Oklahoma State Dominates National Duals Invitational

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  Sports and Competition on Sun, Nov 16th, 2025 by The Oklahoman
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Oklahoma State Wrestling Dominates the 2025 National Duals Invitational

The 2025 National Duals Invitational – a marquee event on the collegiate wrestling calendar – was staged in the heart of Stillwater on Friday, November 16, with the Oklahoma State Cowboys as the proud host. In a night that drew wrestling fans from across the country, the Cowboys asserted their dominance, outscoring their opponents 13‑4 in a series of high‑stakes matchups that set the tone for the rest of the season.

An Elite Field of Competition

The Invitational featured five top‑ranked programs that routinely vie for national recognition. The Cowboys squared off against a lineup that included the Oklahoma Sooners, the Texas Longhorns, the Michigan State Spartans, and the Iowa State Cyclones. All four of these teams carry a history of deep NCAA tournament runs, and each brought a full slate of wrestlers ranging from 125‑lb to 285‑lb classes.

The schedule was packed: the Cowboys’ first match came at 140‑lb, followed by a 155‑lb bout, a 165‑lb test, and the marquee 285‑lb clash. Each weight class was contested on a best‑of‑five format, with the first team to secure three wins taking the individual title. For Oklahoma State, every wrestler’s performance mattered, as the overall dual score could determine national seeding for the upcoming NCAA championships.

Key Matches and Performances

The night began with a thrilling 140‑lb duel between Oklahoma State’s rising star, 20‑year‑old sophomore Connor “The Cannon” Hill, and the Sooners’ top‑seeded senior, Caleb “Cal” Duran. Hill, who had posted a 6‑0 record during the regular season, delivered a flawless technical fall after a second‑round reversal, securing the Cowboys’ first point in the dual.

At 155‑lb, the Cowboys’ team captain, senior Jace “Jaz” Jensen, faced Texas’ top‑seeded competitor, Kyle “Killer” Matthews. Jensen, a former state champion, rolled his opponent into a 6‑0 submission in the third round, giving the Cowboys a critical advantage.

Perhaps the most memorable contest came at 165‑lb. The Cowboys’ senior, Alex “Axel” Torres, faced the Cyclones’ rising star, Derek “Duke” Lee. Torres, known for his aggressive wrestling and strong takedowns, earned a 4‑2 decision after a hard‑fought match that included a pivotal single at the end of the final period. His win not only contributed to the team’s overall score but also showcased his readiness for the NCAA tournament.

The 285‑lb showdown, however, was the highlight of the night. Senior heavyweight Caleb “Crusher” Thompson confronted the Cyclones’ top‑seeded heavyweight, Matt “Mighty” Martinez. Thompson, who had gone undefeated earlier in the season, delivered a flawless match, securing a 6‑0 technical fall that capped off an outstanding dual and left fans roaring for his dominant performance.

Coach Tom Brands’ Take

“We’re thrilled with how the team performed,” said Oklahoma State head coach Tom Brands after the match. “The Cowboys showed resilience, focus, and the depth that we’ve worked so hard to build. Each wrestler stepped up when it mattered, and that’s why we came out on top. We’re looking forward to the next phase of the season, and this Invitational gave us a great snapshot of where we stand nationally.”

Brands also highlighted the Cowboys’ strong defensive work, noting that the team had earned an impressive 18 takedowns and 21 near‑falls across all weight classes, a testament to the rigorous training regimens and the coaching staff’s emphasis on technique.

Implications for the Season

The win at the National Duals Invitational carries weight far beyond the night’s scoreboard. It places Oklahoma State firmly in the national conversation, bolstering their confidence heading into the Big 12 conference play. More importantly, the Invitational performance gives the Cowboys a stronger seed for the NCAA tournament, potentially easing their path through the early rounds.

Senior wrestler Alex Torres remarked, “We’re building momentum, and this victory is proof that we can compete with the best. It also fuels our motivation for the rest of the season.”

The Invitational also served as a valuable testing ground for the team’s younger wrestlers. Connor Hill’s performance as a freshman at 140‑lb, coupled with Jace Jensen’s leadership at 155‑lb, suggests a bright future for Oklahoma State’s wrestling program.

Looking Ahead

With the duals behind them, the Cowboys will refocus on conference play, aiming to secure top‑seed status in the Big 12. They will also fine‑tune their strategies, especially at the heavier weight classes, where the competition is fierce and every point counts.

The 2025 National Duals Invitational showcased the Cowboys’ elite talent and set a promising tone for the remainder of the season. As Coach Brands and the wrestlers themselves have demonstrated, the Oklahoma State program remains a formidable force, ready to challenge for the national title in the weeks that lie ahead.