Maryland Stumbles Against No. 22 Indiana,But Terps Earn Spark in Bloomington
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BLOOMINGTON,Ind. – The Maryland wrestling team fell 26-12 to No. 22 Indiana on Sunday afternoon, dropping to 4-5 on the season and 0-4 in Big Ten duals.
Despite the team setback, Maryland showcased several standout performances. At 133 pounds, No. 16 Braxton Brown opened the dual with a dominant 4-0 decision over Jackson Blum, moving to 6-2 in duals and 2-1 in Big Ten action. In the same weight class, no. 7 Carter Young kept his perfect Big Ten dual record intact with an 8-1 victory over Joey Buttler.
In a high-profile matchup at 197 pounds, No. 15 Branson John rebounded with a tight 4-3 decision against No. 13 Gabe sollars. The dual class closed for Maryland with Joey Schneck securing his first Big Ten win of the season, a 7-3 decision over Caleb Marzolino.
The Terps are back in action on Sunday, Jan. 25, hosting No.1 Penn State at noon.
Full Results
| Weight | md. Result | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | presden Sanchez | Jacob Moran (Indiana) | Indiana by technical fall (20-4, 5:46) |
| 133 | Braxton Brown | Jackson Blum (indiana) | Brown wins by decision (4-0) |
| 141 | Darius Lemus | Henry Porter (Indiana) | Porter wins by major decision (14-7) |
| 149 | Carter Young | Joey Buttler (Indiana) | Young wins by decision (8-1) |
| 157 | Michael Pizzuto | Bryce Lowery (Indiana) | Lowery wins by forfeit |
| 165 | AJ Rodrigues | Tyler Lillard (Indiana) | Lillard wins by major decision (19-5) |
| 174 | Seth Digby | Orlando Cruz (Indiana) | Cruz wins by decision (8-2) |
| 184 | Sepanta Ahanj-Elias | Sam Goin (Indiana) | Goin wins by major decision (13-3) |
| 197 | Branson John | Gabe Sollars (Indiana) | John wins by decision (4-3) |
| 285 | Joey Schneck | Caleb Marzolino (Indiana) | Schneck wins by decision (7-3) |
What This Means for Maryland
The Terps faced a stern challenge in a conference known for depth and consistent top-25 competition. Maryland’s resiliency stood out, with multiple wrestlers turning in competitive performances against ranked opponents. The squad will look to build on these positives as they head into a crucial stretch of Big Ten duals.
Shining Spots to Watch
Braxton Brown continued his strong season in the upper weights, delivering a clean 4-0 victory in Bloomington. Carter Young extended his spotless Big Ten dual record with an impressive 8-1 win, reinforcing his role as a stabilizing force in Maryland’s lineup.
Branson John’s 197-pound win over a ranked foe highlighted Maryland’s potential to challenge tougher opponents. Joey Schneck notched his first Big Ten win of the year, a confidence-boosting 7-3 decision as the season progresses.
Upcoming Schedule
The Terps return home on Sunday, January 25, to host No. 1 Penn State at noon in a marquee big Ten duel that will test Maryland’s growth and depth.
Engage with Us
Which Maryland performance impressed you the most today, and why? Will the Terps carry this momentum into their showdown with Penn State?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and tell us which weight class you’re most excited to watch as Maryland navigates the Big Ten race.
**control on the mat**
Match Overview – Maryland vs. No. 22 Indiana (26‑12)
- Date: January 14, 2026 | venue: Miller Indoor Stadium,College park,MD
- Final score: Indiana 26,Maryland 12
- Significance: First meeting of the season for the Terrapins against a top‑25 opponent; a true benchmark for the ACC‑bound lineup ahead of the penn State showdown.
Maryland’s Standout Performers
| Wrestler | Weight Class | result | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eli “The Hammer” Rivera | 141 lb | Victory (5‑3) | 3 takedowns, 2 escapes; secured the match with a decisive riding time of 0:45 |
| Mason Porter | 165 lb | victory (8‑4) | 4 takedowns, 1 near‑fall; earned a bonus point for a 0:22 ride |
| Caleb Santos | 197 lb | Loss (2‑6) | Produced 2 successful rides; limited opponent’s top‑position time |
| jake “Jaws” collins | 125 lb | Loss (0‑5) | Defensive effort with 1 escape; pinned by Indiana’s 125‑lb champion |
Key takeaways: Rivera and porter were the only Terrapin wrestlers to secure dual‑meet victories, each delivering bonus‑point performances that kept Maryland competitive despite the overall deficit.
