Penn State Wrestling Rolls Into Michigan With Streak, Dominance, and Depth on Its Side
The Penn State wrestling machine just keeps humming - and Friday night in Ann Arbor, it’s expected to roar once again.
The No. 1-ranked Nittany Lions are set to face off against No. 11 Michigan in a Big Ten showdown at Crisler Arena (6 p.m.
ET, Big Ten Network), and the matchup heavily tilts in favor of Cael Sanderson’s squad. With a dual meet win streak that’s now reached a staggering 83 - the longest in NCAA history - Penn State isn’t just winning; they’re dismantling opponents.
A Lineup That’s Loaded, Top to Bottom
Penn State enters the meet with a perfect 12-0 record this season, and they’ve done it with a level of dominance that’s hard to overstate. Seven of those 12 duals have ended in shutouts.
Their total scoring margin? A jaw-dropping 506-31.
That’s not just control - that’s complete command.
The Lions will be favored in nearly every weight class against the Wolverines, with nine of their ten starters ranked inside the top 12 nationally, including six who sit at No. 1. The only bout where Penn State won’t have the edge on paper is at heavyweight, where redshirt freshman Cole Mirasola, ranked No. 12, will face Michigan’s Taye Ghadiali, a seasoned grad senior and the No. 5 heavyweight in the country.
Still, that lone underdog matchup hardly dents the momentum of a team that’s been steamrolling through the Big Ten slate.
Matchups to Watch
Here’s how the lineup shakes out - and where the intrigue lies:
- 125 lbs: No. 1 Luke Lilledahl (PSU) vs.
No. 23 Diego Sotelo
Lilledahl has been as steady as they come, and he'll look to set the tone early against a solid, but overmatched Sotelo.
- 133 lbs: No. 4 Marcus Blaze vs.
Gauge Botero
Blaze continues to impress in his freshman campaign.
Expect him to push the pace.
- 141 lbs: No. 12 Braeden Davis vs.
No. 26 Dylan Ragusin
A chance for Davis to build on his momentum. He’s shown flashes of elite potential.
- 149 lbs: No. 1 Shayne Van Ness vs.
No. 13 Lachlan McNeil
This one has fireworks potential. McNeil is scrappy, but Van Ness has been nearly untouchable this season.
- 157 lbs: No. 4 PJ Duke vs.
No. 13 Cam Catrabone
Another top-15 clash. Duke’s offensive arsenal could be the difference-maker.
- 165 lbs: No. 1 Mitchell Mesenbrink vs.
Justin Gates
Mesenbrink has been a hammer all season.
Gates will have his hands full trying to slow him down.
- 174 lbs: No. 1 Levi Haines vs.
No. 11 Beau Mantanona
A high-level matchup here. Haines is a technician, and Mantanona brings plenty of firepower.
Don’t be surprised if this one gets physical.
- 184 lbs: No. 1 Rocco Welsh vs.
No. 7 Brock Mantanona
This might be the marquee bout of the night. Welsh has been dominant, but Mantanona is a legit threat with upset potential.
- 197 lbs: No. 1 Josh Barr vs.
No. 20 Hayden Walters
Barr’s been as consistent as they come. Walters will need to wrestle a near-perfect match to stay close.
- HWT: No. 12 Cole Mirasola vs.
No. 5 Taye Ghadiali
The only bout where the Lions are the underdog. Mirasola’s youth vs.
Ghadiali’s experience - a classic Big Ten heavyweight battle.
The Bigger Picture
This dual is more than just another stop on the schedule - it’s a measuring stick for Michigan and another opportunity for Penn State to flex its depth and dominance. The Wolverines, sitting at 8-3, have six ranked wrestlers of their own and two inside the top 10. But they’ll need near-perfect execution - and maybe a few upsets - to keep things close.
For Penn State, it’s about staying sharp, staying healthy, and continuing to build toward March. With the Big Ten Championships and NCAA Championships looming, every match is a chance to fine-tune and reaffirm their place at the top of college wrestling.
What’s Next for Penn State
After Michigan, the Nittany Lions return home for a marquee matchup against Ohio State at the Bryce Jordan Center on Feb. 13. Then it’s a non-conference tune-up against Princeton before the postseason grind begins.
Here’s a quick look at the rest of the schedule:
- Feb. 13: vs. Ohio State (Bryce Jordan Center), 7 p.m.
- Feb. 20: vs. Princeton, 7 p.m.
- March 7-8: Big Ten Championships (hosted by Penn State)
- March 19-21: NCAA Championships in Cleveland
How to Watch
Friday night’s dual against Michigan will be streamed live on BIG+ and FuboTV, which offers a free trial for new users.
Bottom line: Penn State’s wrestling dynasty is rolling into Ann Arbor with history on its side and another dominant performance in its sights. Michigan’s got talent, no doubt - but the Lions are chasing something bigger than just another win. They’re chasing greatness, and right now, they’re leaving little doubt about who owns the mat.