Drake Ayala is a standout collegiate wrestler for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, competing in the 133-pound weight class. Hailing from Fort Dodge, Iowa, Ayala was a three-time Iowa state high school champion with a career record of 171-3.
Collegiate Career Highlights:
- 2024-2025 Season:
- Achieved a 17-2 season record and an 11-1 dual record.
- Secured eight victories against ranked opponents, including wins over #2 Lucas Byrd of Illinois and #5 Evan Frost of Iowa State.
- Earned the title of Big Ten Runner-Up.
- Recorded nine bonus-point victories, comprising six technical falls.
- Named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week on January 23.
- Crowned champion at the Soldier Salute tournament.
- 2023-2024 Season:
- Placed as the NCAA runner-up at 125 pounds.
- Achieved a third-place finish at the Big Ten Championships.
- Posted a 27-5 overall record, with an 18-5 mark against ranked opponents and a 10-3 dual record.
- Secured seven wins against top-10 ranked opponents, including victories over #1 Matt Ramos (Purdue) and #2 Braeden Davis (Penn State)
- Earned NWCA Scholar All-American honors and Academic All-Big Ten recognition.
- 2025 NCAA Championships:
- Advanced to the finals but narrowly lost to Illinois’ Lucas Byrd in overtime tiebreakers, with a final score of 3-2.
Ayala’s wrestling journey began at Fort Dodge Senior High, where he was a three-time state champion and four-time finalist, amassing a career record of 171-3. He also clinched two national freestyle championships and earned titles at prestigious tournaments like the Super 32 Challenge and Who’s No. 1.
For a closer look at Ayala’s wrestling style and skills, you can watch his championship match against Lucas Byrd in the 2025 NCAA finals: