Iowa Wrestlers Eye NCAA Championships After Intense Semifinals

PHILADELPHIA — The 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships heated up on March 21, leaving legacies on the line as the semifinals and bloodrounds unfolded at the Wells Fargo Center. Three Iowa Hawkeyes—Drake Ayala (133 pounds), Michael Caliendo (165), and Stephen Buchanan (197)—secured their places in the championship finals.

Ayala, seeking his second consecutive title appearance, dispatched Illinois’ Zan Fugitt 6-1, continuing Iowa’s tradition of having a finalist for the 35th year in a row. He will face Lucas Byrd, who previously defeated him at the Big Ten Championships. ‘This is my moment,’ Ayala said post-match. ‘I’ll be ready.’

Caliendo’s journey to the finals featured a thrilling 14-10 victory over West Virginia’s Peyton Hall, ensuring this marks his first trip to the finals. ‘I just stuck to my game plan and executed,’ he stated. He will compete against Penn State’s Mitchell Mesenbrink, who has defeated him in their previous encounters.

Buchanan held his own too, notching a 3-0 decision over AJ Ferrari of Cal State Bakersfield. ‘It was a tough match, but I held my composure,’ he commented. He now prepares to face Josh Barr of Penn State.

Meanwhile, Iowa’s Patrick Kennedy (174) aims for a podium finish after securing All-American honors, and Ben Kueter will compete for seventh. ‘I’m proud of how we all performed,’ said head coach Tom Brands. ‘The energy in this room is electrifying.’

Iowa State’s Jacob Frost (141) also emerged as an All-American after narrowly defeating Michigan’s Sergio Lemley 9-8. He is the only Cyclone making it to the podium this year. ‘I fought hard for this, and it’s an honor to be on this list,’ Frost said.

Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa advanced to the finals at 184 pounds following an overtime win against Minnesota’s Max McEnelly. This marks his third consecutive finals appearance. ‘Every match is a battle, but I’m up for the challenge,’ he remarked. Additionally, Cael Happel also earned All-American status and will compete for as high as third.

As the competition intensifies, all eyes will turn to the finals scheduled for March 22, where Iowa hopes for a strong finish, possibly crowning multiple national champions.