All 3 Iowa Teams Dip in Latest NCAA Wrestling Poll

Iowa State, Iowa, and Northern Iowa all fell in the national rankings after a tough week of competition.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:07pm

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The three major college wrestling programs in Iowa - Iowa State, Iowa, and Northern Iowa - all dropped in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association NCAA Division I dual poll. Iowa State fell one spot to #4 after losing to #3 Oklahoma State, Iowa dropped to #8 after being upset by Minnesota, and Northern Iowa fell to #19 after losing road duals to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

Why it matters

Iowa's three top wrestling programs have been national powers for decades, so any slips in the rankings are noteworthy. The losses highlight the competitiveness of the sport and the challenges these teams face in maintaining their elite status, especially against tough conference foes.

The details

Iowa State suffered its first Big 12 loss, falling 24-9 to #3 Oklahoma State. Iowa was upset 21-16 by border rival Minnesota, its fourth loss of the season. Northern Iowa lost road duals to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. All three teams had held steady in the rankings most of the season before the stumbles.

  • On Sunday, February 2, 2026, Iowa State lost to Oklahoma State.
  • On February 3, 2026, Iowa lost to Minnesota.
  • Last week, Northern Iowa lost to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

The players

Iowa State

A top-5 ranked NCAA Division I wrestling program that competes in the Big 12 conference.

Iowa

A perennial top-10 NCAA Division I wrestling program that competes in the Big Ten conference.

University of Northern Iowa

An NCAA Division I wrestling program that competes in the Big 12 conference and is ranked in the top 25 nationally.

Oklahoma State

The #3 ranked NCAA Division I wrestling program that defeated Iowa State.

Minnesota

The team that upset #8 ranked Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“The three teams were a combined 1-4. Iowa State beat Oklahoma, 29-10, for the lone victory.”

— K.J. Pilcher, Author

What’s next

Iowa will travel to face #2 Ohio State on Friday and Michigan State on Sunday as they look to bounce back from the loss to Minnesota.

The takeaway

The stumbles by Iowa's top wrestling programs show the intense competition and parity in NCAA Division I wrestling, where even the elite teams can struggle against tough conference opponents on any given day.