picture of Tom Brands

Tom Brands is easily rated as one of the top intensity wrestlers this sport has ever seen. His work ethic has rarely, if ever, been matched on the mat. In college, Brands was a force for the Iowa Hawkeyes, capturing the "Gablesque" mentality of the sport by constantly attacking and putting pressure on his opponents. Tom Brands was a four time All-American and three time NCAA national champion in college. He built off his collegiate success and competed for the U.S. in freestyle. Brands won the Gold medal at both the World Championships in 1993 and at the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996.He continues today as the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeye program to lead the new generation of Iowa wrestlers.

  1. Every Iowa Wrestling Roster Since 1973

    Every Iowa Wrestling Roster Since 1973

    Oct 15, 2024

    Below are post-season rosters for every Iowa men’s wrestling team since 1973. Gary Kurdelmeier replaced Dave McCuskey after the 1972 season and hired Olympic gold medalist Dan Gable as his assistant.
  2. Historic Coaching Hires Shift College Wrestling Landscape

    Historic Coaching Hires Shift College Wrestling Landscape

    May 23, 2024

    J Robinson’s history in wrestling is as deep and diverse as anyone’s. He competed for Oklahoma State under Myron Roderick, coached with Gary Kurdelmeier and Dan Gable at Iowa, and built Minnesota into a championship program.
  3. Brands: Why Were Iowa, ISU Targeted In Gambling Sting? | Hawkeye Insider

    Brands: Why Were Iowa, ISU Targeted In Gambling Sting? | Hawkeye Insider

    Nov 15, 2023

    The question, Iowa men’s wrestling coach Tom Brands said on Wednesday, isn’t the one being asked.
  4. Tom Brands Addresses Iowa's Gambling Situation, Transfers, & Start Season

    Tom Brands Addresses Iowa's Gambling Situation, Transfers, & Start Season

    Oct 26, 2023

    During Iowa's preseason media day, head coach Tom Brands addressed how the team is dealing with the NCAA's gambling ruling, discussed the impact of their All-American transfers, and more. Below are time stamps for the questions Brands addressed:
  5. Iowa Hawkeyes Reload For 2023-24 NCAA Season

    Iowa Hawkeyes Reload For 2023-24 NCAA Season

    Aug 16, 2023

    This fall, Tom Brands will enter his 18th year as head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and his first season in Iowa City as head coach in the post-Spencer Lee era.
  6. Gable Steveson Could Join The Most Exclusive Club In Wrestling

    Gable Steveson Could Join The Most Exclusive Club In Wrestling

    May 22, 2023

    The most exclusive club in wrestling is 12 members strong. Gable Steveson could be number 13 if he makes a World team.
  7. Grand View Adds To Iowa's Staggering Wrestling Legacy

    Grand View Adds To Iowa's Staggering Wrestling Legacy

    Mar 31, 2023

    The state of Iowa added to its wrestling legacy by adding another national team championship to its total in 2023. Iowa now has a staggering 71 national team titles between five different divisions and eight different colleges.
  8. Iowa Wrestling's Attendance Figures Are Staggering!

    Iowa Wrestling's Attendance Figures Are Staggering!

    Feb 23, 2023

    If numbers are your thing, then the University of Iowa's average dual attendance figures will leave you in awe. The Hawkeyes averaged over 14,000 per home dual for the second year in a row, and have averaged over 10,000 during five of the past seven seasons (not including the 2021 COVID year where fans weren't allowed).
  9. Hawkeye Interviews Following Iowa's 28-7 Win Over Oklahoma State

    Hawkeye Interviews Following Iowa's 28-7 Win Over Oklahoma State

    Feb 20, 2023

    Hear from Tom Brands, Spencer Lee, and Abe Assad after Iowa's 28-7 win over Oklahoma State in the final dual of the season.
  10. Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands: "Supporting Scoring Is The Solution"

    Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands: "Supporting Scoring Is The Solution"

    Feb 1, 2023

    A quick glance through Tom Brands’s 1991 NCAA tournament bracket and you’ll understand what type of wrestler he was. The former Hawkeye star put up 98 points over five matches against the best college wrestlers in the country.
  11. Tom Brands On Iowa's Win Over Nebraska & Tense Conclusion

    Tom Brands On Iowa's Win Over Nebraska & Tense Conclusion

    Jan 21, 2023

    Iowa coach Tom Brands shares his thoughts after the Hawkeyes' 34-6 win against Nebraska. He talks about Spencer Lee's dominance and the tense conclusion to the dual.
  12. 5 Big Tests For Iowa On Opening B10 Dual Weekend

    5 Big Tests For Iowa On Opening B10 Dual Weekend

    Jan 5, 2023

    Iowa kicks off its B1G schedule with a pair of weekend duals. The Hawkeyes face Illinois at home on Friday, January 6 at 7 p.m. CT then hit the road for a dual at Purdue on Sunday, January 8 at 1 p.m.
  13. Brands Explains Short Notice Decision For Spencer Lee To Wrestle Ayala

    Brands Explains Short Notice Decision For Spencer Lee To Wrestle Ayala

    Jan 5, 2023

    Tom Brands breaks down Iowa's performance at the Soldier Salute and dives into the coaches' late decision to ask Spencer Lee to compete against Drake Ayala.
  14. Hear From Coaches And Athletes After Iowa St. vs Iowa Dual

    Hear From Coaches And Athletes After Iowa St. vs Iowa Dual

    Dec 4, 2022

    Iowa coach Tom Brands addresses the media after his team's 18-15 win over Iowa State
  15. Tom Brands' Thoughts On Iowa At The All-Star & Penn Dual

    Tom Brands' Thoughts On Iowa At The All-Star & Penn Dual

    Nov 24, 2022

    Tom Brands calls in to recap Jacob Warner and Tony Cassioppi's performances at the NWCA All-Star Classic and a big weekend dual against Penn.