EVANSTON, Illinois — Top 10 wins from Drake Ayala and Max Murin highlighted the University of Iowa wrestling team’s 33-6 win over No. 23 Northwestern on Friday night at Welsh Ryan Arena.

Ayala topped seventh-ranked Michael DeAugustino, 6-5, at 125 pounds and Max Murin defeated No. 4 Yahya Thomas, 4-3, at 149.

Ayala used a cradle to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 5-3 advantage in the second period. He opened the third with an escape to build his lead to 6-3, finished with a 6-5 decision, his second consecutive win over a top 10 opponent.

“We like what we have there,” said Iowa head coach Tom Brands. “The story is going to keep writing itself. He will keep writing his own story.”

Northwestern won decisions at 133 and 141 before Murin got the Hawkeyes rolling at 149. Trailing 3-1 in the third, Murin opened with an escape and closed with a takedown in the final 20 seconds to get the 4-3 win.

UP NEXT

The No. 2 Hawkeyes travel to Champaign, Illinois to face No. 21 Illinois on Sunday at 3 p.m. (CT). The dual is televised live on BTN.

The Atlantic Archery Invite on Saturday Jan. 15 is postponed. Too many teams from out of the area are not able to travel to the event due to road conditions.

Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum announced on Friday that he will declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. The junior is listed as the top center prospect in the upcoming draft by many outlets.

Linderbaum has been a three-year starter for the Hawkeyes and has been a strong anchor since his redshirt freshman season in 2019 when he earned honarable mention All-Big Ten honors while starting 13 games. Linderbaum was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy in 2020 and won the award this past season as the nation’s top center.

Linderbaum is projected as a first-round pick on most mock draft boards.

Thursday the Hawkeyes received news that three other players will return for the 2022 season. Tight end Sam LaPorta, linebacker Jack Campbell, and wide receiver Charlie Jones all announced that they will come back to play next season.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa announced today a contract extension for head football coach Kirk Ferentz through the 2029 season.  The announcement was made by Gary Barta, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair.

Ferentz just completed his 23rd season as Moon Family Head Football Coach. He is the longest-tenured active head football coach in the country.

“Kirk’s consistent leadership and success over 23 years has been amazing and appreciated as he has led our football program in a first-class manner,” said Barta. “His success over the past 23 years speaks for itself. He is an asset to the University of Iowa and our athletics department as a whole. The foundation of his program is strong, and the future looks bright.”

“Over his three decades with Iowa, coach Ferentz has led our football program with tremendous success and integrity, showcasing how athletics can be an enriching experience for our student-athletes and a corridor for many to learn about our remarkable university,” said UI President Barb Wilson. “This contract reflects our commitment to Kirk and Mary as members of our Hawkeye family.”

Ferentz is Iowa’s all-time winningest coach, surpassing Hayden Fry in 2019. After compiling a 10-4 record in 2021, Ferentz ranks fourth in Big Ten Conference history with 178 career wins and 110 conference victories. Iowa has finished ranked among the Top 25 four consecutive years, the second longest streak in program history.

“I am grateful to President Barb Wilson and Athletics Director Gary Barta for their continued support of our program,” said Ferentz. “I am proud of the success that we have achieved in Iowa City the past 23 years and look forward to many more years of competing at the highest level.”

The 2021 Hawkeye football team won 10 games for the seventh time under Ferentz’ leadership, and the 10th time in program history. The Hawkeye won the Big Ten West Division and earned a bid to the 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl, the 19th bowl bid of Ferentz’ career.

“This contract extension would not be possible without substantial private support,” said Barta. “The pandemic has presented Iowa Athletics with significant financial challenges. We are grateful to the many donors and fans who have contributed directly toward the success of Hawkeye football.”

Ferentz’s total annual compensation under the new agreement will be $7 million and includes a $500,000 base, $5.5 million in supplemental compensation and a $1 million longevity bonus. The contract expires on Jan. 31, 2030. His previous contract ran through the 2025 season. Ferentz and the members of his staff will also continue to be eligible for bonuses based on performance.