No. 23 Wisconsin to take on Bucknell at Stoughton High School

Tuesday, November 25

6:00 PM

Wisconsin Badgers

Bucknell University

Julian George wrestles at the Cyclone Invitational

Photo by: Suvir Grover

No. 23 Wisconsin to take on Bucknell at Stoughton High School

November 18, 2025 | Wrestling

Badgers host their third dual of the season

By: Aliza Manekia

STOUGHTON, Wisc - Wisconsin wrestling returns home on Sunday for its third dual of the season, taking on the Bucknell Bisons at Stoughton High School. The Badgers look to keep their undefeated start alive and extend their perfect all time record against Bucknell.

1. The Last Time Out
Wisconsin heads into this dual after a solid 27-10 victory at Ohio, a matchup where the Badgers showed strength across all weights. The Badgers opened with five straight victories, including a tech fall from Zan Fugitt, a comeback decision from Carson Exferd, and a major from Joseph Zargo. Luke Mechler added an 11 to 7 win after climbing out of a 1-6 deficit, and Cody Goebel extended the lead with a major at 165. Braxton Amos later sealed the dual with a fall to close out Wisconsin's first 2-0 start since the 2022-2023 season.

2. Scouting the Bisons
Bucknell brings a veteran group that recently went toe to toe with No. 18 Oklahoma in an 18 to 12 loss. The Bisons rely on experienced middleweights like Braden and Riley Bower, along with steady upper-weight anchors in Myles Takats and Riley Godek. Wisconsin is also looking for a repeat win after defeating Bucknell 25 to 14 last season in Lewisburg, a dual where several bouts stayed tight through the late positions.

3. In the Rankings
This week, six Badgers earned spots in the newest InterMat national rankings, and Wisconsin made its return to the NWCA Coaches Poll at No. 24. It marks the program's first appearance in the poll since January 23, 2024.
No. 5 - Zan Fugitt, 133
No. 11 - Nicolar Rivera, 125
No. 17 - Joseph Zargo, 149
No. 18 - Braxton Amos, 285
No. 23 - Cody Goebel, 165
No. 31 - Luke Mechler, 157

4. Projected Lineups
125 - Nicolar Rivera
133 - Zan Fugitt
141 - Carson Exferd
149 - Joesph Zargo
157 - Luke Mechler
165 - Cody Goebel
174 - Luke Condon
184 - Cale Anderson
197 - Wyatt Igham
HWT - Braxton Amos

5. Up Next
Wisconsin heads out east for a weekend of New York duals. The Badgers will take on Army on Saturday, December 6 at 6 p.m. and Hofstra on Sunday, December 7 at 1 p.m.