Northern Iowa Wrestling Schedule 2025-2026: 7 Must-See Duals And The New Era After Keckeisen
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Panthers Wrestling team is set to embark on one of its most intriguing seasons in recent memory, with the official 2025-2026 schedule now fully released. As of December 17, 2025, the new campaign features a challenging slate of duals and tournaments, highlighted by seven home events at the McLeod Center and a demanding Big 12 Conference schedule. This season marks a significant transition for the Panthers, who are navigating a new era after the departure of a program legend and a shift in the team’s nucleus, making every match a crucial test for the new-look squad.
The 2025-2026 Northern Iowa wrestling schedule is packed with high-stakes matchups designed to prepare the team for the rigorous postseason. Fans can expect a mix of premier tournaments and intense home duals against top-tier opponents, providing countless opportunities to see Head Coach Doug Schwab’s team in action as they look to build on their recent success and establish the next generation of Panther greats.
UNI Panthers Wrestling: A Season of Transition and New Stars
The 2025-2026 season is defined by change and opportunity for the UNI Panthers. Head Coach Doug Schwab, the program's ninth head coach, returns for his 16th season to lead the rebuilding effort. The coaching staff also welcomes former Panther standout Ian Parker as a new assistant coach, bringing fresh energy and experience to the room.
The biggest storyline is the departure of the team's nucleus, including the greatest Northern Iowa wrestler of the modern era, Parker Keckeisen, who concluded his career with multiple national championships and All-American honors. This creates a massive void but also opens the door for a new wave of talent to emerge.
Key Personnel and Roster Entities for 2025-2026
The Panthers' success will rely on the development of their deep roster. The following are some of the key wrestlers and figures to watch this season, providing the topical authority needed to follow the team's trajectory:
- Head Coach: Doug Schwab
- Assistant Coach: Ian Parker
- Departed Legend: Parker Keckeisen (All-American, National Champion)
- Returning/Key Wrestlers:
- Adam Ahrendsen (Clutier, Iowa)
- Trever Anderson (Ankeny, Iowa)
- Carson Babcock (New Hampton, Iowa)
- Ethan Basile (Tampa, Fla.)
- Cael Happel (Former All-American contender)
- Tyrell Gordon (Heavyweight presence)
- Derrick Cardinal (Rising talent)
- Kaleb Krall (Promising upper weight)
- Ryder Downey (Crucial mid-weight)
- Drew Evans (Iowa native)
- Garrett Funk (Lightweight contender)
- Cory Land (Another key lightweight)
- Noah Mulvaney (Newcomer to watch)
- Brayden Wolf (Upper-weight depth)
- Tate Naaktgeboren (Top recruit potential)
The 2025-2026 Northern Iowa Wrestling Schedule: Major Events Breakdown
The Panthers have structured their schedule to peak for the Big 12 Championships and the NCAA Tournament. The slate features a heavy dose of tournament action early on, transitioning into a demanding dual schedule through the winter months. UNI enters the season ranked highly in pre-season polls, holding a Dual Rank of #15 and a Tournament Rank of #16, setting the stage for high-stakes competition throughout the year.
November and December: Tournaments and Home Openers
The season begins with a challenging road trip and the first taste of competition for the new-look roster. This early stretch is critical for determining the starting lineup and building momentum against national competition.
- Nov. 9: Journeyman Wrestling Collegiate Classic (Bethlehem, PA)
The season opener is a major test, featuring a field of national contenders that will immediately gauge the Panthers' readiness. - Nov. 15: Grand View Open (Grimes, IA)
A local tournament that allows the entire roster, including redshirts and reserves, to get mat time and build confidence early in the year. - Nov. 23: vs. North Dakota State * (McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, IA)
The home opener and the first Big 12 Conference dual of the season. This is a must-win to start the conference slate strong. - Dec. 14: vs. Missouri (McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, IA)
A premier non-conference dual against a perennial national power. This match will be a major draw for fans and a key indicator of UNI’s national standing.
January and February: Big 12 Gauntlet and Rivalry Duals
The heart of the schedule is dominated by Big 12 duals, where the Panthers must perform consistently to secure a high seed for the conference tournament. The home schedule is particularly strong during this time, offering fans intense winter wrestling action.
- Jan. 17: Home Dual (McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, IA)
One of several high-stakes duals in January, crucial for conference positioning. - Jan. 22: Home Dual (McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, IA)
Another mid-week contest that keeps the pressure on the Panthers as they navigate the Big 12 schedule. - Jan. 30: Home Dual (McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, IA)
Concluding a busy month of home action, this dual will be vital for the team's momentum heading into the final stretch. - Feb. 19: at Iowa State (Ames, IA)
The most anticipated road dual of the year. The in-state rivalry match against the Cyclones is always a battle and a highlight of the Iowa wrestling calendar. - Feb. 22: vs. #21 Wisconsin (McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, IA)
A late-season non-conference test against a ranked opponent, serving as a final tune-up before the postseason.
The Road to Tulsa: Postseason Outlook
The Panthers’ entire schedule is structured to prepare them for the ultimate goal: success at the national level. The Big 12 is arguably the deepest wrestling conference, making the conference tournament a brutal proving ground.
- Big 12 Championships (March 6-7, Tulsa, OK)
The Big 12 Championships serve as the automatic qualifier tournament for the NCAA Championships. The Panthers will need a strong showing here to maximize their entries to the national tournament. - NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships (March 19-21, Cleveland, OH)
The culmination of the season. With a new-look roster, qualifying and placing multiple All-Americans will be the measure of success for Coach Schwab’s squad.
The 2025-2026 Northern Iowa wrestling schedule promises a season of intense competition and the emergence of new Panther stars. With a challenging road schedule balanced by seven home events at the McLeod Center, fans have ample opportunity to support the team. The focus on developing young talent and navigating the Big 12 gauntlet makes this a must-watch season for all Panther Train faithful.
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