Former Arkansas-Little Rock wrestlers Nasir Bailey, Jordan Williams commit to Iowa

After entering the NCAA transfer portal, former Arkansas-Little Rock wrestlers Nasir Bailey and Jordan Williams committed to Iowa. The pair confirmed on Instagram.

Bailey was an All-American in 2024, the first in Little Rock program history and Williams just came in this year from Oklahoma State. Bailey was knocked off early in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, finishing in the round of 16, while Williams made the Blood Round, at 133 and 149 pounds respectively. Both guys have two years of eligibility remaining.

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Where they fit in the lineup at Iowa is interesting. There’s been conversations about Bailey moving up to 141 and Williams staying at 149, filling two holes for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa is seemingly not done in the transfer portal. Not only are the Hawkeyes building an elite 2026 recruiting class, headlined by Bo Bassett, they’re loading up on veterans to fill quick holes in the lineup and potentially rise up the team standings at next year’s NCAAs.

Bailey finished in fourth place as a freshman at 133 pounds in 2024, going 29-4. He and 197 pounder Stephen Little were the first All-Americans in program history under head coach Neil Erisman.

Bailey sports a career record of 50-9 through two seasons. Williams spent two years at Oklahoma State and has a career record of 37-15, but was dismissed from the team prior to this season.

Williams finished in the Round of 16 at 149 pounds under former coach John Smith. He found a new gear under Erisman in a new location but was one shy of All-American status.

Bailey and Williams fell short of the podium and now will look elsewhere to continue their careers. However, Little Rock had two more All-Americans this year in Little and Matt Bianchi (157).

“We had some really high highs and really low lows,” Erisman said. “I’m super happy for those who accomplished part of their dreams and proud of the team as whole, and I’m heartbroken for those who fell short. I believe they will get back up, lock in and get back to work. We have always been resilient and shown a lot of grit.

“Regardless, we set new standards this weekend and raised the bar. We are gonna back to work and get better. Those who stay will be champions.”