The Brands have silenced the haters

Sett1997

All-Conference
Oct 23, 2025
800
2,579
93
Incredible turnaround. They deserve a contract extension and I am being 100% serious. Great coaching job. Much better than coach of the year Tom Ryan.
They aren't getting us back to the top.

 

Squatch96

Senior
Jul 3, 2025
371
951
93
They aren't getting us back to the top.

Okay maybe your right but we have 7 all Americans some of the great iowa teams didnt have or had the same amount. We get it its okay to want more but im so happy for the guys that worked there *** of and the funny things all 7 guys out side of Mikey who spent more time at Iowa then ndsu are guys we recruited. Its okay to want more but just be happy for are dudes who exceed everyone's expectations. This was supposed to be are worst team in 50 years outside the top 10 no finalists maybe 2 all Americans if were lucky and thats not what happend
 

Herkylian

Senior
Dec 27, 2022
132
408
63
I appreciate the intent but watching the top wrestlers that are wrestling for championships FAR outpaced anything we've ever had in a long time. I mean just watching Jax Forrest's scrambling acumen compared to Spencer Lee is like witnessing flight for the first time in 1903. That dude is hitting movements in positions I think redefine chain wrestling.

But not just that. Watching all of the semi finals tonight made me realize whatever we're doing is antiquated. Whatever is happening is behind the times. We're the Stanley Steamer and the combustion engine is evolving around us. It's literally not just a different look but a different feel you see from these wrestlers. Proud as hell of ALL our men who put it out on the mat, especially with the fight they put up but it's just simply not in the same atmosphere let alone universe what you see others doing. It's just different and why I'm a fan because I can't identify it to say what needs changed other than talent, but that's just a single aspect.
 

UNIHawk

Senior
May 2, 2025
285
817
93
I appreciate the intent but watching the top wrestlers that are wrestling for championships FAR outpaced anything we've ever had in a long time. I mean just watching Jax Forrest's scrambling acumen compared to Spencer Lee is like witnessing flight for the first time in 1903. That dude is hitting movements in positions I think redefine chain wrestling.

But not just that. Watching all of the semi finals tonight made me realize whatever we're doing is antiquated. Whatever is happening is behind the times. We're the Stanley Steamer and the combustion engine is evolving around us. It's literally not just a different look but a different feel you see from these wrestlers. Proud as hell of ALL our men who put it out on the mat, especially with the fight they put up but it's just simply not in the same atmosphere let alone universe what you see others doing. It's just different and why I'm a fan because I can't identify it to say what needs changed other than talent, but that's just a single aspect.
Yea DT taught Jax everything he knows in the last two months....Jax was a ready made champion. Get guys like Duke and Jax and the Iowa coaching staff would suddenly look a lot smarter.
 

Squatch96

Senior
Jul 3, 2025
371
951
93
I appreciate the intent but watching the top wrestlers that are wrestling for championships FAR outpaced anything we've ever had in a long time. I mean just watching Jax Forrest's scrambling acumen compared to Spencer Lee is like witnessing flight for the first time in 1903. That dude is hitting movements in positions I think redefine chain wrestling.

But not just that. Watching all of the semi finals tonight made me realize whatever we're doing is antiquated. Whatever is happening is behind the times. We're the Stanley Steamer and the combustion engine is evolving around us. It's literally not just a different look but a different feel you see from these wrestlers. Proud as hell of ALL our men who put it out on the mat, especially with the fight they put up but it's just simply not in the same atmosphere let alone universe what you see others doing. It's just different and why I'm a fan because I can't identify it to say what needs changed other than talent, but that's just a single aspect.
Again thats cool im not trying to be a Homer or brands fan there is work to be done Penn state is doing things that we did in the 70s 80s and 90s but there weren't message boards then and hats off to them can't help but admire and be a little jealous. All I im saying is that we've had teams finish better and not have 7 all Americans do I wish all 7 were in the finals of course but speaking on this team alone for this year 7 all Americans for what was thought to be the worst iowa team in 50 years wasnt even supposed to be top 10 according to some. Is a step in the right direction
 

