Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's wrestling team is set to host two significant Big Ten duals at Jenison Field House this weekend. The Spartans will first face the No. 24-ranked Indiana on Friday, January 24, at 7:00 p.m., followed by a match against the No. 7-ranked Nebraska on Sunday, January 26, at 1:00 p.m. Both events will be available for streaming on B1G+.

Before Friday's main event, there will be a high school matchup featuring the top-ranked Lowell Red Arrows and Dundee Vikings at 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., remaining accessible until the MSU-Indiana dual begins. On Sunday, Michigan State will honor some of the state's leading girls' wrestlers during intermission of their contest against Nebraska.

The Spartans enter these matches with a record of 3-3 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten duals, recently securing a victory over Buffalo with a score of 25-13. During that match, MSU overcame a halftime deficit by winning five bouts post-intermission, including notable performances from Remy Cotton and Max Vanadia.

Historically, Michigan State holds a favorable record against Indiana with 52 wins to Indiana's 27 losses and three ties but has struggled more against Nebraska with eight wins to ten losses. The last encounter between MSU and Nebraska was in February 2021.

This week also saw the NCAA release its first set of coaches' rankings, featuring two Spartans: Remy Cotton ranked #18 and Max Vanadia ranked #33. Both are redshirt freshmen making strides in their respective weight classes.

Michigan State's roster is notably young this season, comprising mostly redshirt sophomores or younger athletes. The lineup includes potential starters like Caleb Weiand or Nick Corday at 125 pounds and Andy Hampton or Tristan Lujan at 133 pounds.

Indiana enters the weekend with an overall record of 5-2 and one win in three Big Ten matches after defeating Purdue last week. They have seven ranked wrestlers in their probable starting lineup.

Nebraska boasts a strong team as well, holding an overall record of 6-2 with all ten projected starters being ranked nationally. Their squad includes experienced wrestlers such as Caleb Smith and Ridge Lovett who are both in their sixth collegiate season.

Following this weekend's duals, Michigan State will remain home for a non-conference match against Clarion on February 2.