Story by NU Athletic Communications
The No. 4 Nebraska wrestling team (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten) returns home to host Wyoming (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) and No. 25 Northern Iowa (1-3), 0-0 Big 12) in a triangular on Saturday, Jan. 6. Action is slated to begin with Wyoming and Northern Iowa facing off at 12 p.m. (CT), before the Huskers meet the Cowboys at 1:30 p.m. (CT) and wrestle the Panthers at 3 p.m. (CT). Both Husker duals will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.
When the Huskers face the Cowboys, four of 10 bouts will potentially feature matchups between ranked wrestlers. Against Northern Iowa, the Big Red could face ranked opponents in seven matches. Nine Huskers enter the weekend ranked, including returning All-Americans No. 1 Ridge Lovett (149), No. 3 Peyton Robb (157) and No. 6 Brock Hardy (141). The All-American trio boasts an overall record of 34-3, as Lovett and Robb are both undefeated on the season.
Nebraska and Wyoming meet for the 54th time in series history on Saturday. The Huskers lead the all-time series, 39-14-0, and have won the last nine matchups. Against Northern Iowa, NU has won the last 12 duals between the two teams, but UNI leads the overall series, 18-30-1.
Last Time Out: The Huskers used a pin and five wins by decision to defeat No. 14 South Dakota State, 21-17, at the Devaney Center in front of 2,401 fans on Saturday night.
Up Next: The Huskers are back in action against No. 3 Iowa on Jan. 12 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The dual is set to start at 6 p.m. (CT) and will air nationally on the Big Ten Network with Shane Sparks and Tim Johnson on the call.
Nebraska’s Projected Lineup:125 - #3 Caleb Smith (13-1)133 – Kyle Burwick (3-2) or #32 Jacob Van Dee (10-4)141 - #6 Brock Hardy (9-3) or Blake Cushing (11-3)149 - #1 Ridge Lovett (12-0) or Scott Robertson (1-5)157 - #3 Peyton Robb (13-0)165 - #21 Antrell Taylor (9-2)174 - #33 Bubba Wilson (7-4) or Elise Brown Ton (16-5)184 - #4 Lenny Pinto197 - #11 Silas Allred (11-3)HWT – Harley Andrews (8-8) or Nash Hutmacher (0-0)
Wyoming’s Projected Lineup:125 - #8 Jore Volk (14-4) or Dylan Catlin (1-2)133 – Cooper Birdwell (8-9) or Garrett Ricks (6-5)141 – #31 Cole Brooks (7-2) or Stockton O’Brien (10-6)149 – #23 Gabe Willochell (11-5)157 – Cooper Voorhees (6-10) or Sloan Swan (7-4)165 – Brett McIntosh (6-10)174 – Kevin Anderson (0-0)184 – Quayin Short (6-9) or Tyce Raddon (8-7)197 – #21 Joey Novak (15-7)HWT – Mason Ding (2-3) or Lane Catlin (0-2)
Northern Iowa’s Projected Lineup:125 – #26 Trever Anderson (6-5) or Garret Rinken (8-5)133 – #22 Julian Farber (9-5)141 – #8 Cael Happel (9-4)149 – Adam Allard (4-4) or Cael Rahnavardi (6-7)157 - #13 Ryder Downey (7-4)165 – RJ Weston (18-3) or Jack Thomsen (7-4)174 – #30 Jared Simma (7-4)184 – #1 Parker Keckeisen (13-0)197 – Kalob Runyon (5-5) or #19 Wyatt Voelker (7-2)HWT – #17 Tyrell Gordon (2-1)