Trever Anderson has had a lot of big wins in his wrestling career.
His latest victory was among the biggest yet.
Ranked 31st in the country, the former Ankeny star and two-time state champion posted a 5-2 decision over Nebraska’s fifth-ranked and returning all-American Caleb Smith at 125 pounds to help Northern Iowa to a 24-9 triumph on Sunday afternoon at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls.
“I think the key to not only beating top-ranked guys but any guys in college wrestling stays the same for me, and it’s giving myself opportunities in the positions that I am best,” said Anderson. “College wrestling is really hard and every single person you go out there against is good, so the preparation isn’t more about the guy across from me but just continuing to hone in on my skills mentally and believing that I belong.”
Anderson set the tone early for the Panthers. After a scoreless first period, Smith took the lead early in the second period with a quick escape, but Anderson responded with a takedown and, after another escape by Smith, Anderson escaped in the third period for a 4-2 lead before adding an extra point for riding time.
The victory marked Anderson’s first dual win of the season and his second career triumph over a top-five opponent. He previously defeated then-No. 1 Jakob Camacho of North Carolina State last year.
“I think this win stacks up the same as all others,” Anderson said. “It’s exciting to get a top-five win and it was last year as well, but I think this team is in a great place to do some special things and I couldn’t emphasize how fun it is to be a part of it.”
The 10th-ranked Panthers defeated No. 4 Nebraska for the first time in 34 years. It was also UNI’s first win over a top-five opponent since beating No. 3 Ohio State at the 2022 Collegiate Duals.
Along with Anderson’s victory, the Panthers picked up three other individual wins over top-five opponents in the non-conference dual. Cael Happel at 141, Ryder Downey at 157 and Parker Keckeisen at 184 also notched top-five wins.