In what will go down as one of the most dominant performances in NCAA wrestling history, the Penn State Nittany Lions shattered records at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Under the legendary guidance of Coach Cael Sanderson, Penn State not only secured its 13th national title but did so in historic fashion — with 10 All-Americans, a feat only matched once before by Minnesota in 2001.
🔥 A Record-Breaking Championship Run
The Nittany Lions didn’t just win — they obliterated the competition, scoring a staggering 177 team points, setting a new NCAA record, and finishing over 100 points ahead of second-place Nebraska. This staggering margin underscores just how far ahead Penn State is from the rest of the collegiate wrestling landscape.
🐐 Carter Starocci: The G.O.A.T.?
Leading the charge was Carter Starocci, who etched his name into the history books as the first NCAA Division I wrestler to win five national titles. His legacy is now sealed as one of the greatest to ever step on the mat, becoming the face of a program defined by grit, resilience, and dominance.
🥇 Champions and Finalists
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Mitchell Mesenbrink captured gold at 197 lbs.
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Freshman phenom Josh Barr made a stunning run to the finals at 184 lbs.
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Starocci took the crown at 174 lbs.
Together, these athletes powered Penn State’s unmatched depth and dominance across nearly every weight class.
💥 10 All-Americans — A Lineup for the Ages
Here’s the full list of Penn State’s All-American wrestlers:
| Weight | Wrestler |
|---|---|
| 125 lbs | Luke Lilledahl |
| 133 lbs | Braeden Davis |
| 141 lbs | Beau Bartlett |
| 149 lbs | Shayne Van Ness |
| 157 lbs | Tyler Kasak |
| 165 lbs | Levi Haines |
| 174 lbs | Carter Starocci |
| 184 lbs | Josh Barr |
| 197 lbs | Mitchell Mesenbrink |
| 285 lbs | Greg Kerkvliet |
Even those who didn’t reach the finals tore through the consolation brackets, scoring bonus points through pins, technical falls, and major decisions. Penn State’s final tournament record: 45 wins, 9 losses, with 35 bonus points.
🧠 The Sanderson Effect
Coach Cael Sanderson has cultivated more than a wrestling team — he’s built a dynasty. His emphasis on mental toughness, technical precision, and relentless preparation has produced not just champions, but legends. Under his leadership, Penn State has become the gold standard for college wrestling.
🕰️ A Season for the Ages
For fans, 2025 was a season to remember. For rivals, it was a warning shot. The message is clear: The road to the NCAA title runs through Happy Valley.
👑 Is This the Greatest Dynasty Ever?
With 10 All-Americans, multiple national champions, and a scoring record that may stand for years, Penn State Wrestling is redefining greatness. Time will tell if this is the greatest dynasty the sport has ever seen — but as of now, no program casts a longer shadow.
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