IRVING, Texas – Northern Iowa’s Ryder Downey was voted Big 12 Wrestler of the Week, becoming the first award winner of 2026. The redshirt junior picked up a top-10 win at 165 pounds in the Panthers’ meet at No. 6 Nebraska.

Downey defeated No. 7 LJ Araujo in sudden victory on Saturday. After a scoreless first three periods, Downey recorded the winning takedown and lone score of the match for a 3-0 victory. The Indianola, Iowa native now has five victories over ranked opponents this season.

UNI will return to action this weekend at the NWCA Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships in Cedar Falls, Iowa, which will feature matches against CSU Bakersfield, Ohio and Drexel.