Northern Illinois @ Ohio

Northern Illinois edged Ohio 21-20 at Ohio University on January 24, 2025, in a one-point MAC dual that came down to bonus points. Northern Illinois piled up the big wins that produced most of its scoring: Markel Baker dominated 20-4 by technical fall, Landen Johnson put up a 16-0 technical fall, Jacob Brya recorded a 12-0 major decision, and Blake West added a 15-4 major decision. Those four bonus victories generated a critical cushion for the Huskies.

Ohio countered with its own surge of bonus results, keeping the Bobcats within striking distance. Derek Raike’s 14-6 major decision at 149 helped swing momentum, and Garrett Thompson’s 15-4 major at 174 was followed by Jeremy Olszko’s 18-1 technical fall at 184 and Jordan Greer’s 15-3 major at 285. Those bonus-point wins closed the gap and set up a tense finish.

The dual was ultimately decided by the split in bonus production. Northern Illinois’ two technical falls and two majors created a lead large enough to survive Ohio’s later run of majors and a tech fall. With neither side able to secure a fall to seal it, the Huskies held on for the 21-20 victory, a result that will loom large for both teams in the MAC standings.