Cael Hughes Earns Weekly Big 12 Honors

Photo by: OSU Athletics

January 15, 2025 | Cowboy Wrestling

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State 133-pounder Cael Hughes was named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week for his thrilling upset over NC State's two-time All-American and seventh-ranked Kai Orine, the conference announced Wednesday.

A redshirt freshman competing in just his third career dual, Hughes flipped the momentum Monday against No. 5 NC State and propelled the Cowboys to a 34-3 victory, their largest over a top-five opponent since 1996. Following a Hughes ride out in the second period and five minutes of scoreless action, the Stillwater native finally broke through as he secured a reversal and put Orine on his back for the pin in 5:20. The win improved Hughes' record to 7-0 on the season and was the first of his career over a ranked opponent.

Hughes is the second Cowboy this season to win Big 12 Wrestler of the Week after heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson did so on December 11. It is the first weekly conference award of Hughes' young career.