Northwestern University Athletics
Friday, February 13
Evanston, Ill.
7 p.m. CT
Northwestern
9
vs
28
Northern Illinois
Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Wildcats Fall to Huskies in Friday Night Dual
2/13/2026 11:14:00 PM | Wrestling
EVANSTON, Ill. – Three Wildcats secured individual victories on Friday night, highlighted by a dramatic win at 157 lbs and back-to-back triumphs at 184 lbs and 197 lbs, as Northwestern fell to Northern Illinois, 28-9, inside Welsh-Ryan Arena.
The dual also marked Senior Night, as Kolby McClain, Andre Rocker, Gabe Christenson, J.D. Perez and Sean Spidle were honored at intermission for their contributions to the program.
Wrestling shorthanded, the Wildcats were without multiple starters and were forced to forfeit bouts at 125 lbs and 174 lbs to set them behind in the team score from the jump.
At 157 lbs, Ty Wilson made the most of his season debut. Competing in his first event of the year after returning from injury, Wilson earned his first-career dual victory with a 6-3 decision over Landen Johnson. With the bout appearing destined for sudden victory, Wilson delivered in the closing seconds, securing a takedown to seal the win. The result marked Wilson's first event he wrestled in over a year, dating back to Feb. 1 at the Edinboro Open.
At 184 lbs, J.D. Perez battled back from an early deficit to force sudden victory against Ian Smith. Less than 30 seconds into the extra period, the graduate student finished a takedown to secure an 8-5 decision (SV-1). Perez improved to 7-11 overall this season, including a 6-5 mark in dual competition.
The momentum carried into the 197-pound bout, as Alex Smith collected his second dual victory of the season. In a tightly contested match against Dominic Heim, Smith turned in a strong third period, highlighted by a key reversal and a rideout to close the match and clinch a 6-5 decision.
Northwestern will conclude the regular season on Sunday when it hosts No. 10 Illinois at 1 p.m. CT inside Welsh-Ryan Arena. The dual will be televised on Big Ten Network.
Northern Illinois 28, Northwestern 9
February 13, 2026 | Welsh-Ryan Arena | Evanston, Ill.
125: Blake West (NIU) over Northwestern, Forfeit
133: Markel Baker (NIU) over Luis Bazan (Northwestern), Dec 7-2
141: Deuce Curtis (NIU) over No. 32 Billy DeKraker (Northwestern), Dec 7-5
149: Collin Arch (NIU) over August Hibler (Northwestern), Dec 9-4
157: Ty Wilson (Northwestern) over Landen Johnson (NIU), Dec 6-3
165: Brett Smith (NIU) over Jacob Bostelman (Northwestern), Dec 10-3
174: Tommy Bennett (NIU) over Northwestern, Forfeit
184: J.D. Perez (Northwestern) over Ian Smith (NIU), SV-1, 8-5
197: Alex Smith (Northwestern) over Dominic Heim (NIU), Dec 6-5
285: Devon Dawson (NIU) over Gabe Christenson (Northwestern), MD 16-4
The dual also marked Senior Night, as Kolby McClain, Andre Rocker, Gabe Christenson, J.D. Perez and Sean Spidle were honored at intermission for their contributions to the program.
Wrestling shorthanded, the Wildcats were without multiple starters and were forced to forfeit bouts at 125 lbs and 174 lbs to set them behind in the team score from the jump.
At 157 lbs, Ty Wilson made the most of his season debut. Competing in his first event of the year after returning from injury, Wilson earned his first-career dual victory with a 6-3 decision over Landen Johnson. With the bout appearing destined for sudden victory, Wilson delivered in the closing seconds, securing a takedown to seal the win. The result marked Wilson's first event he wrestled in over a year, dating back to Feb. 1 at the Edinboro Open.
Takedown at the buzzer for his first dual victory ??
— Northwestern Wrestling (@NUWrestle) February 14, 2026
What a moment for Ty Wilson! pic.twitter.com/rapPbbqn2M
At 184 lbs, J.D. Perez battled back from an early deficit to force sudden victory against Ian Smith. Less than 30 seconds into the extra period, the graduate student finished a takedown to secure an 8-5 decision (SV-1). Perez improved to 7-11 overall this season, including a 6-5 mark in dual competition.
That's 3?? for J.D. ?? pic.twitter.com/9nZpl01DZl
— Northwestern Wrestling (@NUWrestle) February 14, 2026
The momentum carried into the 197-pound bout, as Alex Smith collected his second dual victory of the season. In a tightly contested match against Dominic Heim, Smith turned in a strong third period, highlighted by a key reversal and a rideout to close the match and clinch a 6-5 decision.
Northwestern will conclude the regular season on Sunday when it hosts No. 10 Illinois at 1 p.m. CT inside Welsh-Ryan Arena. The dual will be televised on Big Ten Network.
Northern Illinois 28, Northwestern 9
February 13, 2026 | Welsh-Ryan Arena | Evanston, Ill.
125: Blake West (NIU) over Northwestern, Forfeit
133: Markel Baker (NIU) over Luis Bazan (Northwestern), Dec 7-2
141: Deuce Curtis (NIU) over No. 32 Billy DeKraker (Northwestern), Dec 7-5
149: Collin Arch (NIU) over August Hibler (Northwestern), Dec 9-4
157: Ty Wilson (Northwestern) over Landen Johnson (NIU), Dec 6-3
165: Brett Smith (NIU) over Jacob Bostelman (Northwestern), Dec 10-3
174: Tommy Bennett (NIU) over Northwestern, Forfeit
184: J.D. Perez (Northwestern) over Ian Smith (NIU), SV-1, 8-5
197: Alex Smith (Northwestern) over Dominic Heim (NIU), Dec 6-5
285: Devon Dawson (NIU) over Gabe Christenson (Northwestern), MD 16-4
Players Mentioned
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