BTN Communications, January 8, 2021
Updated, March 2, 2021: Get our complete broadcast and live streaming plans for the 2021 Big Ten Wrestling Championships.
The Big Ten Network today announced its schedule for the 2021 Big Ten Wrestling season, featuring at least 18 scheduled duals in a conference-only slate beginning on Friday, Jan. 8.
Ten Big Ten teams are currently ranked in the top 20 of TrackWrestling?s rankings, including four of the top five. No. 1 Iowa, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Penn State, No. 5 Nebraska, No. 7 Ohio State, No. 10 Rutgers, No. 12 Northwestern, No. 13 Minnesota, No. 17 Michigan State and No. 19 Purdue lead the way for the nation's top wrestling conference.
Wrestling coverage begins with a top-15 doubleheader tonight, as No. 2 Michigan takes on No. 10 Rutgers at 7 p.m. ET, before No. 13 Minnesota visits No. 5 Nebraska at 9 p.m. ET. Additional highlights include a matchup of No. 1 Iowa vs. No. 2 Michigan at noon ET on Sunday, Jan. 31, a rivalry doubleheader on Feb. 12 with No. 7 Ohio State visiting No. 2 Michigan at 7 p.m. ET before No. 1 Iowa takes on No. 3 Penn State at 9 p.m. ET and No. 3 Penn State traveling to Columbus to face No. 7 Ohio State at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 19.
Shane Sparks, who was recently named as the NWMA Broadcaster of the Year, and newcomer Ray Flores will provide play-by-play alongside analysts Jim Gibbons and Tim Johnson to anchor BTN's dual meet coverage.
Big Ten Network?s original digital series, On The Mat, returns to YouTube tonight for season two with features on Rutgers' Sebastian Rivera and the 20th anniversary of Minnesota?s national championship. On The Mat tells the behind-the-scenes stories of Big Ten wrestlers and programs navigating the most competitive wrestling conference in the country. Additionally, a new Big Ten Network wrestling Instagram account is launching this season with highlights, original content, and special features for Big Ten wrestling fans.
In the coming weeks, additional events will be assigned to Big Ten Network+, a subscription service for non-televised live events. This season, sport-specific packages are available at a new price point for fans only interested in viewing wrestling events. For details and subscription information, please visit btnplus.com.
Big Ten Network Wrestling Schedule
| Date | Event | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., Jan. 8 | No. 2 Michigan at No. 10 Rutgers | 7 PM |
| Fri., Jan. 8 | No. 13 Minnesota at No. 5 Nebraska | 9 PM |
| Sun., Jan. 10 | Illinois at Indiana | Noon |
| Fri., Jan. 15 | No. 12 Northwestern at No. 19 Purdue | 7 PM |
| Fri., Jan. 15 | No. 5 Nebraska at No. 1 Iowa | 9 PM |
| Sat., Jan. 16 | No. 3 Penn State at No. 10 Rutgers | 2:30 PM |
| Fri., Jan. 22 | No. 1 Iowa at No. 13 Minnesota | TBD |
| Sun., Jan. 31 | No. 2 Michigan at No. 1 Iowa | TBD |
| Sun., Jan. 31 | No. 7 Ohio State at Maryland | TBD |
| Sun., Feb. 7 | No. 3 Penn State at No. 2 Michigan | TBD |
| Sun., Feb. 7 | No. 1 Iowa vs. No. 7 Ohio State | TBD |
| Fri., Feb. 12 | No. 7 Ohio State at No. 2 Michigan | TBD |
| Fri., Feb. 12 | No. 1 Iowa at No. 3 Penn State | TBD |
| Fri., Feb. 19 | No. 2 Michigan at Michigan State | TBD |
| Fri., Feb. 19 | No. 3 Penn State at No. 7 Ohio State | TBD |
| Sun., Feb. 21 | No. 1 Iowa at Wisconsin | TBD |
| Feb. 21 or Feb. 22 | Indiana at No. 19 Purdue | TBD |
| Feb. 21 or Feb. 22 | Maryland at No. 3 Penn State | TBD |
| Sat., March 6 | B1G Championships at Penn State | TBD |
| Sun., March 7 | B1G Championships at Penn State | TBD |
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