University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Ryder Downey picks up Big 12 Wrestler of the Week recognition
1/6/2026 1:00:00 PM | Wrestling
IRVING, Tex. --- UNI's Ryder Downey has been named the Big 12 Conference's Wrestler of the Week, as announced by the league office on Tuesday afternoon. The honor marks the second time he has earned the conference's weekly award in his career.
Downey's selection comes after the Panther redshirt junior notched a 3-0 sudden victory win over No. 7 LJ Araujo at 165 pounds over the weekend in UNI's 30-6 dual loss at sixth-ranked Nebraska. The victory, Downey's fifth of the season against a ranked opponent, saw him battle Araujo to a scoreless draw in regulation before scoring the winning takedown in overtime. He currently sits with a 9-2 record on the season and is ranked seventh in the nation by both InterMat and FloWrestling.
Other nominees for Big 12 Wrestler of the Week included Kaleb Larkin (Arizona State), Eli Sheeren (Cal Baptist), Mack Mauger (Missouri), Ezekiel Witt (North Dakota State), Austin Johnson (Oklahoma State), Brock Fettig (South Dakota State), Dominick Serrano (Northern Colorado) and Joey Novak (Wyoming).
Downey, a native of Indianola, Iowa, is the son of Jarid and Jacy Downey and older brother of current 125 pound UNI wrestler Bowen Downey. He currently is majoring in biology.
The Panthers return to action this weekend at the NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships in the UNI-Dome. UNI will open up competition on Friday, Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. CT against Cal State Bakersfield. Additional information for the event can be found HERE.
Tickets can be purchased online through the UNI Ticket Office, by calling 319-273-4849 or through email at tickets@uni.edu.
UNI wrestling action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (University of Northern Iowa Wrestling), X (@UNI_wrestling) and on Instagram (@uni_panther_wrestling). Check out the latest Panther news and information online at UNIpanthers.com.
Players Mentioned
