Takedown Report

‘Bought-In’ Buckeyes Off To Blazing Start

Ohio State swept its first six duals and only dropped 10 matches along the way, but the fast start has been no surprise to those in the Buckeye room.
Ohio State cruised through the first month of the college wrestling season, winning all six of its duals convincingly while dropping just 10 individual matches along the way. 
The Buckeyes are ranked second heading into Wednesday night’s home dual against Bellarmine before Ohio State has another home dual on Dec. 12 against NC State and a trip to Nashville for the Dec. 21 Journeymen Collegiate Duals. 
The Buckeyes’ undefeated start — and the dominating fashion in which they’ve accomplished it — has turned heads in the college wrestling landscape. It isn’t a shock, however, to those in their practice room each day. “We’re definitely pleased with how the year has gone,” Ohio State associate head coach J Jaggers said. “But we aren’t surprised. This group has bought in. They’re finding their identity in terms of the style we want them to wrestle, the way they’re all capable of wrestling — their high attack rate, the fact that they aren’t protecting (leads), being fearless the entire match. 
“It’s what we’ve preached, and the guys have bought in.” Despite convincing wins over #11 Minnesota (29-6), #7 Nebraska (33-3), #3 Iowa (27-12) and most recently, a 44-0 shutout of Kent State, Jaggers insists the team and staff realize much remains.
“Now the challenge is how we respond when we aren’t playing with house money,” he said. “There wasn’t a lot of chatter about our team going into the season. It’s not like we ever left the party. We’ve never left the top 10. But the guys had a chip on their shoulders, and I think that’s helped. It’s good to hunt, to have that chip.  “Things have gone well so far this year, but how do we respond when things don’t go according to script? That’s when we’ll really see.”
Buckeye Building Blocks

Jaggers was asked to pinpoint any individual stories or other factors contributing to the Buckeyes’ dominant start beyond their aggressive approach.  “It’s what’s fun about this team,” he said. … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/14861655-bought-in-buckeyes-off-to-blazing-start

December 5, 2025 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | ncaa, sports