Huskers Second After Day One, Send Four to Finals
Huskers.com
Evanston, Ill. - With 16 bonus-point wins and four Huskers set for the finals, the Nebraska wrestling team closed its day one showing at the 2025 Big Ten Wrestling Championships as second in team standings.
Caleb Smith (125), Brock Hardy (141), Ridge Lovett (149) and Lenny Pinto (174) will compete for Big Ten titles on Sunday, with championship bouts starting at 4:35 p.m. (CT) on BTN.
The Big Red trail Penn State, who has six finalists. Behind the Huskers, Minnesota and Iowa each have three finalists. Nine from Nebraska will continue to wrestle into day two, as the Big Red seek NCAA bids.
The championship opened with nine Huskers in the first round, Van Dee taking the mat first at 133 as the six seed. The sophomore used four takedowns for a 12-4 major decision, his fifth of the season, over Dustin Norris (PUR) to move into quarterfinals.
At 141, three seed Brock Hardy allowed one point from Jaden Crumpler on his way to a 17-1 tech. fall in 4:58. The victory was Hardy’s 20th of his junior season and 80th career. Lovett followed suit, another three seed to dismantle Royce Nilo. The reigning Big Ten Champ put up 19 points in 2:21 to move on to the quarterfinals.
Making it three-consecutive Husker tech. falls, three seed Antrell Taylor (157) used a 17-2 dominant first period to claim his 20th win of the season, and secure his spot in the quarters. Minto was up next at 165, meeting Jay Nivision (MSU) for a tight bout. The two-time freshman of the week honoree defeated the Spartan with a 5-3 decision.
At 174, Lenny Pinto grabbed his 20th season and 65th career win, taking down Aiden Vandenbush (NU) with a 21-6 (4:53) tech. fall, his 12th of the year. Allred took on Badger Dylan Russo at 184, and the Husker made quick work of the bout, claiming a 2:46 fall. True freshman Camden McDanel was up next, the seven seed at 197. No. 20 McDanel notched a 4:01 pin over No. 26 Remy Cotton, to move on to quarterfinals. Andrews had a steep matchup at heavyweight, taking on Yaraslau Slavikouski (RUT), ranked No. 7 by InterMat. The Husker battled, but fell by a 6-4 decision.
Nine Huskers headed into the quarterfinals on Saturday morning, beginning with Caleb Smith after his first round bye as the two seed. The senior tallied his second tech. fall of the season, 17-2 over Dedrick Navarro (NU) in 6:05, pushing Smith to the semis. No. 15 Van Dee faced No. 4 Braxton Brown (MD) in his quarterfinal bout, but fell 2-0.
Hardy met Joseph Olivieri (RUT) on the mat, and the Husker came out on top with an 11-1 major decision. Lovett also claimed a major decision in his quarterfinal, defeating Andrew Clark (RUT) 13-2. No. 4 Taylor was next to secure his spot in the semifinals, taking a 4-3 decision over No. 7 Joey Blaze (PUR).
No. 8 Minto faced No. 14 Braeden Scoles (ILL) at 165, and despite a late 1-1 tie, the Illini closed, defeating the Husker 4-3. Pinto punched his spot in the semis with a 6:33 fall over Michigan’s Joseph Walker, his 10th career pin.
No. 7 Allred battled No. 12 Edmond Ruth (ILL) in a 184 quarter final bout, but fell by 4-3 decision. No. 20 McDanel took on No. 2 Josh Barr at 197, and fell to the three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week in a 17-2 (4:05) tech. fall. Andrews closed out the first session for the Big Red, coming back from a 2-9 deficit to pin Gannon Rosenfeld (WIS).
Session II began with consolation bouts for Van Dee (133), Minto (165), Allred (184), McDanel (197) and Andrews (HWT). Van Dee started with a 20-4 tech. fall over Odiotti (NU), his second bonus point win of the day, and 10th of the season. Up against Nic Bouzakis, Van Dee was forced to forfeit for injury default, as well as medical forfeit for loss in the seventh-place match. Despite the finish, the sophomore still closed his second Big Ten Championships on the podium.
