Penn State Wrestling Is Thriving in the NIL Era - and It’s Not Slowing Down Anytime Soon
Penn State wrestling was a juggernaut long before the NIL era reshaped college athletics. But now? The Nittany Lions aren’t just dominant - they’re operating on a whole different level.
Let’s rewind for a second. Before Name, Image and Likeness became legal in 2021, Penn State had already built a dynasty under head coach Cael Sanderson.
Eight national titles in 10 seasons - and that’s not even counting the 2019-20 season, when COVID-19 canceled the NCAA Championships. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s culture. It’s development.
It’s belief in the system.
But since NIL entered the picture? Penn State has gone four-for-four in national titles.
That’s right - a clean sweep in the NIL era so far. If anything, the program has only strengthened its grip on college wrestling.
Cael Sanderson: “We Have a Special Thing Going Here”
Sanderson, never one to chase headlines, spoke with reporters Tuesday and pulled back the curtain just a bit on how Penn State continues to thrive in this new era of college sports.
“We have a special thing going here, right?” he said, with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from years of sustained excellence. “Kids know that, they see that.”
In a time when NIL opportunities can pull athletes in a dozen different directions, Sanderson believes Penn State’s edge comes from something deeper - purpose.
“I think in this era, in the NIL era, all the motivations to go to different programs… I think our kids know that they’re coming here because they want to be the best wrestlers that they can possibly be,” Sanderson said.
He’s not wrong. NIL has introduced a new set of variables for recruits to consider - money, exposure, branding.
But at Penn State, the pitch is still about wrestling first. And that message seems to be landing.
“The kids know, recruits know, parents know,” Sanderson added. “So, although it seems like an advantage, I think it will be an advantage to us because kids are coming here with very high character, wanting to be the best wrestlers in the world.”
It’s a subtle but important distinction. NIL isn’t the foundation of Penn State’s success - it’s a tool that works because the foundation was already rock-solid.
83-3. That’s Not a Scoreline - That’s a Statement
Over the weekend, Penn State took the mat for two dual meets. The combined score? 83-3.
Let that sink in.
One of those wins came against No. 4-ranked Iowa in Carver-Hawkeye Arena - one of the most iconic and intimidating venues in college wrestling. That wasn’t just a win; it was the worst home loss in Iowa’s history at that building.
Penn State didn’t just beat a top-four team. They dismantled them in their own house.
But don’t expect Sanderson or his team to dwell on it. There’s no parade planned in State College. No one’s hanging a banner in January.
“I don’t know if anyone’s patting themselves on the back or anything as much as just seeing, hey, what can we do better?” Sanderson said. “And just continue to approach things with enthusiasm and gratitude is kind of the key.”
That mindset - never satisfied, always improving - is what separates good programs from great ones. And right now, Penn State isn’t just great. They’re historic.
The NIL Era Is Here - and Penn State’s Built for It
There’s no question NIL has changed the game in college sports. Some programs have struggled to adjust.
Others have leaned into the chaos. But Penn State wrestling?
They’ve stayed true to their identity - and that’s why they’re thriving.
This isn’t about chasing short-term wins or making flashy moves in the portal. It’s about development, culture, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. And in that environment, the right kind of athletes - the ones who want to be the best - are still choosing Penn State.
The results speak for themselves. Four straight national titles.
A lineup that just posted an 83-3 weekend. And a head coach who’s as focused as ever on the next step forward.
In this NIL era, Penn State isn’t just surviving. They’re setting the standard.