Iowa Men's Wrestling had an average 2024-2025 season by Hawkeye standards. They finished third in the Big Ten behind Nebraska and Penn State and fourth at the NCAA Championships, only crowning one individual champion.
The Hawkeyes have 25 NCAA Championships, but have won one (2021) since 2011. In comparison, Penn State has won 11 in that span.
Iowa also has not had a Big Ten Champion since Spencer Lee and Real Woods in 2023.
The Hawkeyes always have top-tier talent, but are slowing down over the past few seasons. What is not slowing down: fan support for the program.
The Hawkeyes led the nation in attendance for the 18th consecutive season. Iowans packed Carver-Hawkeye Arena and traveled well for away meets.
Iowa averaged 13,640 fans per dual meet and had 95,481 fans attend meets. The next closest was Penn State with 30,000 fewer fans.
Iowa Wrestling has never had trouble getting fans into the stands, but it must improve to keep them there. The future is bright, with Drake Ayala and Michael Caliendo returning to the squad, and stars Bo Bassett and Leo DeLuca joining in the future. Still, the Hawkeyes must capitalize on their talent.
Penn State is not slowing down, and teams like Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Iowa State are pushing for a top spot.
The Brands brothers are not the issue, but they also must adapt to the nuances of college wrestling. The transfer portal and NIL are a key part of college sports, and the Hawkeyes must continue to use them to their advantage.
The Brands will not be there forever, and need to prepare the Hawkeye program for future success after they are gone.