picture of Tom Brands

Tom Brands is easily rated as one of the top intensity wrestlers this sport has ever seen. His work ethic has rarely, if ever, been matched on the mat. In college, Brands was a force for the Iowa Hawkeyes, capturing the "Gablesque" mentality of the sport by constantly attacking and putting pressure on his opponents. Tom Brands was a four time All-American and three time NCAA national champion in college. He built off his collegiate success and competed for the U.S. in freestyle. Brands won the Gold medal at both the World Championships in 1993 and at the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996.He continues today as the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeye program to lead the new generation of Iowa wrestlers.

  1. Iowa Wrestling's Attendance Figures Are Staggering!

    Iowa Wrestling's Attendance Figures Are Staggering!

    Feb 23, 2023

    If numbers are your thing, then the University of Iowa's average dual attendance figures will leave you in awe. The Hawkeyes averaged over 14,000 per home dual for the second year in a row, and have averaged over 10,000 during five of the past seven seasons (not including the 2021 COVID year where fans weren't allowed).
  2. Hawkeye Interviews Following Iowa's 28-7 Win Over Oklahoma State

    Hawkeye Interviews Following Iowa's 28-7 Win Over Oklahoma State

    Feb 20, 2023

    Hear from Tom Brands, Spencer Lee, and Abe Assad after Iowa's 28-7 win over Oklahoma State in the final dual of the season.
  3. Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands: "Supporting Scoring Is The Solution"

    Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands: "Supporting Scoring Is The Solution"

    Feb 1, 2023

    A quick glance through Tom Brands’s 1991 NCAA tournament bracket and you’ll understand what type of wrestler he was. The former Hawkeye star put up 98 points over five matches against the best college wrestlers in the country.
  4. Tom Brands On Iowa's Win Over Nebraska & Tense Conclusion

    Tom Brands On Iowa's Win Over Nebraska & Tense Conclusion

    Jan 21, 2023

    Iowa coach Tom Brands shares his thoughts after the Hawkeyes' 34-6 win against Nebraska. He talks about Spencer Lee's dominance and the tense conclusion to the dual.
  5. 5 Big Tests For Iowa On Opening B10 Dual Weekend

    5 Big Tests For Iowa On Opening B10 Dual Weekend

    Jan 5, 2023

    Iowa kicks off its B1G schedule with a pair of weekend duals. The Hawkeyes face Illinois at home on Friday, January 6 at 7 p.m. CT then hit the road for a dual at Purdue on Sunday, January 8 at 1 p.m.
  6. Brands Explains Short Notice Decision For Spencer Lee To Wrestle Ayala

    Brands Explains Short Notice Decision For Spencer Lee To Wrestle Ayala

    Jan 5, 2023

    Tom Brands breaks down Iowa's performance at the Soldier Salute and dives into the coaches' late decision to ask Spencer Lee to compete against Drake Ayala.
  7. Hear From Coaches And Athletes After Iowa St. vs Iowa Dual

    Hear From Coaches And Athletes After Iowa St. vs Iowa Dual

    Dec 4, 2022

    Iowa coach Tom Brands addresses the media after his team's 18-15 win over Iowa State
  8. Tom Brands' Thoughts On Iowa At The All-Star & Penn Dual

    Tom Brands' Thoughts On Iowa At The All-Star & Penn Dual

    Nov 24, 2022

    Tom Brands calls in to recap Jacob Warner and Tony Cassioppi's performances at the NWCA All-Star Classic and a big weekend dual against Penn.
  9. Tom Brands Talks Through Iowa's Season Opening Lineup

    Tom Brands Talks Through Iowa's Season Opening Lineup

    Nov 8, 2022

    Iowa opens its season this weekend at home and at the Luther Open. Tom Brands opens up about the Hawkeyes' week 1 lineup.
  10. Is This The Golden Age Of American Wrestling?

    Is This The Golden Age Of American Wrestling?

    Jun 16, 2022

    USA Wrestling executive director Rich Bender has consistently called this a golden age for American wrestling. And if you look at the output at the senior international level — he’s right.
  11. Tom Brands Receives Contract Extension Through 2029

    Tom Brands Receives Contract Extension Through 2029

    Mar 14, 2022

    University of Iowa Wrestling
  12. Coach Smith vs Coach Brands: By The Numbers

    Coach Smith vs Coach Brands: By The Numbers

    Feb 10, 2022

    We're night upon the 55th meeting between the bluest of college wrestling's bluebloods. Directing those programs are the Hawkeyes' helmsman Tom Brands, now in year 16 of his tenure, and John Smith, who is in his 31st year of corraling the Cowboys.
  13. Top 100: By The Numbers

    Top 100: By The Numbers

    Feb 1, 2022

    Below is a full listing of FloWrestling's Top 100 American Wrestlers of All Time along with college wrestling affiliations. Several went to multiple colleges, which is why a wrestler may be listed more than once.
  14. The Top 100 Countdown: 20-11

    The Top 100 Countdown: 20-11

    Dec 31, 2021

    The countdown continues as FloWrestling releases its top 100 greatest American wrestlers of all time. The inaugural episode was released on November 4 and will end with the announcement of the greatest wrestler of all time on January 10, 2022.
  15. The Super Staffs Of The NCAA

    The Super Staffs Of The NCAA

    Sep 17, 2021

    For some time now the topic in major team sports leagues has been the formation of super teams and what they can accomplish. With the movement in coaching this summer the question should now arise: what about coaching super staffs in college wrestling? Some may come easily to mind but there are more than you may think.