No. 4 Ohio State won the 2025 National Duals Invitational in Columbus, defeating No. 2 Nebraska and No. 3 Iowa to secure the $200,000 first-place prize. The Buckeyes began the day with a dominant 33-3 victory over Nebraska, winning nine out of ten matches to advance to the finals.
In the championship dual against Iowa, Ohio State continued its strong performance, taking a 27-12 win. Nic Bouzakis started the final with a pin over Iowa’s Dean Peterson, giving Ohio State an early lead. Ben Davino followed with a decision victory over Drake Ayala, and Jesse Mendez added a technical fall win to extend the Buckeyes’ advantage.
Brandon Cannon contributed with a major decision at 157 pounds, making it 21-0 before Iowa responded by winning four consecutive matches by decision. The Hawkeyes forfeited the heavyweight match, resulting in six more points for Ohio State and sealing their victory.
Against Nebraska, Jesse Mendez faced Brock Hardy in a rematch of the previous NCAA Finals at 141 pounds and secured a win by decision. Brendan McCrone and Ben Davino opened with wins at 125 and 133 pounds respectively. Ethan Stiles recorded a pin at 149 pounds, while Brandon Cannon defeated top-ranked Antrell Taylor by major decision at 157 pounds. Nick Feldman closed out the dual with a narrow decision over AJ Ferrari at heavyweight.
The second-place Hawkeyes received $150,000 for their finish in the tournament.
Ohio State will open its home dual schedule on Thursday against Kent State.