By Hawk Fanatic

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Fourth-year Iowa wrestler Gabe Arnold made a guest appearance on the Hawk Fanatic radio show and podcast on Wednesday.

The Georgia native addressed multiple topics, including the challenge of wrestling up two weights classes as he did last season while finishing in seventh place at the 2026 NCAA Championships at 197 pounds.

Arnold’s ideal weight class is 174 pounds, and that’s where he is expected to compete this season, which starts against Bellarmine on Nov. 13 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Arnold led Iowa with 24 victories last season, finishing 24-8 overall. He also recorded eight bonus points, including one pin, five technical falls and two major decisions.

Arnold was the recipient of Iowa’s Mike j. McGivern Most Courageous Award last season.

Prior to his senior year of high school, Arnold moved from Georgia to Iowa City where he wrestled for City High, winning a state title.

Arnold also talked about the challenge of trying to dethrone Penn State and about trying to distinguish between Iowa head coach Tom Brands and his twin brother Terry Brands. Arnold said when he first arrived at Iowa that he struggled to tell them apart at timed.

Arnold’s interview starts approximately 90 minutes into the podcasts and lasts for about 20 minutes.

We appreciate Gabe taking some time from his busy schedule to speak with us.

Hawk Fanatic podcast for 11/4/26