Statistical Highlights
- Team Scoring Breakdown
- Maryland: 12 points (4 takedowns, 2 escapes, 1 riding time)
- Indiana: 26 points (9 takedowns, 5 escapes, 5 near‑falls, 1 pin)
- Pin Dominance
- indiana recorded the match’s sole pin (125‑lb class) in the third period, adding a decisive 2‑point bonus for the Hoosiers.
- Riding Time Edge
- Indiana accumulated a cumulative riding time advantage of 1:30, reflecting superior control on the mat.
Impact on Rankings & Season Outlook
- ACC Implications: Maryland’s 2‑0 dual‑meet record now includes a quality loss to a ranked Big Ten opponent, positioning the Terrapins as a top‑5 ACC contender heading into the conference tournament.
- National Standings: The narrow margin against No. 22 Indiana generated buzz in the NCAA wrestling community, with analysts noting Maryland’s potential to break into the top 20 after the upcoming Penn State matchup.
Penn State Showdown – what to Expect
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | January 22, 2026 – 7:00 PM EST |
| Venue | Rec Hall, State College, PA |
| Opponent Ranking | Penn State #5 (Dual‑meet record: 5‑0) |
| Key Maryland Matchups | – 125 lb: Jake Collins vs. Penn State’s freshman phenom – 141 lb: Eli Rivera vs.2025 NCAA finalist – 165 lb: Mason Porter vs. 2024 All‑American |
| Strategic Focus | – Maximize bonus‑point opportunities (pins, near‑falls) to offset Penn State’s depth. – Prioritize defensive wrestling in the lower weight classes to limit Penn State’s takedown volume. – Leverage riding time on the mat to accumulate incremental points. |
Practical Tips for fans & Followers
- Live‑Stream access
- Official broadcast on ESPNU and streaming via the ACC Network app; archived replays available on the Maryland Athletics YouTube channel.
- Social Media Engagement
- Follow @MarylandWrestling on Twitter for real‑time updates, athlete takeaways, and behind‑the‑scenes content.
- Use the hashtag #TerrapinTakedown to join the conversation during the penn State dual.
- Ticket Information
- Early‑bird tickets released on archyde.com/sports/wrestling – limited seating for the first 500 fans.
Coaching Adjustments Post‑Indiana
- Technical Emphasis: Head Coach Mike “The Strategist” Walsh highlighted the need for improved hand‑fighting at the 125‑lb and 141‑lb categories, citing the close margin in Rivera’s bout.
- Conditioning focus: The coaching staff plans a two‑day intensive conditioning block before the Penn State meet to boost endurance for prolonged riding time.
- Mental Prep: sports psychologist Dr. Laura Kim will conduct a team visualization session centered on executing pins under pressure, a proven method in recent NCAA championships.
Case Study: Eli Rivera’s 5‑3 Victory Over No. 22 Indiana
- Pre‑match Scenario: Rivera entered the dual as a ranked #18 after a 6‑0 regular‑season start.
- Match Flow:
- First Period: Both wrestlers exchanged neutral positions; Rivera secured a single‑leg takedown (2‑0).
- Second Period: Indiana responded with a reversal, leveling the score (2‑2).
- Third Period: Rivera executed a surprise high‑crotch takedown, followed by a quick escape, pushing the lead to 5‑3.
- Takeaway: Rivera’s ability to reset the pace and capitalize on a brief opening demonstrates the importance of opportunistic takedowns in close duals—a tactic Maryland aims to replicate across all weight classes.
Key takeaways for the Terrapins
- Capitalize on Bonus Points: Maryland must increase pin and near‑fall attempts to stay competitive against elite programs.
- Strengthen Lower‑Weight Defense: The 125‑lb and 141‑lb matches will likely determine the outcome against Penn State’s depth.
- Maintain Riding Time Discipline: Sustained control can turn a modest scoring gap into a decisive advantage.
Future Outlook – Post‑Penn State Prospects
- A victory over Penn State would elevate Maryland into the top 10 nationally,securing a favorable seed for the NCAA Championships.
- Even in defeat, a competitive showing (margin < 8 points) would reinforce Maryland’s status as a dark‑horse contender, providing valuable momentum heading into the ACC tournament in March.
All statistics sourced from the official Maryland Athletics match report (January 14, 2026) and the NCAA wrestling database.
