Nasir Bailey and Jordan Williams of Little Rock announced on Instagram that they will transfer to the University of Iowa.
Bailey placed fourth in 2024 and did not place at Nationals this season at 133. Williams finished in the Round of 12 this year and the Round of 16 in 2024 at 149.
I can only speculate that Bailey will move up to 141 next season and Williams will compete at 149.
Originally from Park Forest, Illinois Bailey was a four-time state champion at Rich Township High School. Bailey was ranked #17 overall in the Recruiting Class of 2023.
As a true freshman in 2024 Bailey was 29-4 with two falls, 10 tech falls and four major decisions. He was the #7 seed at 133 at the 2024 NCAA Tournament where he went 5-2 to place fourth at a very tough weight.
His only two losses were to Ryan Crookham of Lehigh in the Quarterfinals(4-2) and third place match(4-3).
In 2025 Bailey was 23-4 as the #3 seed at Nationals where he went 2-2 and did not place.
Bailey has two years of eligibility and a redshirt season remaining.
Williams was ranked #12 overall for the Recruiting Class of 2022 from Tulsa, Oklahoma and originally committed to Oklahoma State.
In 2024 Williams made the Round of 16. This past season as the #8 seed at Nationals Williams was 2-2 and made the Blood Round of 12.
In the Quarterfinals Williams dropped a 8-5 SV1 match to Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech, the defending national champion who placed second at 149 this year.
Williams will have two years of eligibility remaining.
I expect Iowa to continue to make additions to the roster from the Transfer Portal before classes begin in August.
It is great to be an Iowa Wrestling fan.
Go Hawks!
