Iowa State beats Bucknell 29-12 in Metcalf debut

No. 9 Iowa State opened its 2026-27 wrestling season with a 29-12 win over Bucknell, giving new head coach Brent Metcalf a victory in his dual debut. The Cyclones won seven of 10 bouts and earned four bonus-point victories, led by Evan and Jacob Frost’s back-to-back technical falls at 141 and 149 pounds. Paniro Johnson returned after a neck injury and won by major decision, while Dru Ayala and Garrett Grice also picked up victories. Bucknell rallied in the upper weights, including a fall over Iowa State’s Connor Euton after he had built a seven-point lead, leaving Metcalf with areas to address despite the strong start.