IOWA CITY, Iowa – The status of Pat Downey remained a mystery on Wednesday as Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands was unable to shed any light on the situation due to NCAA rules.

Iowa could use all the help it can get as it prepares to face second-ranked Ohio State on Sunday in Columbus, Ohio. The fourth-ranked Hawkeyes are coming off an emotional 20-12 victory over Oklahoma State this past Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

"We have no status update on that," Brands said of Downey. "I can confirm that we are recruiting him, that's what I can say by the rules. So we're working on it. I've probably already said too much for the comfort of my bosses."

Iowa 165-pounder Alex Marinelli returns to his home state of Ohio where he was a four-time state champion in high school.

Marinelli, a native of Miamisburg, Ohio, downplayed any ill will towards Ohio State on Wednesday.

"It's another team on our schedule," Marinelli said. "People say there may be bad blood but I'm just looking to go face whoever I have, whoever they put on the mat, and I'm excited to go fight with my brothers."

The eighth-ranked Marinelli, a redshirt freshman, has compiled an 8-0 record on the season with two pins and a technical fall.

Here are several videos of Brands, Marinelli and 184-pounder Mitch Bowman from Wednesday's press conference.