Matt McDonough

2026 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

Matt McDonough stands as one of Iowa’s most accomplished wrestlers, embodying the grit and determination that define the state’s rich wrestling heritage. A two-time NCAA champion and three-time finalist, McDonough’s career is marked by unparalleled success at every level, from high school dominance to collegiate glory and international accolades.

McDonough was introduced to wrestling at an early age, influenced by his father, Mike, who competed for the University of Iowa in the 1970s. Growing up in Marion, Iowa, McDonough honed his skills at Linn-Mar High School, where he became a powerhouse under coaches Doug Streicher, Jason Haag, Ryan Gotto, and C.J. McDonald. There, he compiled an impressive 115-15 career record, securing three state championships (2006 at 112 pounds, 2007 at 119 pounds, and 2008 at 130 pounds) after a sixth-place finish as a freshman in 2005 at 103 pounds. McDonough set school records for most takedowns in a season and tied the record for most pins, ranking second in school history for career wins. He also excelled on the national stage, winning the 2006 Cadet National Freestyle title and placing second in Greco-Roman that year, followed by fifth in 2007 Junior Freestyle and third in 2008 Junior Freestyle at Fargo.

Transitioning to the University of Iowa, McDonough redshirted his first year in 2008-09, going 22-8 unattached at 133 pounds. Under Hall of Fame coach Tom Brands, he dropped to 125 pounds and exploded onto the scene. As a redshirt freshman in 2009-10, he posted a 37-1 record, winning the NCAA championship, placing second at the Big Ten, and claiming the Midlands title while helping Iowa secure the team national title. In 2010-11, he went 27-2, winning his first Big Ten title but finishing as NCAA runner-up. McDonough had a remarkable 2011-12 season with a 36-1 mark, capturing both Big Ten and NCAA crowns, along with another Midlands victory. His senior year in 2012-13 was marred by injury, resulting in a 22-5 record, second at the Big Ten, and a Round of 12 finish at NCAAs. Overall, McDonough amassed a 122-9 collegiate record, three NCAA finals appearances, two NCAA titles, two Big Ten championships, and two Midlands wins. He contributed to four top four NCAA team finishes, including the 2010 championship.

Post-college, McDonough trained with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club and represented the U.S. internationally. In 2014, he finished fourth at the U.S. Open, third at the World Team Trials (earning a national team spot), and won bronze at the University World Championships. He also competed in the Ivan Yarygin Memorial and Paris Grand Prix tournaments. McDonough transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant at the University of Wisconsin from 2018 to 2020, then at Cornell College from 2020 to 2021. He has remained involved in the sport through wrestling clubs and camps. Today, McDonough works in orthopedics-joint replacement at Stryker, applying his chemistry background and passion for health.

McDonough’s legacy as a wrestler, coach, and ambassador for Iowa wrestling is profound, making him a fitting inductee into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2026, along with Dan Glenn, Jon McGovern, Phil Henning and Mike Finn.