The University of Iowa is seeking to win the inaugural NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships in its backyard. Xtream Arena in Coralville will host the historic event, March 6-7.

The Hawkeyes won the past two National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships and are seeking a third under a new format. Teams could previously qualify up to 15 wrestlers, but the NCAA limited it to 10.

Brackets will be smaller, too. 

Last season, 320 wrestlers qualified (32 per bracket).

This season, it’s 180 (18 per bracket). 

This changes the game since power programs are forced to make tough decisions about post-season rosters. The days of sending two wrestlers at each weight are gone as we enter a new era of women’s wrestling. 

For now, Division I, II, and III will compete at the NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships. That could change if Division III (no athletic scholarships) splits. For now, we get 112 teams battling for 18 spots at 10 weights. 

Below are four pressing questions about the Iowa women’s wrestling team entering the 2025-26 season. 

Who Will Go Where?

Iowa has the deepest roster in the country, and 103 and 110 pounds are the deepest weights in college wrestling history. 

How’s this for depth? 

Two national champions and a returning national finalist might not make the postseason roster. The Hawkeyes have the following at the lightest two weights, with national placings (if applicable).

Sterling Dias (2nd, 4th)
Rianne Murphy (3rd)
Emilie Gonzalez (1st, 5th)
Ava Bayless (1st, 4th)
Val Solorio
Nyla Valencia

There’s a three- or four-way log jam depending on who goes where. Dias and Murphy competed at 103 last season, with Gonzalez, Bayless, and Solorio at 110. Valencia has been out the past two seasons with injuries, but she might be the best of the 110-pounders. Solorio and Murphy competed as true freshmen and could redshirt. Solorio could also challenge at 103 if she wants to move down. 

All six are title contenders, making this a Jenga puzzle for the ages. 

Will Naomi Simon Move Up Or Redshirt?

Simon competed at 180 pounds as a true freshman, finishing third at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships. She is one of the best wrestlers in the country, behind Kylie Welker, one of the best wrestlers in the world.

Simon could redshirt, meaning she would be behind Welker for the 2027 season before presumably taking the 180-pound spot for the 2028 and 2029 seasons. 

Or, she could move up to 207 pounds and challenge for the starting spot this year before moving down when Welker graduates. Taking over at heavyweight won’t be easy. All-Americans Alivia White and Katja Osteen are there, as is Sam Calkins. 

Roster decisions are easy at 117, 160, and 180, with Brianna Gonzalez, Kennedy Blades, and Kylie Welker assuming those spots. It could be a four-woman battle at 207 if Simon moves up, leaving three quality wrestlers sidelined. 

Don’t be surprised if several Hawkeyes wrestle unattached at the beginning of the season. 

Will An Iowan Make The Final Roster?

Native Iowans Lilly Luft (Charles City), Ella Schmit (Bettendorf), and Simon (Decorah) are returning All-Americans who will seek a final roster spot. Luft (5th at 136) and Schmit (7th at 145) placed at the 2024 National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships, and Simon finished third last season. 

Luft had an injury-plagued sophomore season with limited action but reached the U20 World Team Trials finals, where she fell to 2025 NCWWC finalist Haylie Jaffe of McKendree. Schmit will battle 2024 NCWWC champion Reese Larramendy for the 145-pound spot. 

Who Gives Up The First Point Of The Season, Kennedy Blades Or Kylie Welker?

Barring injuries, Blades and Welker will win the 2026 NCAA Championships. Both made the 2025 Senior World Team after a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics for Blades and a bronze at the 2024 Worlds for Welker. 

Expect these two to be on a pitch count during the college season since their best competition will be at international events. Who gives up the first point of the season is more intriguing than whether they will win the national tournament.

And don't be surprised if neither surrenders a point.