James Hackney
#18 Oklahoma (1-0) vs Little Rock (1-0)
Watch Live: Little Rock Site – November 17th 7PM CT
The Sooners are coming off an opening season win against Central Michigan and a pretty solid Michigan State Open. It appears that most of the lineup is set, but there are some lingering questions at 125, 157, and potentially 149. Last year OU won this dual in dominant fashion, not losing a match on the way to a 37-0 rout. However, both teams are looking very different in this 2024 season. OU has eight new starters, while Little Rock could have as many as six. I had the chance to watch Little Rock in-person at the Tiger Style Invite, and came away very impressed as they finished second. The team is young and thriving in a state without a strong wrestling background; they just set a record with four starters ranked for the first time in program history. While I expect the Sooners to win, and potentially one-sidedly, don’t be surprised if head coach Neil Erisman has more success this year.Â
125lbs: Conrad Hendriksen (4-1)/Antonio Lorenzo (0-) vs Jeremiah Reno (4-1)
Antonio Lorenzo has not made his debut yet, so freshman Conrad Hendriksen has been going in his place. This could be a tougher matchup than on paper against Little Rock’s Jeremiah Reno. Unranked going into this third year as a starter, Reno has made steady progression each season since going 4-15 for Nebraska in 2022. He’s solid on top, and has bonus points in four matches against unranked opponents. Last year Joey Prata won this match 10-1. Hendriksen isn’t an easy out by any means, but Reno is potentially the best opponent he’s seen this year. If Lorenzo comes out I think he should be able to get the win. The two faced off at the 2023 PAC 12 championships with Lorenzo getting a 10-2 major.
Prediction: Jeremiah Reno Dec. Conrad Hendriksen (OU 0 LR 3)…
