Sun Devil Wrestling is gearing up for a critical matchup against No. 23 Missouri on January 22, completing a series of three duals in just six days. This bout marks the Sun Devils’ fifth encounter with a ranked opponent this season. Richard Figueroa, the defending national champion, faces a challenge against Missouri’s freshman Gage Walker, ranked No. 28 in the 125-pound class. The Sun Devils seek to rebound from recent losses to No. 5 Northern Iowa and No. 17 Stanford as they prepare for a competitive season ahead.
By the Numbers
- Since February 2024, Richard Figueroa has defeated 10 top-33 wrestlers.
- The Sun Devils have had four consecutive seasons with multiple All-American honors.
- They are set to face 11 nationally ranked programs this season.
- Richard Figueroa seeks to join an elite group of Sun Devils with two NCAA titles.
State of Play
- Sun Devils currently hold a dual meet record of 5-3.
- They have faced four top-25 teams so far this season.
- Richard Figueroa is recognized as a strong contender for the Dan Hodge Trophy.
What’s Next
The Sun Devils aim to secure a victory against Missouri to regain momentum as they head into home contests against Northern Colorado and Iowa State. Upcoming matches in February will further test their strength in the newly formed Big 12 Conference.
-Bottom Line
With a tough schedule ahead and high expectations, the Sun Devils must leverage their returning talent and recent experiences to thrive in the Big 12 and aim for another strong finish at the NCAA Championships.
Morocco
