Penn State Wrestling: Four Nittany Lions Among the Nation’s Most Dominant Wrestlers…..
Penn State’s wrestling team showcased unparalleled dominance during the 2024-25 season, concluding their fifth consecutive unbeaten run by outscoring opponents 599-62. No opposing team secured more than three bout victories or exceeded 13 points against the Nittany Lions throughout the campaign. Penn State wrestlers achieved a remarkable 133-17 record in dual matches and 67-13 in Big Ten duals.
Individually, four Nittany Lions were recognized among the nation’s most dominant wrestlers by the NCAA:
Carter Starocci (184 lbs): Tied for second in the Most Dominant Wrestler standings with an average of 4.95 points per bout.
Mitchell Mesenbrink (165 lbs): Also tied for second with a 4.95 average.
Greg Kerkvliet (Heavyweight): Ranked fifth, averaging 4.53 points per bout.
Levi Haines (174 lbs): Placed eighth with a 4.29 average.
The NCAA calculates these standings based on team points earned: six points for pins, injury defaults, and disqualifications; five for technical falls; four for major decisions; and three for decisions, with equivalent deductions for losses in these categories. The Most Dominant Wrestler award will be presented after the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia.
Penn State aims for its fourth consecutive NCAA title, having set tournament records last year for points (172.5) and margin of victory (100). All ten starters have qualified for nationals, marking the fourth time under head coach Cael Sanderson. The Nittany Lions are competing for their 12th NCAA team title under Sanderson.
