#2 Iowa will welcome California Baptist to Carver-Hawkeye arena for their season debut on Sunday, November 13 at 2:00 pm (ET). There are a number of compelling reasons to watch this dual but we highlight the biggest storylines in the article below. 

133 - Schriever or Teske?

Brody Teske made headlines over the summer when he announced his transfer from Northern Iowa to the University Of Iowa. The big question immediately after that announcement - who wins the starting spot at 133: Teske Or Schriever? Cullan Schriever put together a solid year last season as the backup behind Austin DeSanto. He won two open tournaments and was 15-5 on the year. However, Teske is a proven All-American threat after qualifying for the NCAA tournament each of the last 2 years and finishing in the round of 12 (2021) and round of 16 (2022). 

Both Schriever and Teske are listed in Iowa’s probable starting lineup against California Baptist and we could see them alternate manning the starting spot throughout the year. However, there’s also a chance Schriever stays in redshirt this year and Teske mans the spot from start to finish. Either way, we’ll find out some answers Sunday!

Brody Teske's win over #6 Kysen Terukina from last season:

Unlock this video, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

Patrick Kennedy’s Debut 

Patrick Kennedy was the #3 overall recruit in the class of 2020 and brings big expectations with him as he steps into the 165-pound spot. Kennedy put together a solid season last year during his redshirt campaign losing only to fellow Hawkeye Alex Marinelli (3-2), All-American Peyton Hall (6-4 in overtime), and national qualifier Will Formato (6-4 in overtime). Then over the summer, Kennedy won the U23 world team trials where he got revenge over both Formato and Hall while also defeating All-American Peyton Robb. 

In the dual against California Baptist, we’d love to see Kennedy against junior world silver medalist Mitchell Messenbrink. However, it’s more likely we’ll see him against unranked Frank Almaguer. Not only will Kennedy be a big favorite on Sunday, but we should also expect to see him rise in the 165-pound ranks this season and contend for All-American honors by March. 

Kennedy's win over Peyton Hall in the U23 WTT finals:

Unlock this video, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

Iowa’s Depth Will Be Tested

Last season Iowa graduated All-Americans Jaydin Eierman (141), Kaleb Young (157), Alex Marinelli (165), and Michael Kemerer (174). On top of that, starters Spencer Lee, Real Woods, and Nelson Brands will not be wrestling in the dual against California Baptist and it’s unclear when those three will be back in the starting lineup. That means this opening dual will tell us a lot about how good Iowa’s backups are at those respective weights. Taking the mat for the Hawkeyes will be Aidan Harris (125), Drew Bennett (141), Caleb Rathjen/Cobe Siebrecht (157), and Drake Rhodes (174). Iowa will need these four wrestlers to step up throughout the early season and the dual against California Baptist will show just how much Iowa fans can expect from those backups. 

A Renewed Abe Assad

Two-time national qualifier Abe Assad had a disappointing end to his season last year at the NCAA tournament when he went 1-2, losing to past All-Americans Dakota Geer and Hunter Bolen. During Iowa’s media day, Assad talked about his renewed sense of confidence and how much he felt he improved over the summer. Beyond that, Assad wrested at U23 in June where he placed third highlighted by wins over Chris Foca and 2022 All-American Jonathan Loew. That’s good news for Iowa and the Hawkeyes will need Assad to contend for All-American honors this season if they hope to contend with the best teams in the country. 

First Look At The Big Guns

While Spencer Lee and Real Woods are out, Jacob Warner and Anthony Cassioppi are set to take the mat Sunday afternoon for the Hawkeyes. Both Warner and Cassioppi are title contenders this year and will look to lead the Hawkeyes this season to a trophy finish at the NCAA tournament. Warner and Cassioppi will both wrestle in the NWCA All-Star Classic on November 22 and their matches on Sunday will be a great opportunity to shake off the rust before their big-time matches.

Hear Jacob Warner talk about why he chose Iowa:

Projected Iowa vs California Baptist Lineup:

125: Aidan Harris, Iowa vs Elijah Griffin, California Baptist

133: Brody Teske/Cullan Schriever, Iowa vs Hunter Leake, California Baptist

141: Drew Bennett, Iowa vs Christian Nunez, California Baptist

149: Max Murin, Iowa vs Chaz Hallmark/Marcus Peterson, California Baptist

157: Caleb Rathjen/Cobe Siebrecht, Iowa vs Joey Mora, California Baptist

165: Patrick Kennedy, Iowa vs Frank Almaguer/Mitchell Messenbrink, California Baptist

174: Drake Rhodes, Iowa vs Louis Rojas, California Baptist

184: Abe Assad, Iowa vs Caden Gerlach, California Baptist

197: Jacob Warner, Iowa vs Elijah Sobas, California Baptist

285: Tony Cassioppi, Iowa vs Christopher Island, California Baptist