Iowa Hawkeyes’ Massoma Endene wrestles Oklahoma State’s Cody Merrill in a 197-pound match during their dual at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Endene defeated Merrill by decision, 4-3. (Sam Basler/hawkeyesports.com)

Eli McKown | Des Moines Register

Some unexpected and untimely news hit the Iowa wrestling program ahead of a pivotal dual vs. Penn State.

Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands announced on Jan. 13 that 197-pounder Massoma Endene is no longer on the roster. The transfer from Wartburg College was 6-1 for the Hawkeyes in the first half of the season, but last wrestled vs. Iowa State on Nov. 30.

“My statement to that is that sometimes these things work and sometimes they don’t work,” Brands said of Endene. “This one just didn’t work out. We wish him the best and that’s the extent of it.”

When asked if he would be able to provide more detail, Brands said his statement above was as far as he would go in adding any detail.

Endene had quickly become a fan favorite from his ascent from Division III to Division I to start the year, defeating several high-profile opponents and doing it with some offensive flair. He was ranked No. 4 by Intermat at 197 pounds before the announcement. Endene also announced the birth of his child on social media last week, but the reason for his departure from the program remains unknown.

What Endene’s departure means for Iowa

As much as the news comes as a shock, there still has to be a wrestler at 197 moving forward.

In this week’s probable lineup, true freshman Harvey Ludington and redshirt freshman Brody Sampson are listed. Gabe Arnold also wrestled a pair of duals at 197 earlier this year. Ludington was Iowa’s top placer at the Soldier Salute at 197, but given that he can still preserve his redshirt and only has two events remaining to retain a year of eligibility, there’s a balancing act to come for Iowa.

“We want to be really, really smart with Ludington,” Brands said. “He’s our best option based on results at the Soldier Salute. We are going to be smart and we will take it week-to-week.”

Against Wisconsin, Ludington flashed the talent that made him a top prospect in his weight class from the class of 2025. He recorded the first two takedowns vs. Wyatt Ingham (No. 28 at 197 pounds), but gave up a reversal into three near-fall swipes to make it 7-6 entering the second period. From there, he took a loss by conceding a takedown in the third for a 10-8 loss. His offensive talent was there, but conceding the reversal into a near-fall was a sign of where he still has areas to develop.

If Iowa decides to redshirt Ludington this year, Arnold got two bouts in at 197. He won both, getting a 17-4 major decision over UT Chattanooga’s Kade Rule and a 4-2 decision over Utah Valley’s Kael Bennie, neither of whom is ranked currently. Clearly, Arnold would be giving up size if he went up to 197, especially since he had been working down to 174 for the Soldier Salute, where he took second and is also listed in the probables this week.

Sampson is also listed at 197 in this week’s probables. The Ballard graduate has a 10-7 record all-time in college. His most recent outing was the Soldier Salute, where he was 1-2. Jake Howell is another redshirt freshman, listed as a 184/197-pounder, but is 2-4 on the year at 197.

Regardless of where Iowa decides to go, what’s clear is that losing Endene is a massive blow to the lineup. While we had yet to see him wrestle at the Division I NCAA Championships, his strong start pointed to a potential podium finish. Without him, Iowa’s chances of doing that 197 shrink considerably.

ADMINISTRATORS NOTE: Alot of rumors are out there circulating regarding Massoma Endene, the 197 pounder. If it has anything to do with his health, blame goes to Iowa Athletics for not handling this better., If Endene elected not to wrestle because of injury he personally made the right choice. Never under any circumstance jeopardize your permanent health moving forward. Wishing Endene the best moving forward!