Minto notched his second win of the day with a 14-9 decision over Goebel (WIS), before falling to No. 18 Mayfield (NU) 8-1. Allred tallied two more victories for Saturday, with a 1:50 fall over Daly (MSU), and a forfeit from Cartagena-Walsh (RUT). McDanel bounced back, using a 16-8 major decision over Sollars (IND) and a 5-2 decision against Bates (NU). No. 23 Andrews met No. 10 Luffman (ILL) and lost by fall (6:04); the Husker will continue wrestling on Sunday in the 11th-place bracket.
No. 7 Smith kicked off the semifinal action for Nebraska, facing No. 11 Peterson (RUT). The pair were tied 1-1 after regulation, and headed into SV-1 for a spot in the 125 final. The wrestlers battled, but Smith struck and scored, winning 3-1.
At 141, No. 6 Hardy took on a loaded matchup against reigning NCAA Champ No. 2 Jesse Mendez (OSU). The pair went back and forth during regulation, at 8-8 in full time, but the Husker’s ridetime point secured the upset victory. The junior claimed his first win over the Buckeye and a spot in the finals.
No. 4 Lovett was the next semifinal, facing Hawkeye foe No. 3 Parco, who led the head-to-head 3-0. The Husker came out firing, notching 10 points in the first period. The reigning Big Ten Champ closed the deal, defeating Parco with a 14-2 major decision to return to the final.
The 157 semifinal match showcased No. 1 Tyler Kasak (PSU) and No. 4 Taylor. The Husker fought, but the Nittany Lion dominated the mat, defeating Taylor with a 1:18 fall.
Pinto was the last Big Red semifinalist, taking on Braunagel (ILL). It was a tight battle between the three and seven seeds, as Pinto trailed 6-8 with less than a minute left in the bout. In a thriller last jab, Pinto notched a takedown, reviewed and challenged by both sides. The Husker came out on top, moving on to the final with a 9-8 decision.
Nebraska concluded the day with four Huskers headed to the finals, and in second among team standings, with 118.5 points.
The 2025 Big Ten Wrestling Championships action returns Sunday, March 9, with consolation semifinals and 7th-place matches at noon (CT) on B1G+. Session IV will begin at 4:35 p.m. (CT) for 1st-, 3rd- and 5th-place matches, covered on BTN.
Sunday, March 9 (Coverage on Big Ten Network/FOX Sports app and B1G+)
No. 7 Caleb Smith (125) 2-0
Round 1: BYE
Quarterfinals: Caleb Smith (Nebraska) 18-4 won by tech fall over Dedrick Navarro (Northwestern) 19-11 (TF-1.5 6:05 (17-2))
Semifinal - Caleb Smith (Nebraska) 19-4 won in sudden victory - 1 over Dean Peterson (Rutgers) 20-5 (SV-1 3-1)
No. 15 Jacob Van Dee (133) 2-3
Round 1 - Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 13-8 won by major decision over Dustin Norris (Purdue) 8-11 (MD 12-4)
Quarterfinal - Braxton Brown (Maryland) 22-2 won by decision over Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 13-8 (Dec 2-0)
Cons. Round 2 - Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 14-9 won by tech fall over Massey Odiotti (Northwestern) 14-16 (TF-1.5 4:34 (20-4))
Cons. Round 3 - Nic Bouzakis (Ohio State) 20-6 won by injury default over Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 14-9 (Inj. 1:05)
7th Place Match - Angelo Rini (Indiana) 20-9 won by medical forfeit over Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 14-9 (M. For.)
