College Wrestling's National Duals: Where, When, and How to Watch
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College Wrestling’s National Duals: Where, When, and How to Watch
If you’re a fan of college wrestling, the National Duals are a must‑see. This season’s matchup is packed with historic rivalries, rising stars, and high‑stakes contests that can swing the trajectory of a program’s postseason run. Sporting News has put together a handy guide that tells you the entire schedule, the broadcast channels, and the best ways to stream each duel. Below is a concise recap of all the key information you need to stay in the ring.
1. What Are the National Duals?
The National Duals are a week‑long series of head‑to‑head contests featuring the top 32 teams in the NCAA Division I wrestling landscape. Held in late February and early March, the series is a de‑facto championship of the conference‑play field. Although no national title is awarded, teams often use these matchups to gauge depth, earn national rankings, and build momentum heading into conference championships and the NCAA tournament.
2. The Full Schedule
The Sporting News article includes a complete match‑by‑match breakdown, organized by date and time. The duals run from February 27 through March 3 and are split into two main blocks:
| Date | Time | Opponents | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 27 | 12:00 p.m. ET | Oklahoma State vs. Penn State | 1st & 10 Stadium, Lincoln, NE |
| Feb 27 | 3:30 p.m. ET | Penn State vs. Ohio State | 1st & 10 Stadium, Lincoln, NE |
| Feb 27 | 7:00 p.m. ET | Oklahoma State vs. Iowa | 1st & 10 Stadium, Lincoln, NE |
| Feb 28 | 12:00 p.m. ET | ... | ... |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
(For the full list, click the “Schedule” button on the Sporting News page.)
Each day features up to six duals, with marquee matchups that attract national television coverage. Teams such as Oklahoma State, Penn State, Iowa, and Ohio State routinely headline the series because of their deep rosters and storied traditions.
3. Broadcast Channels
ESPN and ESPN+: The bulk of the duals are carried on ESPN. High‑profile bouts (e.g., Oklahoma State vs. Penn State, Penn State vs. Ohio State) are often shown on the main channel, while other matches stream live on ESPN+. The Sporting News piece lists the exact channel numbers for each matchup, ensuring you can tune in without hunting down the right network.
CBS Sports Network: A handful of games, especially early‑morning or late‑afternoon matches, air on CBS Sports Network. The article provides a link to the CBS Sports schedule page for those specific duals, so you can confirm the time slots.
NCAA TV: Occasionally, the NCAA’s own streaming platform carries select games not picked up by the major networks. The article points to the NCAA TV page where viewers can sign up for a free, limited‑time view of the matchups.
4. Streaming Options
Because the National Duals have a global following, many fans prefer to watch via streaming services. Sporting News details the options for each channel:
| Service | How to Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ | Subscribe online or through a cable‑connected streaming app. The duals are available as “Live” streams. | Requires a subscription; free trial available. |
| CBS Sports | Use the CBS Sports app or website; streams are free for those with a cable subscription or a live‑TV app. | Some matches are free‑to‑view for all users. |
| NCAA TV | Go to NCAA.tv; watch free for the first three games, then pay for a “Full Access” plan. | Good for catching non‑ESPN games. |
| Athletes’ Social Media | Some top wrestlers post highlights or live‑stream portions of the matches on Instagram or Facebook. | Not a full‑match stream but great for quick updates. |
The article even includes a handy “streaming checklist” that cross‑references each dual with the optimal service, so you can plan your viewing setup in advance.
5. Key Matchups to Watch
The Sporting News highlights several games that are worth watching:
Oklahoma State vs. Penn State – Two of the country’s powerhouses face off in a classic rivalry. Both programs have produced multiple NCAA champions, and the stakes are high for conference seeding.
Penn State vs. Ohio State – A storied Midwest showdown that often defines the region’s top teams. Look out for the top‑weight classes, where a single upset can shift national rankings.
Iowa vs. Oklahoma State – A clash of wrestling cultures. Iowa’s “Big Ten” style meets Oklahoma State’s “Cowboy” grit. The match usually features several of the top‑10 ranked wrestlers.
Ohio State vs. North Dakota State – A dark horse matchup that can surprise casual fans. North Dakota State has been making waves with a strong recruitment pipeline.
6. Practical Tips for Fans
Set Up Early – Because some duals air simultaneously, it’s a good idea to have multiple devices or apps ready. ESPN+ and CBS Sports can be accessed on tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.
Check Time Zones – All times in the Sporting News article are listed in Eastern Time. Convert to your local zone if you’re outside the U.S. (e.g., Central, Mountain, Pacific).
Use the Alerts – Many streaming apps allow you to set “push notifications” for when a game goes live. This ensures you don’t miss the opening bell.
Follow the Social Media – Teams and wrestlers often share live updates on Twitter or Instagram. Tagging the official accounts can give you behind‑the‑scenes insight.
7. Why the National Duals Matter
While the NCAA tournament is the pinnacle, the National Duals serve as the crucible where the season’s narrative is forged. Coaches use the matches to test new lineup configurations, while wrestlers gauge how they stack against national rivals. For fans, the duals offer a condensed experience of the season’s best talent—each match is a potential headline.
The Sporting News article is an indispensable resource because it aggregates all of that information in one place. From schedule details to streaming links and channel assignments, it gives you everything you need to watch the National Duals without the hassle of hunting down disparate sources.
8. Final Thoughts
If you’re a wrestling enthusiast or simply a curious supporter of college sports, the National Duals provide a front‑row seat to the country’s best wrestlers. With a clear schedule, straightforward channel assignments, and accessible streaming options, you can tune in from anywhere—whether you’re at home, on a road trip, or at a tailgating party.
Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making: mark your calendar, set your streaming apps, and enjoy a week of fierce, high‑stakes wrestling. For the most current updates, always check back on Sporting News, ESPN, and the official NCAA TV page. Happy watching!
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/college/news/watch-national-duals-schedule-channel-stream-watch-wrestling/1014aa068e55d0f31a18268f ]