Dean Peterson announced on Instagram that he is transferring to the University of Iowa. Peterson was a three-time NCAA National Qualifier for Rutgers at 125 lbs.
Peterson had a 22-8 record this past season with one pin, eight tech falls and two major decisions. He placed sixth at Big Tens and made it to the Blood Round of 12 at the 2025 NCAA Championships. He also won a Midlands title last December.
This past season Peterson picked up big wins with a pin over defending national champion Richard Figueroa of Arizona State at Nationals and a regular season 4-1 decision over eventual third place finisher Luke Lilledahl of Penn State.
As a redshirt freshman in 2023 Peterson made it to the Blood Round of 12 at Nationals. In 2024 he went 1-2 at Nationals.
Peterson, originally from Barnagat, New Jersey(St. John Vianney HS), was a two-time New Jersey State champ and a three-time finalist with a 108-2 career record. He did not compete as a senior due to injury.
In the Recruiting Class of 2021 Petersen was ranked #1 in the country at 126 lbs. by Flo.
Peterson will be added to the roster at 125 with 2025 NCAA Qualifier Joey Cruz and incoming elite recruit Leo DeLuca.
The one year from Peterson will allow DeLuca the opportunity to redshirt as a true freshman and prepare for the 2026-27 season.
Another quality addition for the Hawks.
On Monday Nasir Bailey and Jordan Williams of Little Rock announced on Instagram that they were transferring to Iowa.
It will be interesting to see if Iowa is done in the Transfer Portal or maybe add in at least one more transfer before classes begin in August.
I will keep you up to date.
Transfers
125 – Dean Petersen from Rutgers with one year of eligibility remaining.
133 but projected at 141 – Nasir Bailey of Little Rock with two years of eligibility and a redshirt remaining.
149 – Jordan Williams of Little Rock with two years of eligibility remaining.
It is great to be an Iowa Wrestling fan.
Go Hawks!
