University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
285 lbs.
/ Wrestling
184 lbs.
/ Wrestling
Photo by: Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City
Hopke Tabbed Big Ten Freshman of the Week
1/8/2026 2:00:00 PM | Wrestling
MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota's Koy Hopke has been named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second time this season, the conference announced Thursday.
Hopke went 4-0 last weekend to capture the heavyweight title at the Soldier Salute. He outscored his opponents 18-5 and was not taken down.
Ranked 11th at the time by InterMat, Hopke opened with a 2-0 shutout of Sampson Stillwell of Missouri, Hopke's third straight shutout. Hopke then defeated Iowa State's Daniel Herrera in the quarterfinals, 5-1. In the semifinals, Hopke took care of No. 10 Christian Carroll of Wyoming, 6-1.
In the finals, Hopke avenged an earlier season loss to Nebraska's Cade Ziola by registering a 5-3 decision. It was Hopke's second tournament title of the season and pushed his overall record to 15-3 on the year.
A native of Amery, Wis., Hopke was also honored by the Big Ten after he won the season-opening Southeast Open. He went 4-0 with three ranked wins to claim the heavyweight title and sweep the league's Wrestler of the Week and Freshman of the Week.
Hopke joins Max McEnelly, who won it three times, as Gophers to win Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors more than once since the award was established last season.
No. 7 Minnesota opens up Big Ten competition this weekend with a trip to Illinois to face the No. 11 Fighting Illini on Jan. 10. Match time is set for 1 p.m. on Big Ten Plus.
Hopke went 4-0 last weekend to capture the heavyweight title at the Soldier Salute. He outscored his opponents 18-5 and was not taken down.
Ranked 11th at the time by InterMat, Hopke opened with a 2-0 shutout of Sampson Stillwell of Missouri, Hopke's third straight shutout. Hopke then defeated Iowa State's Daniel Herrera in the quarterfinals, 5-1. In the semifinals, Hopke took care of No. 10 Christian Carroll of Wyoming, 6-1.
In the finals, Hopke avenged an earlier season loss to Nebraska's Cade Ziola by registering a 5-3 decision. It was Hopke's second tournament title of the season and pushed his overall record to 15-3 on the year.
A native of Amery, Wis., Hopke was also honored by the Big Ten after he won the season-opening Southeast Open. He went 4-0 with three ranked wins to claim the heavyweight title and sweep the league's Wrestler of the Week and Freshman of the Week.
Hopke joins Max McEnelly, who won it three times, as Gophers to win Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors more than once since the award was established last season.
No. 7 Minnesota opens up Big Ten competition this weekend with a trip to Illinois to face the No. 11 Fighting Illini on Jan. 10. Match time is set for 1 p.m. on Big Ten Plus.
Coach's Corner with Brandon Eggum
Wednesday, January 07
Highlights: Hopke Wins Soldier Salute
Tuesday, January 06
Coach's Corner with Brandon Eggum
Tuesday, December 23
Cinematic Recap: Gophers-Little Rock in Mequon
Thursday, December 18