Where to Watch Iowa Wrestling vs Nebraska Time, TV, Streaming, and Lineup Breakdown
Iowa wrestling vs Nebraska takes center stage Friday night as one of the Big Ten’s most intense rivalries fires back up in Lincoln. Fourth-ranked Iowa enters the dual hungry for redemption, while sixth-ranked Nebraska looks to protect its home mat and keep pace in the conference race. Everything about this matchup feels urgent, physical, and personal — exactly how college wrestling fans like it.
A Bounce-Back Moment for the Hawkeyes
There is more to Friday’s dual than just another conference date. It’s an opportunity for Iowa to change the story. On January 16, the Hawkeyes suffered a crushing 32-3 loss to top-ranked Penn State. Almost nothing went their way that night. The only bright spot in an otherwise exhausting evening was Nasir Bailey’s 3-2 decision over Braeden Davis at 141 pounds, which was Iowa’s only victory out of ten fights.
Iowa, which is currently 8-3 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play, is aware that there is less room for error. Although it’s not exactly a soft landing, a road dual against a ranked Nebraska team is the kind of challenge that frequently brings out the best in this program.
There are multiple levels of stakes. Iowa has a commanding 37-10-1 series lead over Nebraska and has won 15 consecutive duals. In a rivalry where pride is just as important as rankings, a victory on Friday would make it 16 straight and raise that series record to 38-10-1.
Iowa wrestling vs Nebraska: How to Watch, Listen, and Stream
Fans won’t have to dig to catch the action.
TV channel: Big Ten Network
Time: 8 p.m. CT
Location: Bob Devaney Sports Center, Lincoln, Nebraska
Shane Sparks and analyst Jim Gibbons, two well-known voices for Big Ten wrestling fans, will handle play-by-play duties on the BTN broadcast team.
Do you prefer radio? Steven Grace and Iowa legend Mark Ironside will call the action on the Hawkeye Radio Network during the dual, which will air on 800 KXIC-AM. The matchup can be streamed on Fubo, which is a popular choice for fans who are constantly on the go and currently offers a free trial for new subscribers.
Probable Iowa Hawkeyes Lineup: Key Weights to Watch
With several possible starters at various weights, Iowa’s projected lineup is full of intrigue. Against a deep Nebraska roster, that adaptability might be essential.
125 pounds: Dean Peterson (Senior, 7-2) or Joey Cruz (Junior, 10-5) or Keyan Hernandez (RS-Freshman, 8-3)
133: Drake Ayala (Senior, 4-5)
141: Nasir Bailey (Junior, 10-5) or Kale Petersen (Sophomore, 16-1)
149: Ryder Block (Sophomore, 6-3)
157: Jordan Williams (Junior, 8-3) or Victor Voinovich III (Senior, 7-4)
165: Michael Caliendo (Senior, 9-2)
174: Patrick Kennedy (Fifth-Year, 9-1)
184: Gabe Arnold (Sophomore, 10-2)
197: Harvey Ludington (Freshman, 8-1 attached / 3-2 unattached) or Brody Sampson (RS-Freshman, 7-7)
285: Ben Kueter (Sophomore, 3-2)
The middle and upper weights, where Iowa could make its strongest push, are anchored by Caliendo, Kennedy, and Arnold. Bailey, meanwhile, continues to be one of the Hawkeyes’ most dependable rivals after demonstrating his ability to perform under duress.
Why There Is Something Different About This Dual Nebraska will be inspired to finally turn the tide at home since rivalry streaks are supposed to be tested. However, Iowa does well in challenging situations, particularly after a humiliating defeat. Anticipate a dual that remains tense throughout the heavyweight fight, as well as urgency from the opening whistle and tactical lineup choices.
This is more than just standings for Iowa supporters. It’s about reacting, persevering, and reminding the Big Ten that the Hawkeyes are still in the running for the championship. All of that and more should be available on Friday night in Lincoln.
