The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) wrestling team, currently ranked 14th, is set to face the 12th-ranked Missouri Tigers in a Big 12 Conference dual meet this Sunday. The match will take place at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, starting at 1 p.m. CT.
Fans can watch the dual live on FloWrestling and CFU Channel 15, with commentary from Jeff Bradley and Jim Miller. Tickets are available through the UNI Ticket Office by phone or email. Admission is free for those who participate in the Toys For Tots drive by donating a new toy valued at $5 or more. Additionally, attendees have an opportunity to take photos with Santa on the north concourse of the arena.
UNI is aiming for its third consecutive win against Missouri after defeating them last November in Heartland, Wisconsin with a score of 24-10. This marks UNI’s longest winning streak over Missouri since the 2002-03 season when they won twice against the Tigers.
The Panthers return home after competing on the road where they secured three individual titles and a team championship at SIU Edwardsville’s Cougar Clash. Cory Land (133 pounds), Ryder Downey (165 pounds), and Wyatt Voelker (heavyweight) each won their respective weight classes in Edwardsville. At UW-Parkside’s Jim Koch Open, Jace Hedeman (133 pounds) and John Gunderson (197 pounds) finished second in their categories.
This upcoming dual will be UNI’s fifth of the season and Missouri’s twelfth. In their previous outing, UNI opened its Big 12 schedule with a win over North Dakota State by a score of 27-11. Since the start of last season, UNI has claimed victory in nine out of its last ten Big 12 duals.
Missouri enters Sunday’s matchup under longtime head coach Brian Smith following a fourth-place finish at last week’s Cougar Clash. The Tigers hold a record of 6-5 this season and are looking to rebound from a recent loss to Nebraska. Five returning NCAA qualifiers are expected to compete for Missouri, including All-American Cam Steed who moved up to compete at 174 pounds this year. Josh Edmond has also moved up to 141 pounds for this season while Kade Moore (133 pounds) and J Conway (157 pounds) return as well. Former two-time NCAA champion Keegan O’Toole has joined Missouri’s coaching staff.
Projected matchups feature several ranked wrestlers from both teams across various weight classes.
Fans can follow updates on UNI wrestling throughout the season via Facebook, X (@UNI_wrestling), Instagram (@uni_panther_wrestling), or online at UNIpanthers.com.