The last day of January will be a treat for the USA’s collegiate wrestling fans. Two heavyweights of the NCAA circuit will lock horns at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, and the anticipation is already sky-high. Both Penn State and Iowa boast a perfect 9-0 overall record this season so far, but only one would come out on top when they meet for their next Big Ten clash. The excitement is understandably incredible, and it looks like the Hawkeyes’ Gabe Arnold is already looking to sharpen his soothsaying abilities.

The 2023 Soldier Salute champ has been an incredible addition to the Iowa roster in the last couple of years. However, at the 2024 edition of the tournament, Arnold bumped up a weight class and was slated to clash against fellow Hawkeye wrestler Angelo Ferrari in the finals. But the freshman had to forfeit due to an injury. But he’s gone to prove his worth in the bracket in the months after the Soldier Salute. And now, as another tryst with the mighty NLWC awaits, Arnold has some big claims. But the fans aren’t convinced.

Gabe Arnold is looking to pull one back at Penn State

The Hawkeyes’ lead editor Ross Bartachek took to X on January 25 to share Arnold’s predictions for the upcoming match against Penn State. In the presser after Iowa’s win over Ohio State (24-13), the 184-pounder said, “We got Penn State next week, and we didn’t get the job done last year, and that kind of sucks. But we’re gonna get it done this year. This year, we’re gonna be in your home dojo, and I promise you, your head’s mine,” making his intentions clear.

In the 2023-24 season, Penn State thrashed Iowa 29-6 on the latter’s home turf. Understandably, that’s a sting still felt by the Hawkeyes, and Gabe Arnold seems to think that the NLWC’s backyard is the perfect place to even the score. While medical reasons got Arnold to pull out of the 2024 Soldier Salute, he has been making waves and even eyeing Ferrari’s spot in the Iowa roster.

With his aspirations to become a steady member of the squad in the 184lb bracket, Arnold is now in the same class as Penn State’s 4x NCAA gold medalist Carter Starocci. Knowing the incredible wrestler that Starocci is, fans are already pondering if Arnold’s latest potshot at Cael Sanderson‘s squad has any true weight behind it, or if his daydreaming needs to get a reality check.

The wrestling connoisseurs aren’t convinced by Arnold’s bold statement

In the NCAA circuit, the Hawkeyes are considered to be one of the strongest opponents of Penn State. This year too, the NLWC has been on a roll and showed their elite status again last Friday by decimating Rutgers by a hefty 35-3 defeat. The squad also dominated the recently released NCAA D1 Wrestling rankings, making it evident that they aren’t to be toyed with. Naturally, the upcoming battle will be a spectacle, and one fan noted their excitement with the comment, “Going to be a good one to watch.”

After defeating All-American Travis Wittlake on his debut, Arnold said it was wrestling for the fans that got his juices flowing. But it seems like the fans aren’t entirely convinced that his boastful claims will hold a candle against the storm that’s the Nittany Lions Wrestling Club this Friday. One fan pointed out how Arnold had to tap into his reserves against Ohio’s Ryder Rogotzke, and commented, “Buddy fought for his life against Rogotzke lol,” underscoring that Penn State will be an even bigger threat. “this is embarrassing after a Lousy win today this won’t age well,” another fan chimed in.

Penn State’s Carter Starocci is looking to end his final NCAA year with a bang by winning his fifth national gold, and one fan believes Arnold’s words could help the former keep focus on his goal. “Perfect motivation,” the fan sneered. Another fan also thought this was Gabe’s way of telling himself that he has a chance against Cael Sanderson’s incredible squad. “when hope is your only chance, you gotta believe to manifest it,” reads the fan’s comment. If not Starocci, Arnold could potentially be looking to face Zack Ryder as well, the NLWC freshman who beat the Iowa star in June last year. Probably remembering that, one fan found Arnold’s comments to be excessively cheesy, and commented, “Holy cringe,” in frustration.

How do you think the match between Penn State and Iowa will pan out on January 31? Share your predictions below!