Brands Sets Goals for Iowa Wrestling Season
Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands outlined his team's approach to adversity and national title ambitions at media day in Iowa City.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Wrestling
Iowa men's wrestling head coach Tom Brands held 2026-2027 team media day on Wednesday, November 4, at the Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center. The Hawkeyes open their season against Bellarmine on November 13 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Why it matters
Brands is hoping to bring the program back to the national title spotlight after a season that ended without a title push. The start of the season marks the team's first chance to test its approach to adversity against opponents.
Spencer Lee won each of his five matches at a recent Senior World Title event by technical fall or pin, after a 2024 Paris Olympics silver medal. The source does not detail how Iowa's roster will perform in its opener against Bellarmine.
The players
Tom Brands
Tom Brands is the head coach of Iowa men's wrestling and a former Hawkeye standout who has led the program through multiple national championship campaigns.
Spencer Lee
Spencer Lee is an Iowa wrestler who won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and recently claimed a Senior World Title.
The details
Brands described his team's approach to adversity as being steady in turmoil rather than weather the storm. The Iowa team wore shirts reading "It's okay, we hate you too" to nationals last season, and Penn State has now taken over as the top wrestling program in the country.
Timeline
Last season: Iowa wore "It's okay, we hate you too" shirts at nationals.
Early October 2026: Spencer Lee won a Senior World Title.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Iowa held media day at the Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center.
November 13, 2026, 7 p.m. CT: Iowa opens against Bellarmine at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Big Ten Plus.
Season Trajectory
Penn State has taken over as the best wrestling program in the country, shifting the competitive balance Iowa must work against. Brands' stated goal of returning the program to the national title spotlight positions Iowa as a challenger to that new leader.
Fans can watch Iowa's season opener against Bellarmine on Big Ten Plus on November 13 at 7 p.m. CT. Fantasy and dual-meet planners should note the season starts in mid-November at home.
The takeaway
The 2026-27 season is a test of whether Iowa's approach of staying steady through adversity can close the gap with Penn State. Readers following the program should watch the November 13 opener for early signs of that progress.
What happens next
Iowa opens the 2026-27 season against Bellarmine at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on November 13 at 7 p.m. CT.
Further reading
For more on the program's recent history, see our Wrestling coverage.