No. 6 Brock Hardy (141) 3-0
Round 1 - Brock Hardy (Nebraska) 21-3 won by tech fall over Jaden Crumpler (Michigan State) 6-17 (TF-1.5 4:58 (17-1))
Quarterfinal - Brock Hardy (Nebraska) 21-3 won by major decision over Joseph Olivieri (Rutgers) 16-7 (MD 11-1)
Semifinal - Brock Hardy (Nebraska) 22-3 won by decision over Jesse Mendez (Ohio State) 24-2 (Dec 9-8)
No. 4 Ridge Lovett (149) 3-0
Round 1 - Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) 18-2 won by tech fall over Royce Nilo (Wisconsin) 0-13 (TF-1.5 2:21 (19-4))
Quarterfinal - Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) 18-2 won by major decision over Andrew Clark (Rutgers) 20-11 (MD 13-2)
Semifinal - Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) 19-2 won by major decision over Kyle Parco (Iowa) 19-2 (MD 14-2)
No. 4 Antrell Taylor (157) 2-1
Round 1 - Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) 21-2 won by tech fall over Braden Stauffenberg (Michigan State) 5-16 (TF-1.5 2:50 (17-2))
Quarterfinal - Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) 21-2 won by decision over Joey Blaze (Purdue) 16-5 (Dec 4-3)
Semifinal - Tyler Kasak (Penn State) 16-1 won by fall over Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) 21-3 (Fall 1:18)
No. 8 Christopher Minto (165) 2-2
Round 1 - Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 18-3 won by decision over Jay Nivison (Michigan State) 10-15 (Dec 5-3)
Quarterfinal - Braeden Scoles (Illinois) 15-3 won by decision over Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 18-3 (Dec 4-3)
Cons. Round 2 - Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 19-4 won by decision over Cody Goebel (Wisconsin) 10-9 (Dec 14-9)
Cons. Round 3 - Maxx Mayfield (Northwestern) 18-9 won by decision over Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 19-4 (Dec 8-1)
No. 8 Lenny Pinto (174) 3-0
Round 1 - Lenny Pinto (Nebraska) 21-4 won by tech. fall over Aiden Vandenbush (Northwestern) 4-17 (TF-1 4:53 (21-6))
Quarterfinal - Lenny Pinto (Nebraska) 21-4 won by fall over Joseph Walker (Michigan) 12-8 (Fall 6:33)
Semifinal - Lenny Pinto (Nebraska) 22-4 won by decision over Dan Braunagel (Illinois) 10-9 (Dec 9-8)
No. 7 Silas Allred (184) 3-1
Round 1 - Silas Allred (Nebraska) 17-4 won by fall over Dylan Russo (Wisconsin) 3-14 (Fall 2:46)
Quarterfinal - Edmond Ruth (Illinois) 12-6 won by decision over Silas Allred (Nebraska) 17-4 (Dec 4-3)
Cons. Round 2 - Silas Allred (Nebraska) 19-4 won by fall over Lucas Daly (Michigan State) 13-14 (Fall 1:50)
Cons. Round 3 - Silas Allred (Nebraska) 19-4 won by medical forfeit over Shane Cartagena-Walsh (Rutgers) 21-11 (MFFL)
No. 20 Camden McDanel (197) 3-1
Round 1 - Camden McDanel (Nebraska) 17-10 won by fall over Remy Cotton (Michigan State) 11-10 (Fall 4:01)
Quarterfinal - Josh Barr (Penn State) 16-1 won by tech fall over Camden McDanel (Nebraska) 17-10 (TF-1.5 4:05 (17-2))
Cons. Round 2 - Camden McDanel (Nebraska) 19-10 won by major decision over Gabe Sollars (Indiana) 15-11 (MD 16-8)
Cons. Round 3 - Camden McDanel (Nebraska) 19-10 won by decision over Evan Bates (Northwestern) 18-10 (Dec 5-2)
No. 23 Harley Andrews (285) 1-2
Round 1 - Yaraslau Slavikouski (Rutgers) 15-6 won by decision over Harley Andrews (Nebraska) 11-13 (Dec 6-4)
Cons. Round 1 - Harley Andrews (Nebraska) 11-13 won by fall over Gannon Rosenfeld (Wisconsin) 6-12 (Fall 4:38)
Cons. Round 2 - Luke Luffman (Illinois) 16-4 won by fall over Harley Andrews (Nebraska) 11-14 (Fall 6:04)
Huskers.com
Evanston, Ill. - With 16 bonus-point wins and four Huskers set for the finals, the Nebraska wrestling team closed its day one showing at the 2025 Big Ten Wrestling Championships as second in team standings.
