What: #2 Braeden Davis, FR (Penn State), 14-0 vs #6 Drake Ayala, SO (Iowa), 17-3
When: Friday, February 9, 2024 at 8 p.m. CT (9 p.m. ET)
Where: Iowa City, Iowa (Carver-Hawkeye Arena)
How to watch: Big Ten Network/Fox Sports App

Braeden Davis and Drake Ayala will set the tone when they face off at 125 pounds during Friday night’s dual between Penn State (8-0) and Iowa (10-1). The most hyped meet of the season will likely start at the lightest weight — and this could be the main event. 

The 125-pound class has more twists and turns than an ambitious mystery novel. Nothing is sacred — especially rankings. 

Davis, a true freshman from Belleville, Michigan, is ranked second. He remains the only undefeated wrestler at the weight. 

Ayala, a redshirt sophomore from Fort Dodge, Iowa, is ranked sixth. He is 2-2 following a nine-match winning streak from Nov. 26, 2023, to January 15, 2024. 

Davis is 5-0 and Ayala is 3-2 against common opponents, but that likely won’t matter when the two face off in front of a partisan Iowa crowd. Both are known for their conditioning, so expect this match to be all gas and no breaks.

Common College Opponents

Earning the first takedown is always a good thing, but it could ultimately decide the outcome. An early takedown — especially in the first period — sets the tone for the remainder of the match. Crowd noise will be a factor, so Ayala striking first gets Hawkeye fans invested (assuming the dual starts at 125) and Davis striking first could momentarily silence the crowd. 

Davis was in a nailbiter against Ohio State’s Vinnie Kilkeary during his last outing on February 2. Kilkeary nearly scored a takedown as time expired but Davis held on for the 4-3 win despite widespread disagreement about the call. 

Don’t be surprised if that type of match happens again where either gets the lead with the other giving chase in the closing seconds. Iowa fans will get behind Ayala whether he is ahead or behind. 

Ayala fell behind Purdue’s top-ranked Matt Ramos on January 19, which resulted in a 4-1 loss with the Iowa sophomore working hard for a takedown at the end. Both should be ready for that type of match. 

The crowd is the second opponent every wrestler faces when he competes in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Davis's spotless record proves he's a winner. Ayala's biggest test of the season might be against Davis. 

This could be the first chapter in an ongoing rivalry between these two lightweight stars. 

Key wins this season

Braeden Davis (Penn State)
— #10 Michael DeAugustino (Michigan), 5-1 on Jan. 19, 2024
— #11 Brandon Kaylor (Oregon State), 11-6 on Jan. 5, 2024

Drake Ayala (Iowa)
— #15 Patrick McKee (Minnesota), 8-5 on Jan. 15, 2024
— #9 Caleb Smith (Nebraska), 7-3 on Jan. 12, 2024
— #15 Patrick McKee (Minnesota), 5-4 on Dec. 30, 2023
— #14 Jore Volk (Wyoming), 4-2 on Dec. 30, 2023
— #21 Kysen Terukina (Iowa State), 7-2 on Nov. 26, 2023
— #26 Eli Griffin (Cal Baptist), 18-8 on Nov. 4, 2023