Bedlam returns to the mat on Sunday as Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will square off inside Gallagher-Iba Arena
STILLWATER, Okla. — The Bedlam rivalry, one of the most intense in college sports, reignites this Sunday, January 11, 2026, as the No. 5 Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-1) welcome the No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners (7-1) to Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater for the 190th meeting in their wrestling series.
Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. CT, and with both teams ranked in the top 15, this Big 12 clash promises high-stakes action on the mat.
For OSU head coach David Taylor, in his second season, this marks his first home Bedlam dual—a milestone in a series where the Cowboys have historically dominated, leading all-time with a commanding 149-27-10 record.
Oklahoma State enters as heavy favorites, boasting higher-ranked wrestlers in nine of the ten weight classes.
The Cowboys, defending Big 12 champions, have been road warriors this season, securing just their second home dual after an early November opener.
Their lone loss came against a top-tier opponent, but they’ve rebounded with impressive depth, particularly from a mix of transfers and freshmen.
Standouts include true freshmen like Sergio Vega at 141 and LaDarion Lockett at 165, both undefeated and eyeing national titles. OSU’s experience shines at heavier weights, with seniors like Konner Doucet at 285 providing stability.
On the other side, the Sooners have shown resilience with a 7-1 mark, their only blemish a narrow defeat in a tough tournament field.
Under head coach Lou Rosselli, OU has built momentum through transfers and young talent, but they’ll need upsets to challenge OSU’s firepower.
Key for Oklahoma will be capitalizing on their strengths in the middle weights, where wrestlers like Carter Schubert at 174 could swing team points.
Diving into the weight-by-weight breakdowns, the action starts at 125 pounds with OSU’s No. 7 Troy Spratley, a returning NCAA finalist, facing OU’s No. 24 Conrad Hendricksen or freshman Sebastien Degennaro.
Spratley holds a 2-0 edge over Hendricksen from last year and is poised for bonus points. At 133, the Cowboys’ options include 2024 champ Richard Figueroa II or freshman Ronnie Ramirez against unranked Sooners like Tyson Charmoli, potentially a coin flip if Figueroa isn’t at full strength.
The 141 matchup features OSU’s No. 2 Vega, an 8-0 phenom with wins over All-Americans, against No. 25 Tyler Wells or Alex Braun from OU.
Vega’s dominance makes him a heavy favorite for a major decision.
At 149, No. 18 Casey Swiderski (OSU) takes on Jack Gioffre or Hunter Hollingsworth; Swiderski’s recent form gives him the edge, but he can’t afford complacency.
Midway through, 157 pits OSU’s No. 6 Landon Robideau, averaging over 14 points per match, against unranked Layton Schneider or Landyn Sommer, expect Robideau to pile on the score. The 165 class showcases No. 2 Lockett (OSU) versus Peyten Kellar or Bryce Burkett, with Lockett’s perfect record and All-American scalps making him a bonus-point threat.
The lone weight favoring OU is 174, where No. 7 Carter Schubert battles No. 12 Alex Facundo (OSU). Schubert’s tournament title and wins over top foes could deliver crucial points for the Sooners.
At 184, it’s a tight No. 10 Zach Ryder (OSU) vs. No. 11 Brian Soldano; Ryder’s home advantage might tip the scales in a battle of transfers.
Heavyweight fireworks loom at 197 with No. 8 Cody Merrill (OSU) against No. 9 DJ Parker or Anthony Harris Jr. Parker’s experience clashes with Merrill’s rookie prowess in a podium-caliber showdown.
Finally, 285 features No. 7 Konner Doucet (OSU) vs. No. 23 Juan Mora, where Doucet’s senior savvy could seal the dual.
While OSU is projected to win convincingly, perhaps 28-9 or better, the rivalry’s unpredictability, fueled by Bedlam’s electric atmosphere, means anything can happen. Fans should watch for upsets at 174 and 197, where OU could steal momentum.
With national implications on the line ahead of the March Big 12 Championships in Tulsa, this Bedlam bout is must-see for wrestling enthusiasts.