Caleb Smith (125), Brock Hardy (141), Ridge Lovett (149) and Lenny Pinto (174) will compete for Big Ten titles on Sunday, with championship bouts starting at 4:35 p.m. (CT) on BTN.
The Big Red trail Penn State, who has six finalists. Behind the Huskers, Minnesota and Iowa each have three finalists. Nine from Nebraska will continue to wrestle into day two, as the Big Red seek NCAA bids.
The championship opened with nine Huskers in the first round, Van Dee taking the mat first at 133 as the six seed. The sophomore used four takedowns for a 12-4 major decision, his fifth of the season, over Dustin Norris (PUR) to move into quarterfinals.
At 141, three seed Brock Hardy allowed one point from Jaden Crumpler on his way to a 17-1 tech. fall in 4:58. The victory was Hardy’s 20th of his junior season and 80th career. Lovett followed suit, another three seed to dismantle Royce Nilo. The reigning Big Ten Champ put up 19 points in 2:21 to move on to the quarterfinals.
Making it three-consecutive Husker tech. falls, three seed Antrell Taylor (157) used a 17-2 dominant first period to claim his 20th win of the season, and secure his spot in the quarters. Minto was up next at 165, meeting Jay Nivision (MSU) for a tight bout. The two-time freshman of the week honoree defeated the Spartan with a 5-3 decision.
At 174, Lenny Pinto grabbed his 20th season and 65th career win, taking down Aiden Vandenbush (NU) with a 21-6 (4:53) tech. fall, his 12th of the year. Allred took on Badger Dylan Russo at 184, and the Husker made quick work of the bout, claiming a 2:46 fall. True freshman Camden McDanel was up next, the seven seed at 197. No. 20 McDanel notched a 4:01 pin over No. 26 Remy Cotton, to move on to quarterfinals. Andrews had a steep matchup at heavyweight, taking on Yaraslau Slavikouski (RUT), ranked No. 7 by InterMat. The Husker battled, but fell by a 6-4 decision.
Nine Huskers headed into the quarterfinals on Saturday morning, beginning with Caleb Smith after his first round bye as the two seed. The senior tallied his second tech. fall of the season, 17-2 over Dedrick Navarro (NU) in 6:05, pushing Smith to the semis. No. 15 Van Dee faced No. 4 Braxton Brown (MD) in his quarterfinal bout, but fell 2-0.
Hardy met Joseph Olivieri (RUT) on the mat, and the Husker came out on top with an 11-1 major decision. Lovett also claimed a major decision in his quarterfinal, defeating Andrew Clark (RUT) 13-2. No. 4 Taylor was next to secure his spot in the semifinals, taking a 4-3 decision over No. 7 Joey Blaze (PUR).
No. 8 Minto faced No. 14 Braeden Scoles (ILL) at 165, and despite a late 1-1 tie, the Illini closed, defeating the Husker 4-3. Pinto punched his spot in the semis with a 6:33 fall over Michigan’s Joseph Walker, his 10th career pin.
No. 7 Allred battled No. 12 Edmond Ruth (ILL) in a 184 quarter final bout, but fell by 4-3 decision. No. 20 McDanel took on No. 2 Josh Barr at 197, and fell to the three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week in a 17-2 (4:05) tech. fall. Andrews closed out the first session for the Big Red, coming back from a 2-9 deficit to pin Gannon Rosenfeld (WIS).
Session II began with consolation bouts for Van Dee (133), Minto (165), Allred (184), McDanel (197) and Andrews (HWT). Van Dee started with a 20-4 tech. fall over Odiotti (NU), his second bonus point win of the day, and 10th of the season. Up against Nic Bouzakis, Van Dee was forced to forfeit for injury default, as well as medical forfeit for loss in the seventh-place match. Despite the finish, the sophomore still closed his second Big Ten Championships on the podium.
