Mitchell Mesenbrink, a standout wrestler for Penn State, has been named the 2025 Dan Hodge Trophy winner, recognizing him as the nation’s most outstanding collegiate wrestler. This prestigious award, often referred to as wrestling’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, was presented by WIN Magazine and Culture House. citeturn0search5
Mesenbrink’s exceptional performance this season included an undefeated record, with 18 technical falls out of 27 wins, leading to a bonus-point percentage of 88.9%. His dominance on the mat made him a favorite for the award. citeturn0search3
He triumphed over fellow finalists Carter Starocci of Penn State and Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson to secure the Hodge Trophy. Starocci made history by becoming the first wrestler to win five national titles, while Hendrickson gained attention for his significant upset at the National Championship. citeturn0news12
Mesenbrink’s achievement adds to Penn State’s legacy, marking the seventh time a Nittany Lion has won the Hodge Trophy. He joins the ranks of past winners such as Kerry McCoy (1997), David Taylor (2012, 2014), Zain Retherford (2017, 2018), and Bo Nickal (2019). citeturn0search0
The Dan Hodge Trophy, established in 1995, honors the late Dan Hodge, an undefeated three-time NCAA champion at the University of Oklahoma. Criteria for the award include a wrestler’s record, dominance, bonus-point percentage, quality of competition, and sportsmanship. citeturn0search0
Mesenbrink’s recognition underscores his exceptional talent and the strength of Penn State’s wrestling program, further cementing the university’s status as a powerhouse in collegiate wrestling.
