Penn State’s Braeden Davis Shows Fight-And Frustration-In Loss to Nebraska’s Brock Hardy
UNIVERSITY PARK - Friday night’s dual meet between Penn State and Nebraska brought intensity, drama, and a moment that had the crowd buzzing-both for the wrestling and what happened after the whistle.
In one of the night’s most anticipated matchups, Nebraska’s Brock Hardy, ranked No. 4 at 141 pounds, came from behind to pin Penn State’s Braeden Davis, who entered the bout ranked No. 12. The pin itself was a momentum swing, but it was what followed that turned heads.
After securing the fall, Hardy appeared to slap Davis twice on the chest-an act that didn’t sit well with the Nittany Lion sophomore. Davis responded with what looked like a retaliatory kick.
Officials didn’t hesitate, docking Penn State a team point. That penalty trimmed their lead to 7-6 and added a layer of tension to an already tight dual.
For Davis, the loss marked his second defeat in the last four matches. Just two weeks ago in Iowa City, he dropped a narrow 3-2 decision to Iowa’s Nasir Bailey, who’s ranked No.
- But there’s important context here: Davis is wrestling up a weight class and wasn’t even supposed to be in the lineup this year.
Originally slated to redshirt his junior season, Davis was thrust into the starting role at 141 pounds after Aaron Nagao suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. It’s a tough ask for any wrestler-especially one adjusting to a new weight class midseason-but Davis has been game.
Before this season, Davis had already proven himself at lighter weights. He was a Big Ten champion at 125 as a true freshman and finished fifth at nationals last year at 133 to earn All-American honors. The move to 141 has presented new challenges, but Friday night showed he’s not backing down from any of them.
Hardy, a three-time All-American and last year’s national runner-up at 141, is as battle-tested as they come. And for most of the match, Davis didn’t just hang with him-he led in the third period before Hardy turned the tide with a pin.
That result might sting, but it also says something about Davis. He’s adjusting on the fly, battling elite opponents, and showing flashes of the same grit and talent that made him one of the most exciting young wrestlers in the country.
The frustration after the fall? Understandable.
The fight he showed before it? That’s what Penn State fans will remember.
There’s still time for Davis to settle into 141 and make a real impact down the stretch. If Friday’s performance is any indication, he’s not far off from turning close calls into statement wins.