No. 2 Ohio State continued its undefeated wrestling season with two victories at the 2025 Journeymen Collegiate Duals in Nashville on Sunday. The Buckeyes first defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 34-9, followed by a 21-13 win over No. 3 Iowa State.
In the matchup against Iowa State, Ohio State took an early lead, winning the first three bouts. Jesse Mendez, ranked No. 1 at 141 pounds, secured his second win this year over Iowa State’s Anthony Echemendia with a 5-1 decision. Ben Davino and Nic Bouzakis also posted wins in their respective matches at 133 and 125 pounds.
After Iowa State claimed a victory at 149 pounds, Brandon Cannon responded for Ohio State with a late pin at 157 pounds, helping to solidify the team’s advantage. The Buckeyes have now recorded three dual wins this season against Top 3 teams and five overall against Top 10 opponents.
Against Little Rock earlier in the day, six of Ohio State’s seven victories were by bonus points, including five technical falls and a pin by Jesse Mendez at 141 pounds.
Several Ohio State wrestlers also competed unattached Saturday at the Kent State Holiday Open in Kent, Ohio. Freshman Maddox Shaw led the group by taking third place in the 149-pound bracket with a record of three wins and one loss.
Ohio State is scheduled to return to dual competition on January 4, facing Oregon State before opening its Big Ten dual season at home against Indiana on January 11.