UNI Wrestling Rallies to Defeat Wisconsin in Senior Day Thriller
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) wrestling team secured a narrow 16-15 victory over No. 16 Wisconsin on Sunday, February 23, 2026, at the McLeod Center. The match, which saw UNI rally after falling into an early deficit, also served as Senior Day for eight Panther wrestlers.
Brady’s Major Decision Sparks Comeback
After Wisconsin took an early 12-0 lead by winning the first four matches, UNI responded with a series of crucial victories. The turning point came at 141 pounds, where Maximus Brady delivered a dominant performance, earning a 17-4 major decision over Peter Tomazevic. This win ignited the Panther comeback and shifted the momentum.
Senior Recognition and Team Effort
Prior to the dual, UNI honored its senior class, including Jack Thomsen, Cael Rahnavardi, Julian Farber, Connor Thorpe, Adam Ahrendsen, Ethan Basile, Garrett Funk, RJ Weston, and Caleb Rathjen. The team’s victory was a testament to the contributions of these veteran wrestlers and a collective effort from the entire squad.
Key Bouts Seal the Win
Caleb Rathjen continued the momentum with a 7-4 sudden victory decision at 149 pounds, although Jack Thomsen secured a 4-2 win at 165 pounds in his final home match. Jared Simma added a 3-0 victory at 174 pounds, and Nick Fox clinched the team win with a 3-1 decision at 184 pounds.
Looking Ahead: Considerable 12 Championships
UNI finishes the regular season with an 11-8 record and a 4-3 mark in Big 12 Conference competition. The Panthers will now turn their attention to the Big 12 Championships, scheduled for March 6-7 at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
UNI Wrestling: A Rising Force in the Big 12
UNI’s recent performance highlights the program’s growing strength within the Big 12 Conference. The team’s ability to rally from a significant deficit against a ranked opponent demonstrates resilience and a competitive spirit. Maximus Brady, a four-time Florida state champion, is emerging as a key performer for the Panthers.
The Impact of Senior Leadership
The contributions of the graduating senior class are invaluable. Their experience and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the team’s culture and fostering a winning mentality. The program’s ability to recognize and celebrate these athletes underscores the importance of a supportive team environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is UNI’s record for the 2025-26 season? UNI finished the regular season with an 11-8 record.
- Who won the decisive match for UNI against Wisconsin? Nick Fox won the final match at 184 pounds, securing the 16-15 victory for UNI.
- Where will the Big 12 Championships be held? The Big 12 Championships will be held at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- Who is Maximus Brady? Maximus Brady is a UNI wrestler competing at 141 pounds and a four-time Florida state champion.
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