Ohio State wrestling brought a Scarlet Out to the Covelli Center on Sunday, and the fans' attire matched the blood spilt by the Buckeyes' greatest rival.
No. 2 Ohio State dominated No. 10 Michigan 26-16 on the wrestling mat, improving its undefeated dual meet record to 16-0 on the season and 5-0 in Big Ten play before a packed house of 4,299 fans. It's the fourth straight win for the Buckeyes in their wrestling series vs. the Wolverines.
16-0 Four straight against the Wolverines #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/DOoKflEhcj
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) February 1, 2026
Ohio State got off to a roaring start against Michigan, building a 16-0 lead in three matches. No. 2 Nic Bouzakis, No. 2 Ben Davino and two-time defending national champion No. 1 Jesse Mendez each lived up to the billing of their national rankings, recording a pin and two tech falls, respectively.
He's just tougher, that's it #GoBucks https://t.co/58L6ZK9vLZ pic.twitter.com/5lmp2bWgHo
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) February 1, 2026
Michigan climbed back to within 16-10 off a major decision victory at 149 pounds and a pin at 157, but Ohio State's No. 17 Paddy Gallagher quickly regained separation for the Buckeyes with an 8-2 decision over Justin Gates at 165 pounds, the only points for the Michigan man coming on a pair of escapes.
Each of the meet's final four matches featured top-20 matchups in their respective weight classes. Ohio State's No. 5 Carson Kharchla earned a 9-6 decision over No. 11 Beau Mantanona at 174 pounds to place the Buckeyes up 22-10, placing the Wolverines on the ropes with just three matches remaining.
Brock Mantanona, No. 9 at 184 pounds, answered his brother's defeat with a minor upset of Ohio State's No. 7 Dylan Fishback, but No. 10 Luke Geog salted away a rivalry win for the Buckeyes by beating No. 18 Hayden Walters 11-3 for a major decision and 26-13 lead.
Victory, Buckeyes
— Big Ten Wrestling (@B1GWrestling) February 1, 2026
Luke Geog's major decision seals No. 2 @wrestlingbucks' fourth straight win over rival Michigan. pic.twitter.com/t133zdlnCq
No. 7 Taye Ghadiali upset No. 3 Nick Feldman of Ohio State at heavyweight to close the match, but it was too little, far too late for Michigan.
