Where to Watch: ESPN+, January 23rd @6:30PM CT
After two conference wins on the road the Tigers head home for two more Big 12 duals. They start with Oklahoma State, a team who has been redhot the past few seasons. The Cowboys finished third at National Duals and are coming off a Bedlam dual where they blanked OU 37-0. They’ve got a strong lineup with ranked wrestlers at every weight and a mix of veterans and true freshmen.
The team returned only one starter from last season with returning finalist Troy Spratley, but have eight other wrestlers in the top ten. They just made a big splash with top recruit Jax Forrest reclassifying from his senior year in December to stepping into the lineup this January. The Cowboys are heavy favorites but there are a handful of weights where the Tigers can score wins and make for some interesting matches.
125lbs: #24 Mack Mauger (15-8) vs #7 Troy Spratley (7-2)
Mauger gets a tough matchup to kick the dual with returning finalist Spratley. He took some losses at National Duals but has been undefeated since then. Spratley has a high pace offense that has him attacking opponents legs early and often; with some underrated top work that can lead to turns.
For Mauger I think his handfighting could slow Spratley down and give him some opportunities at attacks. Mauger often uses a two on one for positioning, but Spratley will be ready for that setup so getting there and using it could be difficult. Mauger has done better on bottom of late, but Spratley is a step above on the mat. I think Mauger can keep this match to a decision, but if Spratley gets rolling early then he could push for bonus points.
Prediction: Troy Spratley Dec. Mack Mauger (MIZ 0 OKST 3)
133lbs: #26 Gage Walker (7-2) vs #14 Jax Forrest (4-0)
This weight will be very telling for the Cowboys as there’s a chance they may keep Forrest in redshirt. A top high school recruit for the class of 2026, Forrest recently reclassified and is an immediate title contender. He made the Senior world team and wrestled for a bronze medal this summer, while winning U23 gold.
He’s got a wide open wild style with heavy pressure and attacks from all angles. He’s got excellent scrambling that can end a match at any time, a lethal slide-by that he’s hit on the world stage, and is never out of a match.
