Undefeated at home. Biggest Iowa defeat in over 60 years. John Smith in attendance. David Taylor’s squad has not dropped off at all. Cowboy wrestling is in the best shape it has been in years.
STILLWATER, Okla. — In a TV made display of a collegiate wrestling showdown, the No. 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys secured a commanding 32-11 victory over the No. 7 Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday evening, February 22, 2026, inside Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
The dual meet, a rivalry between two powerhouse programs, drew a massive crowd of 12,629 fans, the fourth-largest attendance in Oklahoma State wrestling history, creating an atmosphere that amped the intensity on the mat.
Prior to the action, enthusiastic Cowboy supporters gathered for a football-esque tailgate outside the arena, building anticipation for what would become a memorable night. This win not only avenged OSU’s earlier season loss to Iowa but also marked the Cowboys’ largest margin of victory over the Hawkeyes in over 65 years, dating back to a 25-2 triumph in 1961.
Furthermore, it preserved Oklahoma State’s undefeated home record in Gallagher-Iba this season, where the Cowboys remain unbeatable under head coach David Taylor.
The Cowboys wasted no time asserting dominance, bursting out to an early 14-0 lead after the first three bouts.
At 125 pounds, No. 7 Troy Spratley edged No. 6 Dean Peterson 5-3 in a tightly contested decision, highlighted by an early takedown and crucial riding time. True freshman sensation Jax Forrest followed at 133 pounds with a dominant 19-3 technical fall over No. 9 Drake Ayala, with relentless scrambles and back points that hyped the crowd.
Sergio Vega then capped the opening surge at 141 pounds with a pin over Kale Peterson, escaping quickly in the third period before securing the fall amid cheers and falling confetti.
Iowa, refusing to fold, mounted a spirited comeback in the middle weights, narrowing the gap and adding drama into the dual.
At 149 pounds, No. 18 Ryder Block delivered Iowa’s first points with a 19-4 technical fall over Kolter Burton, using takedowns to build an insurmountable lead.
The Hawkeyes continued their push at 165 pounds, where No. 4 Mikey Caliendo outlasted No. 2 Ladarion Lockett 4-2 in a gritty, low-scoring affair decided by a single second-period takedown and stalling warnings.
Patrick Kennedy added to Iowa’s momentum at 174 pounds, defeating No. 7 Alex Facundo 8-3 with hard hand fighting and a late takedown, bringing the score to 17-11 and keeping the outcome in doubt.
However, Oklahoma State halted Iowa’s resurgence and finished strong, pulling away decisively in the upper weights.
Several matchups throughout the night were razor close, making it known that the level of competition was worth the Sunday evening squeeze.
The 184-pound bout between No. 9 Zack Ryder and Gabe Arnold went to overtime, with Ryder prevailing 2-1 on a stall call after a scoreless first period and minimal action. This nail biter shifted momentum back to OSU.
The last two matchups were dominated by the Cowboys, providing a fun exclamation point if you were wearing orange.
At 197 pounds, No. 7 Cody Merrill pinned Brody Sampson after building a 6-2 lead with takedowns, extending the score to 26-11.
Heavyweight No. 8 Konner Doucet then sealed the rout with a pin over Gage Marty in the third period, following controlling takedowns and back points, finalizing the 32-11 tally.
The fans’ energy was like I’ve never seen for a wrestling match, with the sold out crowd roaring during key moments and celebrating with “Funkytown” blaring over the speakers.
This victory boosted Oklahoma State’s record to 15-1, solidifying their status as a national contender.
Looking ahead, Oklahoma State turns its focus to the Big 12 Championships on March 7-8, where they aim to claim the conference title and build momentum for the NCAA Championships on March 19-21.
At nationals, the Cowboys could face interesting rematches, including potential showdowns with Iowa standouts like Ayala or Kennedy, or clashes against top teams like Penn State and Michigan for a shot at improving on last year’s third place finish and pursuing their 35th team title.
For Iowa, now 12-5, the loss serves as a tune-up before the grueling Big Ten Championships on March 7-8, a conference loaded with talent that will test their depth.
Success there could position the Hawkeyes for strong seeding at the NCAA Championships, where they might seek redemption against OSU or challenge perennial favorites like Penn State for a podium spot.
Both teams’ paths promise more high stakes wrestling as the postseason unfolds.