Takedown Report

Mendez-Led Buckeyes Thinking Big After Fast Start

Thanks in part to the influence of two-time NCAA champ Jesse Mendez, the Ohio State Buckeyes are chasing big goals.
It might be natural to assume the 2025-26 campaign has Ohio State coach Tom Ryan flying high. 
His Buckeyes are undefeated (8-0), his lightweights are performing at podium-in-March levels and there’s plenty of chatter in the wrestling world about how good this group of the scarlet and gray-clad grapplers can be.  It’s not an overly bold notion to predict that two undefeated programs will clash in two months when Penn State hosts Ohio State in February.
Ryan won’t make such predictions. Despite opening eyes at the National Duals Invitational — where the Buckeyes handled Wyoming, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa on their way to the title — Ryan insists on staying in each current moment.  “That stuff is for fans, and it’s fun for them,” Ryan said. “But, as cliché as it sounds, we’re focused on the now, trusting our process, staying inside our system. Nothing’s changed.” Ryan spoke of his team’s need to be ready for Sunday’s showdown with Iowa State, calling the retooled, transfer-laden Cyclones “tough” and saying they “pulled in some really good kids this year.” 
There’s a lot of season left and many big challenges are still ahead of the Buckeyes, which Ryan is well aware. Looking down the road, though, does he believe this Ohio State team is capable of taking down Penn State for the national title in March? … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/14984821-mendez-led-buckeyes-thinking-big-after-fast-start

December 20, 2025 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized