There's a quiet confidence among the group in the Iowa wrestling room heading into the 2025-26 season.

Whether it's wrestlers who have accomplished a lot, like Drake Ayala and Michael Caliendo, intriguing transfer portal additions like Dean Peterson or Massoma Endene or talented freshmen likely waiting in the wings, the Hawkeyes have a group they feel good about.

"There's no other team I'd rather go to war with," Ayala said.

At the end of the day, however, winning is what will matter for Iowa. Penn State's dynasty still stands tall after another record-breaking NCAA Championships in 2025. Programs like Oklahoma State, Iowa State and others are constantly improving as well to contend with the Hawkeyes.

Coach Tom Brands didn't mince his words. He likes his team from top to bottom as

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