Penn State Wrestling Rolls to 84th Straight Win, Dominates No. 10 Michigan 38-3
The machine keeps humming in Happy Valley.
Top-ranked Penn State wrestling extended its jaw-dropping win streak to 84 duals on Tuesday night, dismantling No. 10 Michigan, 38-3, in Ann Arbor.
This wasn’t just another notch on the belt-it was a statement. And with a showdown against No.
2 Ohio State looming, the Nittany Lions look every bit like the powerhouse they’ve been for nearly a decade.
Let’s break down how they got it done.
Desmond Steps Up, Delivers in Sudden Victory
One of the night’s biggest moments came early, when true freshman Nate Desmond was called upon to fill in at 141 pounds for Braeden Davis. Desmond wasn’t just stepping into a lineup spot-he was facing a former All-American in Dylan Ragusin. And he didn’t blink.
Desmond battled Ragusin into sudden victory and came out on top, showing poise and grit well beyond his years. It’s the kind of win that turns heads inside the room and across the country. For a team already loaded with stars, Desmond’s emergence adds even more depth to an already dangerous roster.
PJ Duke Bounces Back in a Dogfight
At 157, No. 4 PJ Duke found himself in a scrap with fellow true freshman Cam Catrabone, ranked 13th. Duke was coming off the first loss of his college career, and this bout had the feel of a test-mentally and physically.
Duke passed with a 12-10 win that required every ounce of fight. It wasn’t pretty, but it was gutsy. And for a young wrestler learning how to navigate the grind of a college season, that kind of bounce-back win says a lot.
Lilledahl Times Two: Tech Falls at 125 and 133
Penn State’s dominance in the lower weights continued with a pair of tech falls from Luke Lilledahl-yes, both at 125 and 133. The top-ranked Lilledahl at 125 wasted no time asserting control, and then again at 133, the No. 4-ranked version of Lilledahl (same name, different weight class) put on another clinic.
It’s rare enough to have one Luke Lilledahl lighting up the scoreboard. Two? It’s borderline unfair.
Van Ness and Welsh Keep the Pedal Down
At 149, No. 1 Shayne Van Ness did what he does best-control, attack, and dominate. He secured a major decision that kept the momentum rolling for Penn State and reminded everyone why he’s atop the rankings.
Then at 184, No. 1 Rocco Welsh took care of business with an 8-1 win over No.
11 Brock Mantanona. Welsh continues to be one of the most consistent forces in the lineup, combining physicality with technical precision.
Eyes on Ohio State
With the win over Michigan in the books, Penn State now turns its focus to what could be its biggest challenge in years. No. 2 Ohio State is coming to the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday night, and this one has all the makings of a classic.
It’s not just a top-two matchup. It’s a chance for Penn State to reinforce its dominance-and for Ohio State to try and do what no team has done in 84 tries: hand the Nittany Lions a loss.
The dual starts at 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network. Buckle up.
Penn State vs. Michigan Dual Meet Highlights:
- 157: No. 4 PJ Duke (Penn State) def.
No. 13 Cam Catrabone, 12-10
- 184: No. 1 Rocco Welsh (Penn State) def.
No. 11 Brock Mantanona, 8-1
Final score: Penn State 38, Michigan 3
The streak lives on-and Penn State doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon.