Former Iowa Wrestler Commits to Arkansas-Little Rock

Massoma Endene will transfer for final year of eligibility after dismissal from Hawkeyes

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the chaotic movements and perspectives of a wrestling match, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange creating a sense of dynamic energy and tension.The complex and unpredictable nature of collegiate athletics is captured in this cubist-inspired illustration of a wrestling match.Little Rock Today

Massoma Endene, a former standout wrestler at Division III Wartburg College who spent one season at the University of Iowa, has committed to Arkansas-Little Rock for his final year of eligibility. Endene was dismissed from the Iowa program during the first semester of the 2025-26 season.

Why it matters

Endene was considered one of the most intriguing offseason additions to the Iowa wrestling program, having won three consecutive national titles at the Division III level. His dismissal from the team midway through the season raised questions about his fit within the program, and his transfer to Arkansas-Little Rock provides him an opportunity to compete at the Division I level for one more year.

The details

Endene spent two years at Iowa Lakes Community College, where he was a two-time NJCAA All-American, before moving on to Wartburg College. He briefly committed to the University of Wisconsin ahead of the 2024-25 season before pivoting and returning to Wartburg, where he won three consecutive national titles. Endene then joined the Iowa Hawkeyes for the 2025-26 season, where he was ranked as high as No. 4 nationally at 197 pounds before being dismissed from the team in January.

  • Endene was dismissed from the Iowa program on January 13, 2026.
  • Endene committed to Arkansas-Little Rock for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Massoma Endene

A former standout wrestler at Division III Wartburg College who spent one season at the University of Iowa before being dismissed from the program and committing to Arkansas-Little Rock for his final year of eligibility.

Tom Brands

The head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa, who announced Endene's dismissal from the program in January 2026.

Mac Stout

A returning All-American wrestler whom Endene defeated in dramatic fashion while at Iowa.

Rocky Elam

The No. 2 ranked wrestler in the country, whom Endene lost to 8-2 in his final match with Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes these things work and sometimes they don't work. And this one just didn't work out. We wish him the best and that's the extent of it.”

— Tom Brands, Head Wrestling Coach, University of Iowa

What’s next

Endene will look to make an immediate impact at Arkansas-Little Rock in the 2026-27 season as he aims to close out his collegiate wrestling career on a high note.

The takeaway

Endene's dismissal from the Iowa program and subsequent transfer to Arkansas-Little Rock highlights the challenges and unpredictability that can occur in the world of collegiate athletics, even for highly touted student-athletes. His story serves as a reminder that success is not guaranteed, and that programs and players must work together to find the right fit in order to maximize their potential.