This weekend in Cleveland was set to be Jesse Mendez’s crowning moment, a triumphant conclusion to his illustrious wrestling career at Ohio State. But Sergio Vega had other plans.
The Oklahoma State freshman delivered a stunning performance, defeating Mendez in sudden-victory overtime with a 4-1 win, clinching the 141-pound national championship. Vega’s season ends with an unblemished 24-0 record, never conceding a takedown, while Mendez finishes at 26-1.
“That was freakin’ awesome,” Vega exclaimed. “It took them a while to call the takedown, but I felt it right away.
It was incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
Mendez’s loss was part of a tough night for Ohio State, as freshman Ben Davino also fell in the 133-pound title match to Oklahoma State’s Jax Forrest, 5-2.
Penn State dominated the tournament, setting a new NCAA record with 177.5 points, leaving Oklahoma State (127), Nebraska (100.5), and Iowa (92.5) trailing. Ohio State rounded out the top five with 84.5 points.
The crowd was buzzing for Mendez’s match, the first of the night. However, Vega kept the Ohio State fans on edge.
Twice, Mendez attempted a high-single takedown but couldn’t convert. In the sudden-victory period, with Mendez locking Vega’s right leg, Vega managed to push off and secure the decisive takedown.
The Oklahoma State supporters erupted as the Buckeyes crowd went silent.
“I’m a national champion,” Vega said. “I believed I could do it, and I did it against one of the best at 141.
I have immense respect for Mendez and Brock Hardy. They’re incredible competitors.”
In the evening’s marquee match, Forrest broke a 1-1 tie in the third period. Despite a late escape by Davino, Forrest’s riding time advantage sealed his victory.
Penn State’s impressive performance, including four national titles, was highlighted by Luke Lilledahl (126), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165), Levi Haines (174), and Josh Barr (197) winning their respective categories. Shayne Van Ness (149) and Rocco Welsh (184) finished as runners-up.
Penn State coach Cael Sanderson praised his team’s consistency and work ethic, “Seeing these guys every day motivates me. We’re a blessed program, and we follow the rules. We train hard and do the right things, and it pays off.”
Oklahoma State, under the guidance of former stars David Taylor, saw freshmen Vega, Forrest, and Landon Robideau all capture national titles.
Stanford’s Adan Valencia (149), Minnesota’s Max McEnelly (184), and Isaac Trumble (285) from N.C. State also claimed national championships. The Most Outstanding Wrestler award went to Mesenbrink.
NCAA Tournament Team Standings (Top 10):
- Penn State - 177.5
- Oklahoma State - 127
- Nebraska - 100.5
- Iowa - 92.5
- Ohio State - 84.5
- Stanford - 67.5
- Michigan - 66
- Iowa State - 52
- Minnesota - 48.5
- North Carolina State - 44.5
Final Round Results:
- 125: Luke Lilledahl, Penn State, dec. Marc-Anthony McGowan, Princeton, 2-1
- 133: Jax Forrest, Oklahoma State, dec. Ben Davino, Ohio State, 5-2
- 141: Sergio Vega, Oklahoma State, dec. Jesse Mendez, Ohio State, 4-1 SV
- 149: Adan Valencia, Stanford, dec. Shayne Van Ness, Penn State, 8-5 SV
- 157: Landon Robideau, Oklahoma State, dec. Antrell Taylor, Nebraska, 4-2
- 165: Mitchell Mesenbrink, Penn State, tech. fall Mikey Caliendo, Iowa, 20-4
- 174: Levi Haines, Penn State, dec.
Christopher Minto, Nebraska, 2-1
- 184: Max McEnelly, Minnesota, dec.
Rocco Welsh, Penn State, 4-3
- 197: Josh Barr, Penn State, dec.
Cody Merrill, Oklahoma State, 6-3
- 285: Isaac Trumble, N.C.
State, dec. Yonger Bastida, Iowa State, 5-0