Sat Mar 22 16:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Iowa Wrestling Sends Three to NCAA Finals, Claims Two More All-Americans
**Philadelphia, PA** – The University of Iowa wrestling team enjoyed a dominant performance at the 2025 NCAA Championships, securing three spots in the finals and adding two more All-Americans to their roster. The Hawkeyes currently sit in fourth place in the team standings with 73.5 points.
Drake Ayala (133 lbs), Michael Caliendo (165 lbs), and Stephen Buchanan II (197 lbs) all punched their tickets to Saturday’s championship matches. Ayala, a returning finalist, defeated Wisconsin’s Zan Fugitt (6-1) and will face top-seed Lucas Byrd of Illinois in a highly anticipated rematch. Caliendo earned his first-ever finals appearance with a 14-10 win over Peyton Hall (West Virginia), setting up a clash with top-seeded Mitchell Mesenbrink. Buchanan, meanwhile, overcame former national champion AJ Ferrari (Cal State Bakersfield) with a 3-0 victory, earning a final bout against Josh Barr.
Adding to Iowa’s success, Patrick Kennedy (174 lbs) and Ben Kueter (285 lbs) both battled through the consolation rounds to secure All-American status. Kennedy will continue his pursuit of a high placing in tomorrow’s consolation semifinals, while Kueter will wrestle for seventh place.
The Hawkeyes’ strong showing leaves them well-positioned heading into the final day of competition. The championship matches and remaining consolation bouts will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. CT.
First Piper 