Minto notched his second win of the day with a 14-9 decision over Goebel (WIS), before falling to No. 18 Mayfield (NU) 8-1. Allred tallied two more victories for Saturday, with a 1:50 fall over Daly (MSU), and a forfeit from Cartagena-Walsh (RUT). McDanel bounced back, using a 16-8 major decision over Sollars (IND) and a 5-2 decision against Bates (NU). No. 23 Andrews met No. 10 Luffman (ILL) and lost by fall (6:04); the Husker will continue wrestling on Sunday in the 11th-place bracket.
No. 7 Smith kicked off the semifinal action for Nebraska, facing No. 11 Peterson (RUT). The pair were tied 1-1 after regulation, and headed into SV-1 for a spot in the 125 final. The wrestlers battled, but Smith struck and scored, winning 3-1.
At 141, No. 6 Hardy took on a loaded matchup against reigning NCAA Champ No. 2 Jesse Mendez (OSU). The pair went back and forth during regulation, at 8-8 in full time, but the Husker’s ridetime point secured the upset victory. The junior claimed his first win over the Buckeye and a spot in the finals.
No. 4 Lovett was the next semifinal, facing Hawkeye foe No. 3 Parco, who led the head-to-head 3-0. The Husker came out firing, notching 10 points in the first period. The reigning Big Ten Champ closed the deal, defeating Parco with a 14-2 major decision to return to the final.
The 157 semifinal match showcased No. 1 Tyler Kasak (PSU) and No. 4 Taylor. The Husker fought, but the Nittany Lion dominated the mat, defeating Taylor with a 1:18 fall.
Pinto was the last Big Red semifinalist, taking on Braunagel (ILL). It was a tight battle between the three and seven seeds, as Pinto trailed 6-8 with less than a minute left in the bout. In a thriller last jab, Pinto notched a takedown, reviewed and challenged by both sides. The Husker came out on top, moving on to the final with a 9-8 decision.
Nebraska concluded the day with four Huskers headed to the finals, and in second among team standings, with 118.5 points.
The 2025 Big Ten Wrestling Championships action returns Sunday, March 9, with consolation semifinals and 7th-place matches at noon (CT) on B1G+. Session IV will begin at 4:35 p.m. (CT) for 1st-, 3rd- and 5th-place matches, covered on BTN.
Sunday, March 9 (Coverage on Big Ten Network/FOX Sports app and B1G+)
| Time | Session |
| 12 p.m. | Session III (Consolation Semifinals, 7th-Place Matches) |
| 4:30 p.m. | Session IV (1st-, 3rd-, and 5th- Place Matches) |
Round 1: BYE
Quarterfinals: Caleb Smith (Nebraska) 18-4 won by tech fall over Dedrick Navarro (Northwestern) 19-11 (TF-1.5 6:05 (17-2))
Semifinal - Caleb Smith (Nebraska) 19-4 won in sudden victory - 1 over Dean Peterson (Rutgers) 20-5 (SV-1 3-1)
No. 15 Jacob Van Dee (133) 2-3
Round 1 - Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 13-8 won by major decision over Dustin Norris (Purdue) 8-11 (MD 12-4)
Quarterfinal - Braxton Brown (Maryland) 22-2 won by decision over Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 13-8 (Dec 2-0)
Cons. Round 2 - Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 14-9 won by tech fall over Massey Odiotti (Northwestern) 14-16 (TF-1.5 4:34 (20-4))
Cons. Round 3 - Nic Bouzakis (Ohio State) 20-6 won by injury default over Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 14-9 (Inj. 1:05)
7th Place Match - Angelo Rini (Indiana) 20-9 won by medical forfeit over Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 14-9 (M. For.)
