The University of Northern Iowa wrestling team, ranked 12th nationally, will host No. 14 North Carolina on Sunday, December 21, at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls. The non-conference dual is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Central Time and marks UNI’s final dual of the 2025 calendar year.
Live coverage of the event will be available through FloWrestling and CFU Channel 15, with commentary provided by Jeff Bradley and Jim Miller. Tickets can be purchased from the UNI Ticket Office by phone or email.
As part of Military Appreciation Day, current or former military members will receive free admission upon showing identification at the gate. The first 500 fans entering the arena will also receive a complimentary takedown rally towel.
UNI currently leads its all-time series against North Carolina with five wins to three losses. This weekend’s matchup is their first meeting since December 18, 2017, when Northern Iowa secured a victory over North Carolina by criteria at West Gym.
The Panthers are coming off a win against Missouri last Sunday with a score of 22-14. It marked their third consecutive victory over Missouri and their eleventh win in their last twelve Big 12 conference duals. Jared Simma (174 pounds) and Wyatt Voelker (heavyweight) contributed bonus point wins for UNI.
North Carolina enters the contest undefeated this season with a record of six wins and no losses. The Tar Heels are coached by Rob Koll, who is in his third year leading the program and is the son of UNI Hall of Fame wrestler Bill Koll. Before joining UNC, Rob Koll spent thirty years as head coach at Cornell.
UNC returns four NCAA qualifiers from last season: Ethan Oakley (133 pounds), Jayden Scott (141 pounds), Josh Ogunsanya (174 pounds), and Nolan Neves (heavyweight). The Tar Heels also added Kysen Terukina, formerly of Iowa State, to their roster during the offseason.
Projected matchups include several nationally ranked wrestlers from both teams across multiple weight classes.
Fans can follow updates on UNI wrestling throughout the season via Facebook (University of Northern Iowa Wrestling), X (@UNI_wrestling), Instagram (@uni_panther_wrestling), or online at UNIpanthers.com.