Sun Devil Wrestling Falls to South Dakota State: What This Means for the Season Ahead

The Arizona State Sun Devil wrestling team suffered a 24-14 defeat against South Dakota State Friday night, marking their first dual loss of 2026. While a single loss doesn’t define a season, this match, and the broader trends it highlights, offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of collegiate wrestling and what ASU needs to do to contend for a national championship.

The Larkin Brothers: A Bright Spot in a Competitive Field

The standout performance of Kyler and Kaleb Larkin – both securing wins by decision – underscores a growing trend in collegiate wrestling: the impact of sibling duos. Having two highly ranked wrestlers in the same program provides a unique dynamic, boosting team morale and attracting recruits. Historically, wrestling families have been influential, but the Larkin brothers’ success is part of a noticeable uptick. Consider the Spencer brothers (Cody and Chase) at Oklahoma State, who have consistently delivered top-tier results.

Kyler’s 11-1 record and Kaleb’s 13-1 record demonstrate not only individual talent but also the benefits of consistent training and shared experience. This sibling synergy is something Coach Zeke Jones can leverage throughout the season.

The Rise of Mid-Major Programs

South Dakota State’s victory isn’t an anomaly. We’re seeing a consistent rise in the competitiveness of programs outside the traditional wrestling powerhouses like Penn State, Iowa, and Oklahoma State. SDSU, currently unranked in the overall team standings, proved they can compete with a top-25 program like Arizona State. This is fueled by increased investment in wrestling programs, improved coaching, and a more strategic approach to recruiting.

According to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), funding for mid-major wrestling programs has increased by an average of 15% over the last five years, allowing them to attract better talent and provide superior training facilities. This trend is shrinking the gap between the elite and the rest of the field.

Key Weight Classes: Areas for Improvement

The Sun Devils struggled in several weight classes, particularly at 141, 157, 174, and 197 lbs. These losses highlight a need for greater depth and consistency within the ASU roster. While Nicco Ruiz’s overtime victory and David Szuba’s technical fall provided momentum, they weren’t enough to overcome the deficits elsewhere.

Pro Tip: Focusing on recruiting and developing wrestlers in these key weight classes will be crucial for ASU’s success. Targeting transfers with proven track records could also provide an immediate boost.

The Importance of Sudden Victory and Technical Falls

Nicco Ruiz’s sudden victory win demonstrates the increasing importance of clutch performances in collegiate wrestling. Matches are often decided by a single point, making the ability to perform under pressure paramount. Similarly, David Szuba’s technical fall showcases the value of dominant wrestling and the ability to secure a quick, decisive victory.

Data from the NCAA Wrestling Championships shows that wrestlers who consistently win by technical fall have a significantly higher chance of reaching the podium. This emphasizes the need for ASU wrestlers to prioritize offensive wrestling and seek opportunities to secure dominant victories.

Looking Ahead: The Iowa State Showdown

The upcoming match against No. 4 Iowa State is a critical test for the Sun Devils. Iowa State boasts a strong lineup across all weight classes and will provide a challenging opponent. ASU will need to address the weaknesses exposed in the SDSU match and execute a strategic game plan to have a chance of winning.

Did you know? Iowa State has a historically strong home record, making the upcoming match even more challenging for the Sun Devils.

FAQ

• What is a technical fall? A technical fall occurs when one wrestler leads by 10 or more points.
• What is sudden victory? Sudden victory is a one-minute overtime period where the first wrestler to score wins the match.
• How does the dual meet scoring work? Each match is worth 3 team points. A win by decision is worth 3 points, a major decision is worth 4 points, a technical fall is worth 5 points, and a pin is worth 6 points.
• Where can I find more information about Sun Devil Wrestling? Visit the official ASU Wrestling website.

The loss to South Dakota State serves as a valuable learning experience for the Arizona State wrestling team. By addressing their weaknesses, leveraging the strengths of wrestlers like the Larkin brothers, and adapting to the evolving landscape of collegiate wrestling, the Sun Devils can position themselves for success in the remainder of the season and beyond.

Stay Connected: Follow Sun Devil Wrestling on X (@ASUWrestling), Instagram (SunDevilWrestling1962) and Facebook for all the latest coverage and content throughout the season.

What are your thoughts on the Sun Devils’ performance? Share your predictions for the Iowa State match in the comments below!