Stephen Buchanan attempted to make history for the Iowa Men's Wrestling program. Iowa has never had a Big Ten Champion at 197 pounds since the weight class was introduced in 1999.
Top-ranked Buchanan had not surrendered a point entering the championship match with No. 3 Jacob Cardenas from Michigan.
The first period did not render any points as each wrestler felt the other out. The fireworks began in the second period. Buchanan started in the down position and quickly escaped to take a 1-0 lead. Cardenas responded with a quick takedown and an escape to end the period up 3-2.
Cardenas decided to start the third period in the down position and quickly escaped. He took a 4-2 lead going into the final minutes. With the Big Ten Title and his perfect season on the line, Buchanan hurried to get points.
Cardenas was warned for stalling, but the match ended 4-2, ending Buchanan's bid for history. This loss ended a disappointing day for the Hawkeyes, who did not crown a single champion.
No. 1 Drake Ayala lost in his rematch with No. 2 Lucas Bird from Illinois. Bird pinned Ayala in the second period to accomplish the upset and put an end Ayala's championship bid.
Iowa also lost the bid for a title at 165 pounds. No. 2 Michael Caliendo could not upset top-ranked wrestler Mitchell Mesenbrink from Penn State. Mesenbrink came out strong early and led 3-0 at the end of the first period. He would not relinquish that lead and won 4-1.
Iowa Men's Wrestling is looking forward to the NCAA Men's College Wrestling Championships after a disappointing showing in the Big Ten Tournament. The 2025 Tournament takes place in Philadelphia from March 20-22.