds: No. 3 Wyatt Hendrickson vs. No. 11 Ben Kueter

In the heavyweight finale, Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson stands tall at 17-0 with an impressive 88% bonus point rate. Known for his scoring ability, Hendrickson will look to add to his team’s tally in this critical moment.

The challenge lies with Iowa’s Ben Kueter, who, while competent, finds himself at a disadvantage in experience and size. It will be vital for Iowa to establish an advantage heading into this match, as Kueter aims to hold his ground against a seasoned competitor.

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