Wrestling | November 5

DeKALB, Ill.—The Northern Illinois University wrestling program will start the 2026-27 season on the road as they are set to compete at the Michigan State Open on Nov. 7. Action will get underway in East Lansing, Michigan, at 8:30 a.m. CT with two divisions, a Fresh/Soph and Open Division in action all day.
 
Fans attending the open should be aware of Michigan State's clear bag policy, which can be found here.

Additional information about the Michigan State Open can be found here.
 
Markel Baker (Freeport, Ill./Freeport) won the 133 pound title at the Michigan State Open last season. Sean Carroll (Overland Park, Kan./St. Thomas Aquinas) and Jacob Brya (St. Johns, Mich./St. Johns), and Tyler Turzinski (Savage, Minn./Shakopee) placed at the event.
 
Turzinski was the only Huskie to place in the Freshman/Sophomore Division, a division reserved for those in their first two years of competition. Carroll claimed a second place finish in the Open Division while Brya grabbed a sixth place finish for the Huskies. In total, NIU had 18 wins over P4 opponents at the Michigan State Open in 2025.
 
"It's time to get the season underway," noted Ryan Ludwig, NIU head coach. "The guys are fired up to test themselves and run down every opportunity they can in this competition."
 
In the early rankings this season, Baker leads the Huskies, with top-10 spots in three polls and a top-15 spot in a fourth poll. Carroll and Charles Curtis (Canton, Ohio/Perry) also find themselves in the latest rankings.  
 
Following action at the Michigan State Open, NIU will open the season at home on Nov. 15 as they host Bellarmine in a non-conference dual. Action will take place at DeKalb High School (501 W Dresser Rd) and will get underway at 12 p.m.
 
Stay up-to-date on all NIU Wrestling news by following the team on Facebook (NIU Wrestling), X/Twitter (@NIUWrestling), and on Instagram (@NIU_Wrestling).