Penn State Wrestling News: Three Nittany Lions Vying for NCAA’s ‘Most Dominant’ Award….
As of February 27, 2025, three standout wrestlers from Penn State University—Carter Starocci (184 pounds), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165 pounds), and Josh Barr (197 pounds)—are leading contenders for the NCAA’s Most Dominant Wrestler award. This accolade recognizes athletes who consistently secure high-point victories and demonstrate exceptional dominance on the mat.
The NCAA calculates the Most Dominant Wrestler standings by averaging team points that wrestlers earn throughout the season: six points for pins, injury defaults, or disqualifications; five for technical falls; four for major decisions; and three for decisions. Conversely, wrestlers are deducted the same number of points for losses in each category.
Starocci, with an 18-0 record, has achieved 16 bonus-point victories this season, including six pins and seven technical falls. Mesenbrink, also unbeaten at 19-0, leads the nation with 15 technical falls and has secured bonus points in every bout. Barr, holding a 15-1 record, has recorded six pins and five technical falls, underscoring his scoring prowess.
Notably, Penn State has a history of producing dominant wrestlers. In 2024, Aaron Brooks won the Hodge Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top collegiate wrestler, after securing his fourth NCAA title with a perfect 22-0 record. Additionally, Carter Starocci recently made history by becoming the first wrestler to win five NCAA national titles, further cementing Penn State’s legacy in collegiate wrestling.
The Most Dominant Wrestler award will be presented after the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, scheduled for March 20-22 in Philadelphia. With three athletes in contention, Penn State continues to showcase its wrestling excellence on the national stage.
