Drexel to Host Final Two Home Duals of the Season Against Rider and LIU

Saturday, February 14

Philadelphia, Pa.

4 p.m.

Drexel University

Rider

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Drexel to Host Final Two Home Duals of the Season Against Rider and LIU

2/13/2026 3:49:00 PM | Wrestling

Match Info:
Saturday, February 14 - 4 p.m. vs. Rider &
Sunday, February 15 - 1 p.m. vs. Rider &
Location: Daskalakis Athletic Center
FloWrestling | Live Results | Tickets

Social Media
@DrexelWrestling | @DrexelDragons

PHILADELPHIA — The Drexel wrestling team is set to close out its home slate this weekend with its final two duals of the season at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. The Dragons will take on Rider on Saturday at 6 p.m. as part of Spirit Day, before welcoming LIU on Sunday at 1 p.m. as DU celebrates Senior Day.

Last Time Out
The Dragons fell to Bucknell last Saturday in Philadelphia, 17–21, in a competitive match up. The Bison won four of the final five matches, scoring 15 straight points to take a 21–11 lead and the eventual dual victory.

Oumar Tounkara secured his first career win as a starter to open the bout. The freshman collected back points twice on his way to a 14–7 decision victory. The night was highlighted by Nate Schon's fall over No. 32/30 Lucas Lawler. The redshirt junior locked up the pin in the third period for his second win over a ranked opponent this season.

Honoring Our Seniors
Drexel will honor the following nine Dragons prior to Sunday's dual for their contribution to the program on and off the mat: Ibrahim Ameer, Aboubakare Diaby, Luke Nichter, Deon Pleasant, Desmond Pleasant, Jordan Soriano, Cody Walsh, Kyle Waterman and Shane Whitney.

National Recognition
Four Dragons were named in the second NCAA Coaches' Rankings of the season this week. Desmond Pleasant, Luke Nichter, Jasiah Queen and Nate Schon all earned a spot in their respective weight classes.

NCAA Division I Coaches Rankings
Desmond Pleasant (125lbs) — 28th
Luke Nichter (157lbs) — 32th
Jasiah Queen (174lbs) — 23rd
Nate Schon (285lbs) — 22nd

Drexel Lineup vs. Rider
125: No. NR/29 Desmond Pleasant
133: Kyle Waterman
141: Jordan Soriano
149: Deon Pleasant
157: Luke Nichter / Gavin Carroll / Aboubakare Diaby
165: Cody Walsh
174: No. 21/21 Jasiah Queen
184: Ethan Wilson
197: Ibrahim Ameer
285: No. 24/24 Nate Schon

Drexel Lineup vs. LIU
125: No. NR/29 Desmond Pleasant / Jason Foutz
133: Kyle Waterman
141: Jordan Soriano
149: Deon Pleasant
157: Luke Nichter / Gavin Carroll / Aboubakare Diaby
165: Cody Walsh
174: No. 21/21 Jasiah Queen
184: Ethan Wilson
197: Ibrahim Ameer / Justin Griffith
285: No. 24/24 Nate Schon / Shane Whitney

Rider Lineup
125: No. 21/15 Tyler Klinsky
133: Will Betancourt
141: No. 20/14 Eli Griffin
149: Dylan Layton
157: Gianni Maldonado
165: Brendon Abdon
174: Enrique Munguia
184: Giovanni Alejandro or JP Hangey
197: No. 19/15 Brock Zurawski
285: Hogan Swenski or James Lynch

LIU TBD

All rankings coming via FloWrestling/InterMat

The Series
Rider
The Dragons are 14–32 all-time against the Broncs. Drexel has won the last two meetings, with each team claiming five of the last 10 matchups in the series. Last season, DU defeated Rider, 21-12, in Lawrenceville. Six Dragons saw their hand raised, including a pin from Mickey O'Malley.

LIU
Drexel is 6-0 over Long Island in the all time series. The Dragons made quick work of the Sharks last season with a 34-6 victory, sweeping both LIU and Hofstra to capture the EIWA Independence Division Championship.

On the Mic
Drexel will feature a new voice on the mic for the 2025–26 wrestling season, as Nick Kosko takes over play-by-play duties on FloWrestling. A former Broadcaster of the Year honoree by the National Wrestling Media Association, Kosko brings extensive experience to the Dragons' coverage, having previously called matches for Rutgers, Penn, Princeton and others.

Looking Ahead
The Dragons will make the trip to College Park, Md. to battle Maryland on Friday, February 20. This will be the fourth time DU faces a Big Ten opponent this season. Action is set for 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on Big Ten Plus.