Kyven Gadson’s workload has been heavier than usual as of late.

Gadson, the No. 2 ranked wrestler at 197 by Intermat, is slated to go head-to-head with No. 3 Travis Rutt of Oklahoma on Sunday. This will be Gadson’s second time facing a top-three opponent in a 10-day span.

After rattling off five-straight wins at the Southern Scuffle on Jan. 1 and 2, Gadson earned a shot to avenge his only loss on the season when he faced No. 1 Scott Schiller of Minnesota in the finals, but fell in a 6-3 decision.

“Kyven wrestled a strong tournament, but he didn’t do some of the things we know he’s capable of to beat one of the best guys in the country,” said ISU coach Kevin Jackson.

Gadson felt he was not able to earn any takedowns, something he’s proficient at, as his 14 takedowns in duals ranks him third on the team behind Lelund Weatherspoon (16) and Mike Moreno (18). He will get another shot to create some offense against a top opponent Sunday with he meets Rutt on the mat.

Rutt is currently 14-0 while Gadson touts a 14-2 record with both losses coming against Schiller. Facing off against top-three opponents back-to-back is not usually common, but Gadson is looking at it in a different light.

“It’s an advantage, definitely, because you get to put yourself in a big-time match in a big-time dual against Oklahoma, where we lost by three points last year,” Gadson said. “So to put yourself in that position is big, especially coming off the Scuffle after a loss in the finals, so it’s a chance for me to rebound and bounce back after a loss.”

The Sooners’ squad consists of five top-10 wrestlers and are led by the No. 1 174-pounder Andrew Howe. With 184-pounder Boaz Beard back in the lineup, Tanner Weatherman and Lelund Weatherspoon will be vying for the job at 174.

“Howe has been around a long time and they don’t get too much better than him,” Jackson said. “Whoever we throw out there, they have to be able to compete at that level, so we’re looking for whoever matches up best with him.”

Iowa State’s dual against Oklahoma is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Hilton Coliseum.