Wisconsin Wrestlers Bounce Back with Upset Win Over No. 10 Michigan

Chris Bono credits 'resilient' team for the big victory after a disappointing loss to Indiana.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 21 Wisconsin Badgers wrestling team bounced back from a stunning 30-9 defeat against Indiana last week to upset No. 10 Michigan 19-17 on Sunday. Head coach Chris Bono praised his team's resilience and the way the seniors went out with two strong wins, saying the victory will propel the Badgers forward. Wisconsin saw several upsets throughout the dual, including No. 29 Wyatt Ingham beating No. 19 Hayden Walters at 197 pounds and No. 27 Luke Mechler upsetting No. 13 Cam Catrabone 4-3 in TB1 at 157 pounds.

Why it matters

This win over a top-10 opponent is a significant boost for the Wisconsin wrestling program as they head into the Big Ten Tournament. The Badgers were coming off a disappointing loss and needed to show they could bounce back against a strong Michigan team. The upset victory will give the team momentum and confidence heading into the postseason.

The details

Wisconsin jumped out to a 10-8 lead at intermission in a tight battle with Michigan. The Badgers then pulled away with wins from No. 14 Joe Zargo over No. 15 Lachlan McNeil at 149 pounds and the upset by No. 27 Luke Mechler over No. 13 Cam Catrabone at 157 pounds. No. 27 Cody Goebel also picked up an 8-1 decision win at 165 pounds to extend Wisconsin's lead.

  • On February 8, Wisconsin suffered a 30-9 defeat against Indiana.
  • On February 16, Wisconsin defeated No. 10 Michigan 19-17.

The players

Chris Bono

The head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers wrestling team.

Wyatt Ingham

A No. 29 ranked wrestler for Wisconsin who upset No. 19 Hayden Walters at 197 pounds.

Luke Mechler

A No. 27 ranked wrestler for Wisconsin who upset No. 13 Cam Catrabone 4-3 in TB1 at 157 pounds.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You know what, it wasn't so much about the win, but it was about the bounce back from last week, an extremely disappointing performance last week. You know, the team was down. We were down. Don't have an explanation for why we performed so bad last week, but this group was a resilient group, and they bounced back, had a great week of practice.”

— Chris Bono, Head Coach (on3.com)

“A win carries momentum anyway, but a win over a top 10 team like Michigan, a great program, is something special. The way our seniors went out with two really good wins, it propels us forward.”

— Chris Bono, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Wisconsin will end the dual meet season at Northern Iowa next Sunday before heading to the Big Ten Tournament at Penn State on March 7th and 8th.

The takeaway

This upset win over a top-10 opponent shows the resilience and talent of the Wisconsin wrestling team. After a disappointing loss, they were able to bounce back and deliver a signature victory that will give them momentum heading into the postseason.