The 125lb weight bracket in the USA’s collegiate wrestling scene is one of the most exciting things the sport has to offer. The chaotic weight class saw 7 different wrestlers earn the #1 spot in the 2023-24 NCAA season. Naturally, anticipation for a similarly thrilling upcoming season also has the fans on their toes. Iowa’s Drake Ayala is a frequent topic in conversations on which collegiate stars could steal the show in the 2024-25 season. But will he be seen in the black and golden hues one more time?

The 2023-24 NCAA runner-up in the 125lb division, Drake Ayala, is one of the most promising wrestlers in the country. Naturally, seeing his career flourish under the tutelage of celebrity Hawkeyes head coach Tom Brands has been a joy to watch for fans. But with new rumors floating ahead of the new season, fans think Ayala should turn his eye beyond the Iowa River.

Iowa’s star wrestler Drake Ayala overshadowed by new signing?

A wrestling enthusiast going by the name of Urban Cowboy took to X on August 27 to bring startling news to the fore. According to the 2001 Novice State Runner-Up’s latest update, Ayala is paid significantly less than some of the new wrestlers who are set to join the Hawkeyes squad for the new season. Arizona Sun Devils’ Jacori Teemer is expected to join the Iowa wrestling team with a beefier contract than Ayala. “If the rumors are true and Drake Ayala is only getting $100k, and Iowa is paying Teemer and Parco $500k,” states the X post bluntly, claiming that the two-time Fargo Junior Freestyle Champion deserves better.

Asserting that such a move by the authorities could prompt the 22-year-old to find himself a new home, the recent post goes on: “That’s a ridiculous gap, shows how much they appreciate his commitment and loyalty.” Ayala has spent two years at the University of Iowa and boasts some impressive stats, including being placed third at the 2024 Big Ten Championships and an 18-5 record against ranked opponents this last season.

For obvious reasons, learning about the wrestler’s low pay isn’t sitting well with fans, and Urban’s statement on X has opened the floodgates to flocks of fans rushing in to express their displeasure over the matter.

Wrestling fans not on board with Iowa’s treatment of its recruit

Some fans believe such a rumor could make Iowa look pretty bad right now and can even seriously hamper the program’s objective of becoming one of the best in the country. Colin thinks the rumors, if true, can bring a lot of damaging implications for the Hawkeyes and commented, “Top high school recruits will stop signing with Iowa. They show no loyalty to recruits and pay them less than transfers.“ Iowa finished the 2023-24 season in fifth place in the NCAA Championships, and this fan thinks it’ll become an even tougher climb with Ayala’s payment details now out in the open.

The Hawkeyes finished fourth at the 2024 Big Ten Championships. However, considering the powerhouse that Iowa is, such results are far from enough to satiate the fans of the program. And yet, Tom Brands’ relentless pursuit to make Iowa a formidable force once again could be hampering the program itself, think some fans. “Brands is slowly killing Iowa wrestling to just finish in the top 5 the next few years,“ grumbled Colin in the comment section.

Another fan thinks this is why Iowa remains an underperforming team in the NCAA circuit despite having talented stars on its roster. If athletes aren’t paid in parity with their talent, the fan posits Iowa shouldn’t expect the wrestlers to perform tremendously well. “I hate the Hawks, and all my homies hate the Hawks,“ reads the comment of the frustrated wrestling follower.

“Amen brother!!” said David who also thinks Ayala shouldn’t be vilified if he indeed wishes to leave Iowa for a college that is willing to recognize his skills on the mat. Ayala is the second-ranked wrestler in the 125lb weight bracket in the country, and Iowa should ensure he stays with the team if Brands wishes to see the Hawkeyes go toe-to-toe with the likes of Penn State and OSU in the upcoming season.

Noting how Drake has proved his worth more impressively than many senior stars on Iowa’s wrestling team, Ronald thinks ensuring a fair payment to the star should be warranted without debate. “He’s earned it more than these guys who won’t hold up on a big10 schedule in their 6th yrs!” commented the furious fan, who urged another passionate Iowa fan, Bob Nicholls, to intervene to make sure Ayala doesn’t leave the Hawkeyes’ campus.

How do you feel seeing Drake Ayala being shoved to the side with new transfers on their way to Iowa? Share your thoughts with a comment!