Iowa wrestling fans were puzzled when head coach Tom Brands appeared to go about a reverse of his early 184-pound scheme. It was long-rumored that Angelo Ferrari would have five duals in him, with Gabe Arnold being held in reserve for high-profile duals. Still, that ploy collapsed when Ferrari was removed in a bout with Carter Starocci, a move that failed almost immediately.

Now, just a week after Ferrari’s 2-1 loss at Starocci and 30-8 loss at the hands of Iowa, the Hawkeyes have restored Arnold to the lineup for today’s dual with Maryland, in a move effectively countering Brands’ first statement. Is that rapid turn-around a part of the scheme all along, or has the Hawkeyes been reduced to a desperate reaction?

Before the dual with Penn State, Brands specifically stated that Arnold was their 184 but that they have to “load manage” him for big events. That terminology, taken directly from the NBA, elicited a lot of eyebrows, for, in general, one doesn’t use such a phrase in wrestling. Brands assured that Ferrari’s five contests would be utilized wisely, not at the expense of less talented competition. Yet, with Arnold returning to competition for what will most likely be an unchallenging bout with Maryland, overnight, it seems, the scheme changed.

This decision only fueled speculations—most recently, following Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson’s reaction to having Arnold sit out for Starocci. Sanderson wasn’t surprised, speculating trash talk and past rivalry could have played a part in not proceeding with it. For years, including high school, Arnold trash-talked about beating down Starocci and even guaranteed a win in anticipation of about. That assurance wasn’t questioned, with Ferrari taking to the mat in its place.

A strategy reorientation or a backlash to overwhelming Penn State?

With Arnold returning to start at Maryland, one can’t help but wonder: Was it planned all along, or did Ferrari have a loss of faith in him? With wanting to save Arnold for big games, not having him return for a lesser opponent days removed from not appearing for a matchup with Starocci doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

Brands’ post-match statements even seemed to threaten uncertainty. He stated that the lineup is not rigid and can vary, which is a direct contradiction to his statement that Ferrari’s five contests were concrete. That leaves one to wonder, then, if Iowa did not want to expose Starocci to an early glimpse of Arnold or if they’re scrambling at the current time for answers.

Arnold, who started 10-0 and ranked No. 5, could have hoped to make a case for himself amongst the best—especially in anticipation of his braggart boasts in the build-up to the dual. With him added to the Maryland dual, it looks like a change of heart for Iowa, possibly realizing a rotational model at 184 pounds isn’t working for playoff success.

With Big Ten titles and NCAA tourneys closing in, Iowa must make a decision regarding who will fill its wrestling lineup. Is Arnold the real deal, or will Ferrari simply draw-in in big duals? Brands’ rapid about-face raises eyebrows, and championship hopes for Iowa could depend on finding out in a timely manner.