In a challenging road matchup, the Indiana wrestling team fell to No. 6 Ohio State at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday by a score of 32-6. Despite their best efforts, the No. 22 Hoosiers couldn’t overcome the formidable lineup of the Buckeyes.
Ohio State, known for its perennial dominance in collegiate wrestling, rattled off five top threes in the NCAA tournament including a National Championship run in 2015. The Buckeye’s displayed its strength with nine ranked wrestlers in their probable lineup, five of whom rank in the top 15 of their respective weight classes. Led by standouts No. 3 sophomore Jesse Mendez and No. 7 redshirt freshman Nick Feldman, the Buckeyes entered the dual with an impressive 13-2 record — their only losses coming to No. 18 University of Pittsburgh and No. 1 Penn State.
The Buckeyes wasted no time asserting their dominance, securing victories in several weight classes early in the dual. Ohio State redshirt freshman Luke Geog kicked off the competition with a hard-fought 9-6 decision over Indiana redshirt freshman Gabe Sollars in the 197 lbs weight class, setting the tone for the remainder of the matches as the Buckeyes continued to build momentum.
Putting up a fight. ?#IUWR pic.twitter.com/hdstmut0Qx
— Indiana Wrestling (@IndianaWR) February 11, 2024
Despite the Hoosiers' efforts, highlighted by standout performances from No. 18 graduate student Brayton Lee and redshirt sophomore Roman Rogotzke, the Buckeyes proved too formidable. Lee's win over Ohio State's senior Isaac Wilcox and Rogotzke's triumph over redshirt junior Gavin Bell provided bright spots for Indiana, but the team couldn’t turn the tide in their favor.
Lee was able to snag a 4-2 victory over Wilcox using a well-timed sweep single about halfway through the second period to secure the match deciding takedown. Rogotzke’s defeated Bell in sudden victory after he tied the match 11-11 as time expired then securing the comeback in overtime.
The Hoosiers will return to Wilkinson Hall for a dual meet against Michigan at 7 p.m. Friday in Bloomington.
Follow reporter Aidan Pollitt (@pollitt_52) for updates throughout the Indiana wrestling season.
