IRVING, Tex. — Northern Iowa redshirt freshman Ryder Downey has been named the Big 12 Conference’s Wrestler of the Week for the first time in his career.

Downey notched a pair of victories in UNI’s two duals last weekend against Wyoming and Nebraska. After rolling past Cooper Voorhees of Wyoming with a 15-0 technical fall, the 157-pounder notched the biggest win of his career with an upset victory over No. 3 Peyton Robb of Nebraska.

Downey trailed Robb 3-0 after a first period takedown, but responded with a takedown of his own and added an escape in the second. Overcoming a reversal by Robb, Downey quickly escaped to reclaim the lead and hold on for a 6-5 decision. It was his third win over a top-15 foe this season and first over a top-five opponent in his career.