Northwestern University Athletics
Friday, January 30
Ann Arbor, Mich.
6 p.m. CT
Northwestern
at
Michigan
Wildcats Continue Big Ten Slate with Two Weekend Duals in Michigan
1/29/2026 2:52:00 PM | Wrestling
Ann Arbor, Mich. – Northwestern wrestling continues its Big Ten slate with a two-dual weekend road split in the state of Michigan, as the Wildcats travel to Ann Arbor to take on the Michigan Wolverines on Friday, January 30 at 6:00 p.m. CT on B1G+, before heading to East Lansing to face the Michigan State Spartans on Sunday, February 1 at 1:00 p.m. CT live on Big Ten Network.
LAST TIME OUT
Northwestern last competed on Friday evening at Welsh-Ryan Arena, where the Wildcats dropped a 30–10 decision to No. 17 Rutgers in Big Ten action. Despite the final score, Northwestern earned three individual victories on the night, highlighted by a marquee upset by Eddie Enright at 174 lbs.
The no. 30 ranked Enright set the tone early, knocking off InterMat No. 12 Lenny Pinto by major decision, 14-3, for the highest-ranked win of his collegiate career. After trading early takedowns, Enright surged ahead with nearfall points in the opening period and never looked back, adding takedowns in both the second and third periods while controlling the match from start to finish.
The Wildcats' second win came at 125 pounds, where No. 25 Dedrick Navarro continued his strong stretch of wrestling with a 6-3 decision over No. 27 Ayden Smith. Navarro erased an early deficit with a pair of escapes before capitalizing on a second-period takedown to take control of the bout. Solid defense in the third period sealed his second top-30 victory in as many weeks.
At 141 pounds, No. 32 Billy Dekraker earned Northwestern's third victory, defeating Tahir Parkins by 4-0 decision. Dekraker struck late in the first period with a takedown and followed it up with a quick escape in the second, riding out the remainder of the match to pick up his third Big Ten win of the season.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
The Wolverines enter Friday's dual ranked No. 10 nationally, carrying a 7-2 overall record and an undefeated 3-0 mark in Big Ten action. Michigan has won five straight duals, including non-conference action, and currently sits atop the conference standings alongside Penn State and Ohio State. Friday's matchup will also serve as Senior Night at Crisler Center.
Michigan features eight nationally ranked wrestlers, including five in the InterMat top 15. The Wolverines are particularly strong through the middle and upper weights, led by No. 11 Beau Mantanona (174 lbs), No. 9 Brock Mantanona (184 lbs), and No. 7 Taye Ghadiali (285 lbs). The Mantanona brothers have been especially impactful in the lineup, combining for a 24–6 record with 15 bonus-point victories this season.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN STATE
The Spartans enter Sunday's dual looking to rebound after a challenging Big Ten road trip. Michigan State is 3–6 overall and 0–4 in conference action following a 27-9 loss at Purdue on Friday and a 31–13 loss at No. 25 Indiana on Monday afternoon, a match that was delayed 24 hours due to weather. At 197 lbs, junior Kael Wisler checked in at No. 23 in the latest InterMat rankings, while sophomore heavyweight Max Vanadia was ranked No. 27 in his class.
LAST TIME OUT
Northwestern last competed on Friday evening at Welsh-Ryan Arena, where the Wildcats dropped a 30–10 decision to No. 17 Rutgers in Big Ten action. Despite the final score, Northwestern earned three individual victories on the night, highlighted by a marquee upset by Eddie Enright at 174 lbs.
The no. 30 ranked Enright set the tone early, knocking off InterMat No. 12 Lenny Pinto by major decision, 14-3, for the highest-ranked win of his collegiate career. After trading early takedowns, Enright surged ahead with nearfall points in the opening period and never looked back, adding takedowns in both the second and third periods while controlling the match from start to finish.
Steady Eddie ??
— Northwestern Wrestling (@NUWrestle) January 24, 2026
Eddie Enright defeated No. 12 Lenny Pinto for his 19th victory of the season ?? pic.twitter.com/PrKPfTAWMS
The Wildcats' second win came at 125 pounds, where No. 25 Dedrick Navarro continued his strong stretch of wrestling with a 6-3 decision over No. 27 Ayden Smith. Navarro erased an early deficit with a pair of escapes before capitalizing on a second-period takedown to take control of the bout. Solid defense in the third period sealed his second top-30 victory in as many weeks.
At 141 pounds, No. 32 Billy Dekraker earned Northwestern's third victory, defeating Tahir Parkins by 4-0 decision. Dekraker struck late in the first period with a takedown and followed it up with a quick escape in the second, riding out the remainder of the match to pick up his third Big Ten win of the season.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
The Wolverines enter Friday's dual ranked No. 10 nationally, carrying a 7-2 overall record and an undefeated 3-0 mark in Big Ten action. Michigan has won five straight duals, including non-conference action, and currently sits atop the conference standings alongside Penn State and Ohio State. Friday's matchup will also serve as Senior Night at Crisler Center.
Michigan features eight nationally ranked wrestlers, including five in the InterMat top 15. The Wolverines are particularly strong through the middle and upper weights, led by No. 11 Beau Mantanona (174 lbs), No. 9 Brock Mantanona (184 lbs), and No. 7 Taye Ghadiali (285 lbs). The Mantanona brothers have been especially impactful in the lineup, combining for a 24–6 record with 15 bonus-point victories this season.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN STATE
The Spartans enter Sunday's dual looking to rebound after a challenging Big Ten road trip. Michigan State is 3–6 overall and 0–4 in conference action following a 27-9 loss at Purdue on Friday and a 31–13 loss at No. 25 Indiana on Monday afternoon, a match that was delayed 24 hours due to weather. At 197 lbs, junior Kael Wisler checked in at No. 23 in the latest InterMat rankings, while sophomore heavyweight Max Vanadia was ranked No. 27 in his class.
Players Mentioned
Wrestling - Four 'Cats Earn Bonus Points as Northwestern Downs Maryland in Big Ten Opener (1/9/26)
Saturday, January 10
Wrestling - 'Cats Take Down Wisconsin, 27-11, on Senior Night (2/14/25)
Saturday, February 15
Wrestling - Seven 'Cats Claim Victory in 27-12 Win Over Michigan State (2/8/25)
Saturday, February 08
Wrestling - 'Cats Tame Mustangs, Take Down Cal Poly 29-14 (12/19/24)
Friday, December 20
