No. 17 Rutgers wrestling achieved a notable victory by defeating No. 6 Minnesota 23-15 during an electrifying match at Jersey Mike’s Arena, attended by 3,702 fans. This win marked the Scarlet Knights’ first triumph over the Golden Gophers since joining the Big Ten Conference in the 2014-15 season. A pivotal moment occurred when No. 16 (197) wrestler secured a pin against No. 25 Gavin Nelson in overtime, solidifying Rutgers’ lead as they stood at 17-12 with two matches left.
The team’s success was attributed to a collective effort, with junior wrestler Cotton emphasizing the importance of teamwork, stating, “It starts from the guy at 125 and builds all the way up to heavyweight.” This match saw contributions from various wrestlers, including No. 28 (125), who upset 2024 All-American No. 10 Jore Volk, alongside No. 16 (174) and No. 27 (133) who provided crucial bonus points. Additionally, No. 29 (149) and No. 29 (165) both secured victories over top-20 ranked opponents.
This remarkable dual match victory is touted as the highest-ranked win for Rutgers since 2016 and their first over a top-six opponent since defeating No. 4 Nebraska in December 2015. Head coach acknowledged the challenging nature of competing in the Big Ten, highlighting the significance of this victory while maintaining focus on future matches. “We just have to keep getting better and focus on next week,” he stated.
The match began with Smith taking on Volk, capturing an early 3-1 lead. He managed to secure a 7-2 decision, which set a strong tone for the night. Other matches contributed to building Rutgers’ confidence, including a tech fall by No. 9 Vance VomBaur and key decisions from veterans that led the team to a 13-5 advantage midway through.
Despite a tough loss from No. 20 (165) wrestler and bonus points awarded to Minnesota, Rutgers remained poised. Cotton’s dramatic finish against Nelson, where he secured a fall in sudden victory, sealed the victory, even with a final loss from No. 19 (HWT). Cotton expressed his gratitude for the passionate home crowd, which lifted the team’s spirits throughout the competition.
Looking ahead, Rutgers will face Michigan State on February 13 in East Lansing, providing an opportunity to build on this momentum. This win not only exemplifies the strength of Rutgers wrestling but also sets an inspiring tone for the remainder of the season.