Penn State Dominates No. 2 Ohio State in Front of Record Crowd, Extends Win Streak to 85
When two of the nation’s top wrestling programs collide, the hype is usually matched by high drama on the mat. But Friday night at the Bryce Jordan Center, No.
1 Penn State made sure there was little suspense in its heavyweight clash with No. 2 Ohio State.
The Nittany Lions rolled to a 36-5 victory, winning nine of ten bouts and leaving no doubt about who still rules the Big Ten.
Short-Handed Buckeyes, Full-Strength Lions
Ohio State came into the showdown with a 17-1 record and plenty of momentum, but they were missing three key starters: Ethan Stiles, Brandon Cannon, and Carson Kharchla. That’s a tough ask against any opponent - against Cael Sanderson’s juggernaut, it’s nearly impossible.
Penn State wasted no time taking control. Freshman phenoms Luke Lilledahl and Marcus Blaze each delivered clutch overtime wins early in the dual, flipping what could’ve been toss-up matches into momentum-swinging statements. With the Bryce Jordan Center crowd of 16,006 - a new NCAA and Penn State indoor attendance record - roaring behind them, the Lions fed off the energy and never looked back.
Van Ness Shines Under the Bright Lights
One of the night’s standout performances came from 149-pounder Shayne Van Ness. The junior, now 17-0 on the season, dismantled Brogan Fielding with a 20-5 technical fall in just over six minutes. It was vintage Van Ness - relentless, composed, and utterly dominant.
“He’s just got to be himself,” Sanderson said afterward. “He’s patient, composed, and confident - seven minutes is a long time for his opponent. The bigger the match, the better he wrestles.”
Van Ness, a two-time All-American who’s placed third at nationals the past two seasons, is peaking at the right time. With eight tech falls and four pins already this season, he’s building a résumé that screams national title contender.
Closing Strong at Heavyweight
Penn State capped the night in fitting fashion, with heavyweight Cole Mirasola grinding out a 4-1 overtime win over third-ranked Nick Feldman. It was a gritty, hard-fought battle - and a perfect exclamation point on a near-flawless team performance.
Another Regular Season Title for the Lions
The 31-point win over the nation’s second-ranked team clinched Penn State’s 12th Big Ten regular season title under Sanderson, who took over the program in 2009. It also marks the sixth consecutive regular season conference crown for the Lions, who continue to set the standard in college wrestling.
Next up: a home bout against Princeton at Rec Hall. But make no mistake - the eyes are already on March, where this team will look to turn another dominant regular season into more postseason hardware.
A Night to Remember in Happy Valley
The crowd of 16,006 wasn’t just a number - it was a statement. A new NCAA and Penn State indoor record, the turnout reflected the program’s unmatched connection with its fanbase.
“Really want to thank everyone that showed up,” Sanderson said. “The record crowd was awesome.
I don’t think the tickets were very cheap either. We appreciate the loyalty and support - it’s awesome to have our guys go out there and have fun in front of a crowd like that.”
Fun might be an understatement. For Penn State, it was a celebration - of dominance, depth, and a culture that just keeps winning.