HawkeyeFever

Junior
Jun 10, 2025
136
261
63
Okay maybe your right but we have 7 all Americans some of the great iowa teams didnt have or had the same amount. We get it its okay to want more but im so happy for the guys that worked there *** of and the funny things all 7 guys out side of Mikey who spent more time at Iowa then ndsu are guys we recruited. Its okay to want more but just be happy for are dudes who exceed everyone's expectations. This was supposed to be are worst team in 50 years outside the top 10 no finalists maybe 2 all Americans if were lucky and thats not what happend
Learn the difference between our and are. No big deal, but it made it a little weird to read.
 

MALOS

Senior
Jan 28, 2024
304
921
88
I appreciate the intent but watching the top wrestlers that are wrestling for championships FAR outpaced anything we've ever had in a long time. I mean just watching Jax Forrest's scrambling acumen compared to Spencer Lee is like witnessing flight for the first time in 1903. That dude is hitting movements in positions I think redefine chain wrestling.

But not just that. Watching all of the semi finals tonight made me realize whatever we're doing is antiquated. Whatever is happening is behind the times. We're the Stanley Steamer and the combustion engine is evolving around us. It's literally not just a different look but a different feel you see from these wrestlers. Proud as hell of ALL our men who put it out on the mat, especially with the fight they put up but it's just simply not in the same atmosphere let alone universe what you see others doing. It's just different and why I'm a fan because I can't identify it to say what needs changed other than talent, but that's just a single aspect.
I guess that means every other program is antiquated too?

It’s all about recruiting. Jax, Miller, Jayden James, Bassett, Blaze, Davino have been doing this for 7-8 years. Before you give Ok State credit for developing the Raneys or Ross — please know they are doing it too.

Enough of these kids go in and out of programs to know what each other are doing — they are not doing anything different. It’s 95% recruiting. We lost the recruiting war for these kids. Bassett and Miller were game changers. We will be back — it won’t happen overnight but, it’s coming.
 

InTheCircle

All-Conference
Apr 3, 2018
381
1,294
93
We have a lot of work to do tomorrow. We could still finish without trophy. 7 AA is still an outstanding achievement. I’d still like the trophy.
 
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Herkylian

Senior
Dec 27, 2022
132
408
63
I guess that means every other program is antiquated too?

It’s all about recruiting. Jax, Miller, Jayden James, Bassett, Blaze, Davino have been doing this for 7-8 years. Before you give Ok State credit for developing the Raneys or Ross — please know they are doing it too.

Enough of these kids go in and out of programs to know what each other are doing — they are not doing anything different. It’s 95% recruiting. We lost the recruiting war for these kids. Bassett and Miller were game changers. We will be back — it won’t happen overnight but, it’s coming.
Yes that whole quote where I said "other than talent" because I'm just a layman and am not going to be a simpleton and put it explicitly on "recruiting". Otherwise there would be no point to having mat coaches and we'd just all hand the awards out to the top 8 pound 4 pound every year. It literally takes that talent plus a slight to significant segment of coaching. I'll take 10 Aaron Seidel's every day because of the talent with the coaching. Jax is just a machine.
 

SASHmoney

Freshman
Jan 3, 2004
13
94
13
We lost to Minnesota at home, lost to ISU, we got WHOOPED by OSU and PSU, we lost big time recruits, The handling of transfers failed, attendance is way down, not much progression if any from the roster, we were scared of getting takedowns all year.

I don’t think a “good tournament”(possibly no trophy/champ) is enough.
 
Jan 21, 2012
1,128
850
113
I appreciate the intent but watching the top wrestlers that are wrestling for championships FAR outpaced anything we've ever had in a long time. I mean just watching Jax Forrest's scrambling acumen compared to Spencer Lee is like witnessing flight for the first time in 1903. That dude is hitting movements in positions I think redefine chain wrestling.

