The Top 3 Potential Matchups in Oklahoma State’s Dual against Nebraska

STILLWATER — The first iteration of this style of preview didn’t go all that well, but we’ll try again.

Ahead of Oklahoma State’s dual against West Virginia last week, I pointed out three matches to look out for, and two of those matches didn’t even happen, as West Virginia sat a few guys.

The Cowboys are bussing up to Lincoln this weekend for a dual against Nebraska at 1 p.m. Sunday on the Big Ten Network.

It’ll already be these teams’ second meeting this season after OSU beat the Cornhuskers 33-6 at the National Duals Invitational last month. Despite what that score might suggest, Nebraska is a strong team, ranking sixth nationally. The Cornhuskers weren’t at full strength when the met the Pokes in Tulsa.

Here are three matches to look out for this weekend.

3. No. 2 Sergio Vega vs. No. 3 Brock Hardy

This match put Sergio Vega on the map at National Duals last month, as he beat the reigning national runner-up via a 13-2 major decision.

Vega and Hardy each like to wrestle through some funky positions, but in that meeting in Tulsa, it was always Vega coming out on top.

Hardy is a three-time All-American and enters the weekend with a 9-2 record. His only loss outside of Vega was to Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez — a two-time national champ.

Vega is 7-0 in his freshman season and has three Top 10 wins.

“Serio wrestled a really good match at the National Duals,” OSU coach David Taylor said. “They both have a very similar style. Sergio was able to get the better of him in those scrambles. Sergio is a better wrestler now than he was then, and I’m sure Brock’s gonna be probably a little more prepared as well. That’s wrestling. Everybody’s gonna make adjustments. Sergio’s excited and ready to go.”

2. No. 2 Landon Robideau vs. No. 6 Antrell Taylor

These two didn’t meet at National Duals, as Landon Robideau instead beat Nebraska back up Dez Garterell via a 21-6 technical fall.

Robideau didn’t get to wrestle No. 1 Ty Watters last week, but if he gets Antrell Taylor on Sunday, he’ll get the 2025 national champ.

After finishing eighth at 2024 nationals, Taylor got all the way to the top step of the podium last season, beating Purdue’s Joey Blaze 4-2 in the national final.

Taylor is 8-2 this season after dropping matches to Logan Rozynski (Lehigh) and Brandon Cannon (Ohio State) at National Duals.

Robideau is 7-0 with a pair of Top 5 wins. Six of his wins have come with bonus points, with his closest match being an 8-2 decision against No. 4 Jackson Arrington (NC State).

“It’s a great opportunity,” Taylor said. “I know Landon’s excited for it. It’s what we’re looking for. We’re looking for wrestling great competitors. Antrell was the national champ last year, so good opportunity for Landon.”

1. No. 7 Konner Doucet vs. No. 4 AJ Ferrari

Konner Doucet has the opportunity to avenge his one loss this season should he and former Cowboy national champ AJ Ferrari meet Sunday.

Ferrari beat Doucet 2-1 at National Duals, with a riding time point being the difference in that match.

“It came down to a riding time point, so the simple version is you get out in less than a minute and that match is going to overtime,” Taylor said. “That’s a small adjustment to make. But I think Konner can be a little more active on his feet. I think there’s some scoring opportunities for him there. I think after that match, he was a little frustrated. I think this match probably ended up being a little slower paced than he was probably expecting. One of those you leave and you’re like, ‘Man, I left points on the board there. I left some opportunities on the board.'”

Outside of that bout, the new-look Doucet has been a point-scoring machine. He’s 7-1 this year with three tech falls and a pin.

Ferrari is 4-1 on the year, with his lone loss coming to Ohio State’s Nick Feldman (currently ranked second at the weight). He has wins against Doucet and No. 8 Taye Ghadiali.

“AJ is tough,” Taylor said. “He’s hard to wrestle in terms of the style and kind of what he does. Konner can turn it up more and create more opportunities. I think AJ’s kind of trying to slow it down more. That’s what he did the last match, at least. So, I think it’s a good opportunity for Konner to get back out there against a tough opponent and create a little more scoring opportunities.”