Iowa Falls to #3 Oklahoma State in Regular Season Finale, 32-11

Hawkeyes suffer largest loss to Cowboys in nearly 60 years

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The #7 Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team suffered a lopsided 32-11 defeat against #3 Oklahoma State in their regular season finale on Sunday night in Stillwater. The loss marked Iowa's largest margin of defeat against their rival since 1968, and also set a new high for most losses in a season under head coach Tom Brands' 20-year tenure.

Why it matters

The blowout loss raises concerns for the Hawkeyes as they head into the postseason, with the Big Ten Championships just 12 days away and the NCAA Championships following shortly after. Iowa will need to regroup and find its best form if it hopes to bounce back from this disappointing regular season finale.

The details

Oklahoma State jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, winning the first three bouts including impressive performances from true freshman standouts Jax Forrest and Sergio Vega. Iowa senior Michael Caliendo scored a key upset win over #2 LaDarion Lockett at 165 pounds to cut the deficit to 17-11, but the Cowboys then won the final four matches, including two pins, to seal the lopsided victory.

  • The dual took place on Sunday, February 23, 2026 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
  • The Big Ten Championships are scheduled for March 7-8, 2026 in State College, Pennsylvania.
  • The NCAA Championships will be held March 19-21, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The players

Tom Brands

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team, who has led the program for the past 20 seasons.

Jax Forrest

A true freshman wrestler for Oklahoma State who earned a dominant 19-3 technical fall victory over Iowa's Drake Ayala at 133 pounds.

Sergio Vega

Oklahoma State's sophomore wrestler at 141 pounds, who pinned Iowa's Kale Petersen in the third period.

Michael Caliendo

Iowa's senior wrestler at 165 pounds, who scored a key 4-2 upset win over Oklahoma State's #2 ranked LaDarion Lockett.

Patrick Kennedy

Iowa's junior wrestler at 174 pounds, who defeated #7 ranked Alex Facundo of Oklahoma State 8-3.

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What they’re saying

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.