But not just that. Watching all of the semi finals tonight made me realize whatever we're doing is antiquated. Whatever is happening is behind the times. We're the Stanley Steamer and the combustion engine is evolving around us. It's literally not just a different look but a different feel you see from these wrestlers. Proud as hell of ALL our men who put it out on the mat, especially with the fight they put up but it's just simply not in the same atmosphere let alone universe what you see others doing. It's just different and why I'm a fan because I can't identify it to say what needs changed other than talent, but that's just a single aspect.
No doubt about it. If I were an Iowa fan, I would be extremely proud of the fight the guys exhibited this weekend and most of them are midwestern boys. They are wrestling to their talent level and a lot of that credit goes to TnT for not giving up and instilling the desire to reach their potential.
That being said, if I never watch another Ferrari match with that 1 knee crap or another push , push, hand fight (what is typical of a lot of Iowa matches this year) I will be OK. Their style is definitely lagging.
Also, with Arnold placing it emphasizes the fact that talent wins matches. He was just more physically gifted than a lot of 97 pounders and with his heart, he was able to win. Many other guys on the team do not have the talent differential to win against a lot of the guys in the field. So recruiting has to improve.
The problem now is, what big recruit wants to come to Iowa and go back in time. So the portal is going to be Iowa's friend again But unless they get someone who can convince the big time recruits to come to Iowa, they are not going to get back on top.
That being said, you also have to give credit to TnT. They will never quit trying to bring out the best in their athletes and they will never stop fighting.

Also, props to Nebby for showing up again and Congrats to Okie State for wrestling tough also.
 
Dec 16, 2015
207
835
93
Peterson 8 seed finished 9-12 slight -
Ayala 6 seed finished 6+ = or slight +
Bailey 7 seed finished 9-12 slight -
Block 15 seed finished 6+ big +
Caliendo 3 seed finished 1-2 slight +
Kennedy 5 seed finished 6+ = or slight +
Ferrari 7 seed finished 6+ slight to more +
Arnold 27 seed finished 7-8 BIG +
Kueter 8 seed finished 6+ slight to more +

Some disappointing matches, but overall great day 1 and great day 2. It’s been a long time since we were this much + at the end of the tournament.
 

Squatch96

Senior
Jul 3, 2025
371
951
93
We lost to Minnesota at home, lost to ISU, we got WHOOPED by OSU and PSU, we lost big time recruits, The handling of transfers failed, attendance is way down, not much progression if any from the roster, we were scared of getting takedowns all year.

I don’t think a “good tournament”(possibly no trophy/champ) is enough.
Jesus how about you let the 7 guys all Americans by the way finish the tournament. You make an account just to say that. Fact of the matter is that they got crap all year and they got on the podium outside of dean and nasir who were in the bloodround by the one match away from all American. Jesus I can't say it enough the 7 guys worked there *** of god you know what makes people look like Nebraska football in the 90s or ucla basketball in the 70s the f ing fans. Littleraly people were on this board saying we'd be lucky to finish inside the top 10. Its not are best team not by a long shot but if this is the down fall of iowa wrestling they went out with 7 AA's damn
 
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WhiteDog125

Senior
Dec 13, 2023
254
593
93
I’m really happy for most of the guys. Some outstanding individual performances. But, people being ok and content that Iowa is fighting for a trophy (again). That’s part of the problem. I get it, most were expecting to finish outside of the top 5. But anyone that can seriously say yay brands, Morningstar etc. let’s keep you forever.. yikes. Now, again 7 AAs with how this year went.. pretty darn good and history would show brands teams usually don’t show up like this at NCAAs.
 

Mattski

All-Conference
Apr 21, 2022
965
2,559
93
Two things can be true -
The team as currently constructed and developed had a good tournament so far.
The team as currently constructed and developed is not a championship level team/program.
Hell yes it was fun watching Iowa guys wrestle well in this tournament. They should be proud.
It was and will be more fun when Iowa guys are wrestling for titles, both team and individual.
That should always be the goal and either we're moving towards that goal or further away.
 

