Iowa Women's Wrestling Primed for Continued Success in 2026-27

With a loaded roster of returning talent and top recruits, the Hawkeyes look to reclaim their spot atop women's college wrestling.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:57pm

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Less than a week after a razor-thin second-place finish at the NCAA Championships, the Iowa women's wrestling program is already looking ahead to the 2026-27 season. With 9 of 10 postseason starters returning, including 3 national champions and 8 All-Americans, as well as a top-ranked recruiting class, the Hawkeyes are poised to reclaim their status as the dominant force in the sport.

Why it matters

As the only revenue-sharing NCAA Division I school with a varsity women's wrestling program, Iowa is under unique roster constraints compared to its competitors. However, the Hawkeyes' unparalleled depth and talent suggest they will remain the team to beat in the coming years, as they seek to regain the national title they lost for the first time since the program's inception.

The details

Iowa's 2026-27 roster will feature 9 of 10 postseason starters from the previous season, including 3 national champions and 8 total All-Americans. The Hawkeyes will also add a 5-woman freshman class that currently ranks #1 in the country. Despite the roster limits they face, Iowa is not expected to be active in the transfer portal, as they look to build on their existing talent and depth.

  • The 2026 NCAA Championships took place just last week, with Iowa finishing a close second to McKendree.
  • The 2026-27 season will begin in the fall of 2026.

The players

Katja Osteen

A three-time All-American who finished her college career at Iowa, Osteen was the lone member of the Hawkeyes' postseason lineup who will not be returning next season.

Ava Bayless

The 2024 national champion at 110 pounds, Bayless exemplified excellence both on and off the mat during her time at Iowa, and finished her career with 96 wins - the second-most in program history.

Jaycee Foeller

A four-time national runner-up, Foeller's invaluable contributions helped Iowa capture national team and dual titles in 2024.

Val Solorio

The reigning 103-pound national champion, Solorio leads a deep and talented group of returnees at the weight class for the Hawkeyes.

Everest Leydecker

The #1 pound-for-pound recruit in America, Leydecker has already proven herself at the senior international level and is expected to make an immediate impact for Iowa at 124 pounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.