The NCAA 2024-25 wrestling season is intensifying, and since the start of the New Year, the scene has returned with impressive performances on the mat. Indeed, many colleges in the current campaign are performing at their peak, showcasing a multitude of young talents that the wrestling community eagerly anticipates. However, a recent setback has hit Iowa wrestling, concerning many out there.

This is one of the teams that has a big fanbase, owing to its history in the NCAA scene. However, their matchup against Ohio State has one of their top wrestlers injured, and the details make the Hawkeyes’ future uncertain.

Pat Mineo, who is the founder of The Wrestling Room, shared this saddening update on his official X profile, stating, “Iowa’s 133 lb star Drake Ayala is out today vs. Ohio State after suffering an upper extremity injury. Timetable on his return is uncertain…” This is a significant concern for a Division 1 NCAA team such as the Iowa Hawkeyes, particularly with less than two months remaining before the NCAA finals.

Indeed, Iowa Wrestling’s Drake Ayala has been a crucial part of their wrestling program, and all the wins that the Iowa Hawkeyes have achieved had a significant contribution from last season’s 125-pound runner-up. For now, the official website of the wrestling team hasn’t posted anything about the injury of their star wrestler, but surely, he is not present in the listing of the 133-pound, as his place has been taken by fellow Hawkeye Keyan Hernandez. 

But just how severe is this injury? For a wrestler, an upper extremity injury is always a nightmare come true. Indeed, the sport requires the athlete to have a stronger upper body, a powerful grip, and a certain level of mobility. However, any injury related to the upper body of the wrestler can completely hamper their season, causing their performance to decline even after returning to the mat. This could spell disaster for Iowa Wrestling’s hopes in the NCAA duals.

So, who will Hernandez be fighting with from Ohio State? His opponent will be Ben Davino, and it will show how Iowa wrestlers perform without a star. However, the Hawkeyes’ match against Ohio State might be less of their concern; after this match on January 25, they will be facing none other than a David Taylor-led Oklahoma State University.

Indeed, the Cowboys have been excelling in the current season, and the absence of one of their major stars on the Iowa wrestling roster could pose a significant challenge for them. Taylor views everything as an opportunity on the mat, and his wrestlers’ strict mindset ultimately strengthens them against their opponents. And recently one of their bouts against a certain team generated huge profit, surprising many in the wrestling community.

The Cowboys’ match prior to Iowa wrestling

David Taylor’s Cowboys faced the UNI wrestling team before their match against the Iowa Hawkeyes. And how did it go? The Oklahoma State University absolutely diminished Northern Iowa with a score of 22-14. The fans did expect the Cowboys to shine, and they did reach the expectations by completely dominating UNI wrestling at the McLeod Center.

However, it wasn’t all disappointing for the team, as 6,030 fans came to the venue to watch the match between the two programs, and it was a record crowd. This was a big boost to the revenue generated in the match. Indeed, with tickets priced at $20, the match between the two colleges generated an estimated revenue of around $140,000.

Fascinating, isn’t it? Absolutely! College wrestling is surely underrated, but statistics that showcase that a lot of people are coming to watch these matches are also a huge boost to morale. Indeed, the revenue that is generated only goes into the betterment of the particular venue, which indirectly supports these young wrestlers who try to prove themselves in the NCAA.