Smith Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Ayden Smith (125) was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, announced Thursday by the conference office. Smith delivered a 7-2 decision over then-No. 10 Jore Volk to help No. 14 Rutgers wrestling to a 23-15 upset over then-No. 6 Minnesota on Feb. 6 in Piscataway.

Smith is the first Big Ten Freshman of the Week in program history and earns the first weekly accolades for the Scarlet Knights from the conference since Dean Peterson picked up co-wrestler of the week laurels last season.

Smith opened RU's matchup with the Golden Gophers against 2024 NCAA All-American Volk, who entered the dual with a 17-3 record and a top 10 national ranking. Smith worked a quick takedown of Volk in the opening period for a 3-1 lead. Volk fought back to make it 4-2 in the closing seconds of the bout before Smith hit a re-attack for a takedown and the 7-2 upset.

Ranked as high as No. 22 in the country (FloWrestling), Smith is 13-6 this season, 9-6 in duals and 4-3 in Big Ten Conference matches. Smith owns four wins over ranked opponents, including top-10 conference victories against Volk and No. 19 Diego Sotelo (Michigan).