Penn State Wrestling Heads to Ann Arbor Aiming to Extend Dominance Against No. 13 Michigan
Penn State wrestling is rolling into Ann Arbor on Friday night with a full head of steam-and no signs of slowing down. The top-ranked Nittany Lions (13-0, 6-0 Big Ten) are chasing their 84th straight dual meet victory, and while No. 13 Michigan (8-3, 4-1) has some firepower, the Wolverines are stepping into a buzzsaw.
This matchup may feature a few tightly contested bouts, particularly in the upper weights, but make no mistake-this is a tune-up for what’s looming next week: a showdown with No. 2 Ohio State at the Bryce Jordan Center.
That one’s got all the makings of a classic. But first, Penn State has business to take care of in Ann Arbor.
Sanderson’s Squad Locked In, Home or Away
Head coach Cael Sanderson isn’t concerned with the venue. Whether it’s a sold-out Rec Hall or a hostile road crowd, his team shows up ready.
“It doesn’t matter to me whether we’re home or away, we just like to compete,” Sanderson said. “Being on the road can actually be easier-you’re in a hotel, isolated, focused. We’re just grateful to have the opportunity.”
That mindset has clearly filtered down to his wrestlers. This group doesn’t just win-they dominate.
Penn State has outscored its opponents this season by a jaw-dropping 506-31 margin and holds a 385-32 edge in takedowns. That’s not just winning; that’s imposing your will.
Michigan Homecoming for Davis and Barr
Friday’s dual will be a special one for two Nittany Lions making their return to Michigan. Freshman Braeden Davis (141) is a four-time state champ from Belleville and Dundee High School, while Josh Barr (197) won four titles at Davison High. Both will be wrestling in front of plenty of familiar faces.
“Michigan is one of the best states for wrestling in the country,” Sanderson said. “We’ve had a long line of great wrestlers from there, and we hope to keep that going.”
Davis may face one of the night’s marquee matchups against Michigan’s Dylan Ragusin, a sixth-year senior and 2024 All-American. Ragusin has a career record of 91-33 and is back in the lineup after a medical redshirt. He’s dangerous, but he’s also taken a few uncharacteristic losses this season-Davis will look to capitalize.
Key Matchups to Watch
While Penn State is favored across the board, there are some intriguing bouts that could deliver fireworks:
- 174 pounds: No. 1 Levi Haines vs.
No. 11 Beau Mantanona (14-4).
Haines has been a hammer all year, but Mantanona brings a scrappy, aggressive style that could make this one interesting early.
- 184 pounds: No. 1 Rocco Welsh vs.
No. 7 Brock Mantanona (13-3).
Another top-10 showdown, and Welsh has been as consistent as they come. This is a chance for him to further cement his No. 1 status.
- Heavyweight: No. 12 Cole Mirasola vs.
No. 5 Taye Ghadiali.
Mirasola (12-3) continues to develop and has been in striking distance of some elite opponents. Ghadiali, a transfer from Campbell, presents a big test.
Sanderson noted Mirasola’s growth and the challenges of wrestling up at heavyweight.
“He’s just a goer,” Sanderson said. “Sometimes when you’re wrestling a guy that’s got 30 or 40 pounds on you, you need to adjust. He’s making those changes, and he’s right there-just a scramble away.”
Two more matchups worth circling:
- 149 pounds: No. 1 Shayne Van Ness vs.
No. 13 Lachlan McNeil (11-3).
Van Ness has been dominant, but McNeil is a seasoned competitor who won’t back down.
- 157 pounds: No. 4 PJ Duke vs.
No. 13 Cam Catrabone (13-4).
Duke continues to climb the rankings and will be tested by a gritty opponent.
A Balanced, Unbeaten Machine
The heart of Penn State’s dominance lies in its balance. Seven of their starters remain unbeaten, and they’re not just winning-they’re doing it with style and bonus points.
Mitchell Mesenbrink at 165 is leading the charge with a perfect bonus rate: seven pins, six tech falls, two majors. That’s video game stuff.
The other unbeaten starters:
- 125: No. 1 Luke Lilledahl
- 133: No. 4 Marcus Blaze
- 149: No. 1 Shayne Van Ness
- 174: No. 1 Levi Haines
- 184: No. 1 Rocco Welsh
- 197: No. 1 Josh Barr
When you have that kind of firepower across the board, it’s tough for any team to find a path to victory-especially one like Michigan, which is still developing depth outside of its upper weights.
The Road to March
After Friday’s dual, Penn State will stay put in State College until March 17, when they head to Cleveland for the NCAA Championships. But before that, all eyes will be on next week’s clash with Ohio State. That one will have Big Ten title implications and national seeding ramifications.
For now, though, the Nittany Lions are locked in on Michigan. And if recent history is any indication, they’re not just planning to win-they’re planning to send a message.