In front of a packed crowd at Rec Hall, Penn State wrestling delivered another statement win, taking down Big Ten rival Nebraska 26-12 on January 30. It was a night that showcased both the depth and grit of Cael Sanderson’s squad, as the Nittany Lions rolled through key matchups and flexed their muscle in the lower and middle weights.
It all kicked off at 125 pounds, where Luke Lilledahl set the tone early. The freshman standout squared off against Nebraska’s Alan Koehler and wasted no time asserting control.
Lilledahl’s pace, positioning, and mat awareness were on full display, as he scored early and never let up. It was more than just a win-it was a message: Penn State’s youth movement is very real, and it’s already making a difference.
Right behind him at 133, Marcus Blaze kept the momentum rolling. The energy in the building surged as Blaze jogged onto the mat to face Jacob Van Dee, and he didn’t disappoint.
Blaze wrestled with confidence, showing off both his technical skill and ability to scramble out of tight spots. His performance was a blend of poise and aggression-exactly what you want from a wrestler in a pressure spot.
At 141, Nebraska got on the board with Brock Hardy getting the better of Braeden Davis. It was a hard-fought bout, and Davis pushed the pace early, even appearing to earn a takedown before the call went the other way. But Hardy capitalized on the key moments, and Davis, while frustrated, showed the kind of fire that will serve him well down the stretch.
Things got gritty at 149, where Shayne Van Ness stepped onto the mat bloodied but unbowed against Chance Lamer. In a match that had all the intensity of a postseason showdown, Van Ness dug deep and battled through the adversity. The crowd fed off his resilience, and while the scoreboard didn’t tell the whole story, it was the kind of performance that speaks volumes about this team’s toughness.
PJ Duke followed at 157 with a physical showdown against Antrell Taylor. Duke found himself in some tough spots but managed to keep the match within reach and limit damage, showing maturity beyond his years. It was one of those bouts where the grit didn’t necessarily translate to bonus points, but it mattered in the broader arc of the dual.
At 165, Mitchell Mesenbrink brought the crowd to its feet with a commanding win over LJ Araujo. Mesenbrink was relentless from the whistle-pushing the pace, chaining attacks, and finishing with authority. He’s been a steady presence in the lineup, and this match was another example of how he can take over when he finds his rhythm.
Levi Haines followed at 174 and delivered a clinical performance against Christopher Minto. Haines was in control from start to finish, using crisp shots and textbook finishes to rack up points. His ability to dictate the tempo and stay one step ahead made it clear why he’s one of the anchors of this lineup.
At 184, Rocco Welsh stepped in against Silas Allred in one of the night’s marquee matchups. Welsh brought a combination of power and finesse, keeping Allred off balance and controlling key positions. The crowd roared as Welsh sealed the win-another big-time performance in a big-time spot.
Josh Barr took the mat at 197 against Camden McDanel and kept the pressure on. Barr’s physicality and hand fighting wore McDanel down over the course of the match, and his ability to stay composed in the final minute helped lock in another team point for the Nittany Lions.
The final bout of the night featured heavyweight Cole Mirasola taking on Nebraska’s AJ Ferrari. Ferrari came out aggressive and controlled the match from the top position, putting Mirasola on the defensive early. Despite the loss, Mirasola showed flashes of potential, especially in his ability to stay composed under pressure.
From start to finish, this dual was a showcase of Penn State’s depth, discipline, and championship pedigree. Head coach Cael Sanderson, speaking post-match, emphasized the team’s continued growth and the importance of staying sharp as the postseason looms. With the Big Ten schedule heating up, performances like this one are exactly what the Nittany Lions need to keep building momentum.
And if this dual is any indication, Penn State isn’t just aiming to defend its crown-they’re looking to raise the bar even higher.