No. 6 Brock Hardy (141) 3-0
Round 1 - Brock Hardy (Nebraska) 21-3 won by tech fall over Jaden Crumpler (Michigan State) 6-17 (TF-1.5 4:58 (17-1))
Quarterfinal - Brock Hardy (Nebraska) 21-3 won by major decision over Joseph Olivieri (Rutgers) 16-7 (MD 11-1)
Semifinal - Brock Hardy (Nebraska) 22-3 won by decision over Jesse Mendez (Ohio State) 24-2 (Dec 9-8)
No. 4 Ridge Lovett (149) 3-0
Round 1 - Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) 18-2 won by tech fall over Royce Nilo (Wisconsin) 0-13 (TF-1.5 2:21 (19-4))
Quarterfinal - Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) 18-2 won by major decision over Andrew Clark (Rutgers) 20-11 (MD 13-2)
Semifinal - Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) 19-2 won by major decision over Kyle Parco (Iowa) 19-2 (MD 14-2)
No. 4 Antrell Taylor (157) 2-1
Round 1 - Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) 21-2 won by tech fall over Braden Stauffenberg (Michigan State) 5-16 (TF-1.5 2:50 (17-2))
Quarterfinal - Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) 21-2 won by decision over Joey Blaze (Purdue) 16-5 (Dec 4-3)
Semifinal - Tyler Kasak (Penn State) 16-1 won by fall over Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) 21-3 (Fall 1:18)
No. 8 Christopher Minto (165) 2-2
Round 1 - Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 18-3 won by decision over Jay Nivison (Michigan State) 10-15 (Dec 5-3)
Quarterfinal - Braeden Scoles (Illinois) 15-3 won by decision over Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 18-3 (Dec 4-3)
Cons. Round 2 - Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 19-4 won by decision over Cody Goebel (Wisconsin) 10-9 (Dec 14-9)
Cons. Round 3 - Maxx Mayfield (Northwestern) 18-9 won by decision over Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 19-4 (Dec 8-1)
No. 8 Lenny Pinto (174) 3-0
Round 1 - Lenny Pinto (Nebraska) 21-4 won by tech. fall over Aiden Vandenbush (Northwestern) 4-17 (TF-1 4:53 (21-6))
Quarterfinal - Lenny Pinto (Nebraska) 21-4 won by fall over Joseph Walker (Michigan) 12-8 (Fall 6:33)
Semifinal - Lenny Pinto (Nebraska) 22-4 won by decision over Dan Braunagel (Illinois) 10-9 (Dec 9-8)
No. 7 Silas Allred (184) 3-1
Round 1 - Silas Allred (Nebraska) 17-4 won by fall over Dylan Russo (Wisconsin) 3-14 (Fall 2:46)
Quarterfinal - Edmond Ruth (Illinois) 12-6 won by decision over Silas Allred (Nebraska) 17-4 (Dec 4-3)
Cons. Round 2 - Silas Allred (Nebraska) 19-4 won by fall over Lucas Daly (Michigan State) 13-14 (Fall 1:50)
Cons. Round 3 - Silas Allred (Nebraska) 19-4 won by medical forfeit over Shane Cartagena-Walsh (Rutgers) 21-11 (MFFL)
No. 20 Camden McDanel (197) 3-1
Round 1 - Camden McDanel (Nebraska) 17-10 won by fall over Remy Cotton (Michigan State) 11-10 (Fall 4:01)
Quarterfinal - Josh Barr (Penn State) 16-1 won by tech fall over Camden McDanel (Nebraska) 17-10 (TF-1.5 4:05 (17-2))
Cons. Round 2 - Camden McDanel (Nebraska) 19-10 won by major decision over Gabe Sollars (Indiana) 15-11 (MD 16-8)
Cons. Round 3 - Camden McDanel (Nebraska) 19-10 won by decision over Evan Bates (Northwestern) 18-10 (Dec 5-2)
No. 23 Harley Andrews (285) 1-2
Round 1 - Yaraslau Slavikouski (Rutgers) 15-6 won by decision over Harley Andrews (Nebraska) 11-13 (Dec 6-4)
Cons. Round 1 - Harley Andrews (Nebraska) 11-13 won by fall over Gannon Rosenfeld (Wisconsin) 6-12 (Fall 4:38)
Cons. Round 2 - Luke Luffman (Illinois) 16-4 won by fall over Harley Andrews (Nebraska) 11-14 (Fall 6:04)