Squatch96

Senior
Jul 3, 2025
371
951
93
I’m really happy for most of the guys. Some outstanding individual performances. But, people being ok and content that Iowa is fighting for a trophy (again). That’s part of the problem. I get it, most were expecting to finish outside of the top 5. But anyone that can seriously say yay brands, Morningstar etc. let’s keep you forever.. yikes. Now, again 7 AAs with how this year went.. pretty darn good and history would show brands teams usually don’t show up like this at NCAAs.

I’m really happy for most of the guys. Some outstanding individual performances. But, people being ok and content that Iowa is fighting for a trophy (again). That’s part of the problem. I get it, most were expecting to finish outside of the top 5. But anyone that can seriously say yay brands, Morningstar etc. let’s keep you forever.. yikes. Now, again 7 AAs with how this year went.. pretty darn good and history would show brands teams usually don’t show up like this at NCAAs.
I think were all on the same page were just not there yet. I get it but we have 7 guys all homegrown hawkeyes that are all Americans good for Penn state everyone knew they were gonna win congrats. But every guy we had wrestled the butts off we can complain about brands later. Outside caliendo but he's spent more time here then north Dakota state
 
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kegan_rivals316901

Sophomore
Jun 23, 2003
49
113
33
I guess that means every other program is antiquated too?

It’s all about recruiting. Jax, Miller, Jayden James, Bassett, Blaze, Davino have been doing this for 7-8 years. Before you give Ok State credit for developing the Raneys or Ross — please know they are doing it too.

Enough of these kids go in and out of programs to know what each other are doing — they are not doing anything different. It’s 95% recruiting. We lost the recruiting war for these kids. Bassett and Miller were game changers. We will be back — it won’t happen overnight but, it’s coming.
Agreed. I’d raise it to 99% recruiting. TNt hasn’t shown any real capability of landing the top pfp guys. Until this happens, we will be fighting for 4th place year over year with some rough 6th to 8th placements sprinkled in.
 

paednoch23

Senior
Oct 23, 2009
387
916
93
Incredible turnaround. They deserve a contract extension and I am being 100% serious. Great coaching job. Much better than coach of the year Tom Ryan.
Have you looked at the future? These two guys have failed miserably at recruiting. Our program has been driven off of a cliff. Look at how many duals we lost. What about next year looks promising? They need to go. Good lord.
 

paednoch23

Senior
Oct 23, 2009
387
916
93
Yea DT taught Jax everything he knows in the last two months....Jax was a ready made champion. Get guys like Duke and Jax and the Iowa coaching staff would suddenly look a lot smarter.
They look even stupider because Jax is wearing orange and not a black singlet. The unstable psycho personality isn’t attractive to kids. Nobody wants to wrestle for an autistic hot head anymore.
 

InTheCircle

All-Conference
Apr 3, 2018
381
1,294
93
Congrats on the trophy Hawks!l
I am enjoying the moment and celebrating the careers of Drake, Patrick and Mikey and the other All Americans. Wasn’t Iowa State a lock to finish ahead of Iowa and there was no way we’d finish ahead of Ohio State? It would’ve been icing on the cake had we finished ahead of Nebraska. I feel confident changes are coming to contend for NCAA titles again in 3-5 years.
 
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Libertylover

All-Conference
Dec 17, 2020
875
1,516
93
Jesus how about you let the 7 guys all Americans by the way finish the tournament. You make an account just to say that. Fact of the matter is that they got crap all year and they got on the podium outside of dean and nasir who were in the bloodround by the one match away from all American. Jesus I can't say it enough the 7 guys worked there *** of god you know what makes people look like Nebraska football in the 90s or ucla basketball in the 70s the f ing fans. Littleraly people were on this board saying we'd be lucky to finish inside the top 10. Its not are best team not by a long shot but if this is the down fall of iowa wrestling they went out with 7 AA's damn
Kennedy mentioned they were getting F ing tore apart on the internet this season. He must be familiar with this board😉
 

who r u

Redshirt
Mar 17, 2009
6
6
3
Yea DT taught Jax everything he knows in the last two months....Jax was a ready made champion. Get guys like Duke and Jax and the Iowa coaching staff would suddenly look a lot smarter.

jax has been at okst for more than 2 months. kind of why basset decomitted.

so by your logic brands did nothing for Lee.
 

