IRVING, Texas – Utah Valley senior Marcus Espinoza-Owens earned the inaugural Big 12 Wrestler of the Week honor of the 2026-27 season after posting three wins at the Clarion Open, which included a top-five ranked victory at 174 pounds.

The Woods Cross, Utah native opened his week with two victories with bonus points before defeating No. 4 Jaxon Smith from Ohio State. The trio of victories came in the senior’s first three matches in the weight class after transferring from South Dakota State at 165 pounds.

Espinoza-Owens won the Clarion Open title at 174 pounds on Sunday, which propelled the Wolverines to a team victory as well. He also became the first Utah Valley wrestler to earn weekly Big 12 honors since February 11, 2025.