Iowa preseason lineup
The 2024/2025 season is almost upon us and the lineup has really taken shape in the last couple months. While A few questions remain, this version of the Hawkeyes is looking really solid. With All-Americans Drake Ayala, Nelson Brands, and Michael Caliendo all returning. Iowa has bolstered there lineup through the transfer portal, picking up All-Americans Kyle Parco, Jacori Teemer, and Steven Buchanan! With Gabe Arnold and Ben Kueter coming off of redshirt, this team is suddenly a legit title contender.
Here is our projected lineup, always subject to change by the day.
125- Drake Ayala, Drake had an impressive season last year going 27-5 and finishing as the NCAA runner up. He had quality wins over Matt Ramos and Braeden Davis. Drake will be back looking to win his first NCAA title. There is speculation that Drake may be moving up to 133 this season. If that is the case, Joey Cruz or Jesse Ybarra could fill the spot.
133- Kale Peterson, Kale had an interesting year last season putting together a 6-4 record with 5 wins by bonus point. The highlight of his season was defeating NO. 12 Angelo Rini at the Soldier Salute. Kale has a ton of potential it will be interesting to see what he can do. Cullan Schriever is another talented wrestler that may wind up at 133. Keep in mind that Drake may be moving into the weight class here.
141- This weight class is somewhat wide open. Lots of rumors going around in Iowa City. Many speculate that Cullan Schriever is moving up into this spot. Others believe that Ryder Block is coming down to man the weight class. and others have stated that Victor Voinovich will get the nod here. All 3 of these kids have a ton of potential and it will be exciting to see it all shake up. My belief is Ryder Block will eventually earn the spot.
149- Kyle Parco, Kyle is an excellent pickup for the Hawkeyes. A Greco Roman specialist who has already earned 4 All-American honors at Arizona State. Caleb Rathjen is another talented wrestler that will see action at either 149 or 157.
157- Jacori Teemer, is another Arizona State transfer and a returning NCAA finalist. With rumors of Levi Haines moving to 174, Teemer will likely be the number 1 ranked wrestler at the start of the season. I expect Caleb Rathjen to see action at the weight as well.
165- Michael Caliendo, is pretty set in stone here, another returning all American, placing fourth in the NCAA championships last year. Defeating No. 3 seed Julian Ramirez (Cornell) was a big win along with No. 7 Izzak Olejnik (Oklahoma state) and ending the season with a 28-6 record, we are safe in saying he will stay where he is. I expect Caliendo to start the year ranked 2nd in the class. Patrick Kennedy is another talented wrestler who could see action here.
174- Gabe Arnold, is the future of the weight class, and is a serious threat for an NCAA title. Unfortunately for him 174 is the most talent rich weight class in the country. Even with that said Arnold will be in the mix fighting for a spot on the podium in March. Nelson Brands is a returning All-American at the weight and is back for his senior season. It’s hard to say who wins this wrestle off, however I eventually see Brands sliding into the 184 spot.
184- Nelson Brands, Nelson is back for his senior season after finishing 5th a season ago. Nelson also has 2 wins over the returning NCAA finalist at the weight. I expect a huge year for Nelson and a top 3 finish at the NCAA tournament. Angelo Ferarri is also joining the team and is a blue chip recruit. With Nelson being somewhat prone to injury, I expect to see Angelo in the Iowa lineup from time to time.
197- Steven Buchanan, Steven is a serious title contender and will be looking at a top 3 finish. The weight class has changed a bit from last season with the addition of 4X NCAA Champion Carter Starocci, and returning NCAA Champion AJ Ferarri. Either way I see Buchanan as a top contender in March. Last season he was 29-3, and is already a 3x All-American.
285- Ben Kueter, Ben had a flawless high school record going 111-0 with 74 pins. He is also a returning world champion and was the top recruit in the country. Last season he was 3-1 losing only to NCAA Champion Greg Kervliet. Ben has all the potential in the world. However he is quite small for heavyweight, walking around at 230 lbs inthe 285 lb weight class. Gage Marty could also see action this season.
Conclusion:
This Hawkeye team is rock solid with a ton of depth. A few weight classes still need decided, and we will see a lot of new faces in the lineup this year. I fully expect a top 2 finish, and we should have 8 All-Americans, with 5 contending for an NCAA title.