No. 26 Oregon State Defeats NIU Wrestling in Hard-Fought Dual
GMedia Reporting | December 19, 2025
DeKalb, IL – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team hosted the No. 26-ranked Oregon State Beavers on Friday night at the NIU Convocation Center. In a dual meet filled with ranked matchups, the Beavers utilized a mid-match scoring surge to secure a 28-12 victory over the Huskies. Despite the team result, the NIU squad earned two individual victories in front of an energetic home crowd in DeKalb.
The night began with a highly anticipated battle at 125 pounds. NIU’s No. 25-ranked Blake West faced off against No. 11 Maximo Renteria of Oregon State. Renteria managed to control the pace early, eventually securing a 6-2 decision to put the Beavers on the board first.
The Huskies responded immediately at 133 pounds. No. 28 Markel Baker faced Gabe Whisenhunt and was leading when the match ended via injury default at the 1:57 mark. This victory awarded NIU six team points and briefly gave the Huskies a lead in the overall standings.
However, Oregon State showed why they carry a national ranking by winning the next seven consecutive bouts. The Beavers utilized bonus points to pull away, earning four major decisions during that stretch. At 197 pounds, No. 5 Justin Rademacher lived up to his top-tier ranking by defeating Spencer Mooberry in a 15-4 major decision.
The Huskies ended the evening on a positive note in the heavyweight division. No. 23 Devon Dawson was awarded a win by forfeit at 285 pounds, adding six points to the NIU total. While the final score favored the visitors, the NIU fan base remained vocal and supportive throughout the competitive event.
NIU fans can look forward to the team’s return to DeKalb next month. The Huskies will host a “Youth & Club Night” on January 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM against Central Michigan University.
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