UNIHawk

Senior
May 2, 2025
285
817
93
jax has been at okst for more than 2 months. kind of why basset decomitted.

so by your logic brands did nothing for Lee.
Yes, Spencer Lee would have been great almost anywhere. Messenbrink was great right out of the box for Penn State. Lets not overly credit coaching for some of these young kids, not saying they can't fine tune a few things or help with the mental aspect but yea Jax is kicking arse in any program this year.
 

grapplefan

Junior
Oct 3, 2010
179
399
63
Not to belittle the good efforts of the Hawks this year, but for the fans, I think this was a case of lowered expectations.
The distance from us to the Nits and the Pokes is widening, not narrowing. How many freshmen were in the finals this year? That's all about recruiting.

I really like Tom Brands, but even he would say that we shouldn't be satisfied with this year's results. After twenty years, we know what Tom can do, and what he seems unable to do these days. There's a "Jax Forrest" nearly every year at some weight or another, and if he's not wrestling FOR us, then he's wrestling AGAINST us. Just say'n.

That said, I think the Hawks may be doing a smidgen better at development and peaking, but it's probably too little, and too late.
 

paednoch23

Senior
Oct 23, 2009
387
916
93
Yes, Spencer Lee would have been great almost anywhere. Messenbrink was great right out of the box for Penn State. Lets not overly credit coaching for some of these young kids, not saying they can't fine tune a few things or help with the mental aspect but yea Jax is kicking arse in any program this year.
Yes overly crediting the coaches is ridiculous. It’s not like these ready made wrestlers chose the school because of any coach.
 

paednoch23

Senior
Oct 23, 2009
387
916
93
Not to belittle the good efforts of the Hawks this year, but for the fans, I think this was a case of lowered expectations.
The distance from us to the Nits and the Pokes is widening, not narrowing. How many freshmen were in the finals this year? That's all about recruiting.

I really like Tom Brands, but even he would say that we shouldn't be satisfied with this year's results. After twenty years, we know what Tom can do, and what he seems unable to do these days. There's a "Jax Forrest" nearly every year at some weight or another, and if he's not wrestling FOR us, then he's wrestling AGAINST us. Just say'n.

That said, I think the Hawks may be doing a smidgen better at development and peaking, but it's probably too little, and too late.
I liked brands 10 years ago. The lunatic personality doesn’t work anymore. One thing i noticed this year was the chain and scrambling wrestling has advanced incredibly. Maybe I’m old but this was the best wrestling I’ve ever seen in the semis and finals. The Iowa guys seem to be plodding and keeping things low and close. In a sense our offensive wrestling reminds me of the football teams offense.
 

kingstown

All-Conference
Dec 7, 2025
651
2,015
93
Peterson 8 seed finished 9-12 slight -
Ayala 6 seed finished 6+ = or slight +
Bailey 7 seed finished 9-12 slight -
Block 15 seed finished 6+ big +
Caliendo 3 seed finished 1-2 slight +
Kennedy 5 seed finished 6+ = or slight +
Ferrari 7 seed finished 6+ slight to more +
Arnold 27 seed finished 7-8 BIG +
Kueter 8 seed finished 6+ slight to more +

Some disappointing matches, but overall great day 1 and great day 2. It’s been a long time since we were this much + at the end of the tournament.
Been a long time since the team performed this poorly during the regular season to get seeded like this. It is easier to over perform expectations if you can get the expectations low enough. I hope this isn't the new strategy.
 
Jan 10, 2023
222
373
63
Yes, Spencer Lee would have been great almost anywhere. Messenbrink was great right out of the box for Penn State. Lets not overly credit coaching for some of these young kids, not saying they can't fine tune a few things or help with the mental aspect but yea Jax is kicking arse in any program this year.
Messenbrink came out of a box from California Baptitst to Penn State. Another Akren kid we didn't either recruit or Cal Baptist out recruited us. He is from Wisconsin. How can you miss that talent. How many generational talented fresman or redshirt freshmen this year? We landed ZERO!!!! Unless Ferrari is in that category.