UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team completed an undefeated regular season, securing their sixth consecutive Big Ten title with a dominant 36-5 victory over Ohio State on . The win, witnessed by a record-breaking crowd of 16,006 at the Bryce Jordan Center, solidifies Penn State’s position as a national powerhouse as they head into the postseason.
The Nittany Lions finished the regular season with a perfect 15-0 overall record and an 8-0 mark in Big Ten competition. This marks the 12th Big Ten championship for head coach Cael Sanderson since his arrival in 2009-10. Penn State also achieved its 11th unbeaten/untied Big Ten regular season in school history. The atmosphere at the Bryce Jordan Center was electric, breaking the previous NCAA and Penn State wrestling indoor attendance record of 15,998, set last year against Iowa.
The dual meet against Ohio State was a showcase of Penn State’s dominance. The Nittany Lions won nine of ten bouts, with a 25-5 advantage in takedowns. Five of those wins came with bonus points – one pin by Duke, two tech falls from Van Ness and Haines, and two major decisions from Mesenbrink and Barr. The team’s performance underscores a deep roster and a culture of relentless competition.
Despite the impressive team performance, the season hasn’t been without its challenges. Penn State wrestler Aaron Nagao recently concluded his career prematurely due to an injury. The team will need to continue to rely on its depth as it navigates the upcoming Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Championships.
As of , InterMat released its final regular season rankings, highlighting the individual strengths within the Penn State program. Luke Lilledahl leads the way at 125 pounds, holding the No. 1 ranking. Marcus Blaze is close behind at No. 2 in the 133-pound weight class. Shayne Van Ness also secured the top spot at 149 pounds, while Levi Haines and Rocco Welsh are ranked No. 1 at 174 and 184 pounds respectively. Mitchell Mesenbrink holds the No. 1 ranking at 165 pounds, and Josh Barr is ranked No. 1 at 197 pounds.
Braeden Davis is ranked No. 14 at 141 pounds, a slight drop from his previous No. 12 ranking after a close 11-8 decision victory over Princeton’s Matthew Martino. Cole Mirasola moved up to No. 5 at 285 pounds after a dominant technical fall win over Sebastian Garibaldi. The Nittany Lions boast nine of ten wrestlers ranked within the top five of their respective weight classes, demonstrating the program’s overall strength and consistency.
The team’s success is not solely based on individual talent, but also on the strong bonds between the wrestlers. The team’s culture, described by coach Cael Sanderson as one of “friendship and camaraderie,” is a key factor in their on-mat success. Sanderson believes the changes in college athletics have led to athletes actively seeking programs like Penn State, where they can be part of something special.
Looking ahead, the Nittany Lions will host the Big Ten Tournament at the Bryce Jordan Center on . Saturday’s sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m. And 5 p.m. EST, with a combined session on Sunday starting at 12 p.m. EST. Fans can watch all sessions on the Big Ten Network or Big Ten+.
The ultimate goal, however, remains the NCAA Wrestling Championships, set to begin on , in Cleveland, Ohio, at Rocket Arena. The tournament will span three days, with sessions held on Thursday and Friday, culminating in the final sessions on Saturday, . Specific times for each session are yet to be announced. Penn State, having already secured a dominant regular season and a Big Ten title, enters the NCAA Championships as a strong favorite to add another national championship to its impressive legacy.
The Nittany Lions’ consistent success under Cael Sanderson is remarkable. Having already clinched the 2025 NCAA National Championship, securing their 12th title under Sanderson and 13th the program continues to set the standard for collegiate wrestling. The combination of individual brilliance, team cohesion, and strong leadership positions Penn State for continued success in the years to come.
