Penn State Wrestling Caps Undefeated Regular Season with Princeton Dual

Nittany Lions extend dual meet win streak to 86 matches on Senior Day

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:37pm

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The top-ranked Penn State wrestling team capped off an undefeated 15-0 regular season with a victory over Princeton in their final dual meet of the year. The Nittany Lions, who have now won 86 consecutive dual meets, honored three senior starters before the match at Rec Hall.

Why it matters

Penn State's wrestling program under head coach Cael Sanderson has become a national powerhouse, winning nine NCAA team championships since 2011. Extending their dual meet win streak to 86 matches is a testament to the program's sustained excellence and depth of talent.

The details

Penn State won the dual meet against Princeton by a score of 32-6, winning 8 of the 10 individual weight classes. Standout performances came from senior Levi Haines at 157 pounds and graduate senior Sam Beckett at 165 pounds, both of whom won their bouts. The Nittany Lions also got victories from backups Lucas Cochran at heavyweight and Donovon Ball at 133 pounds.

  • The dual meet took place on February 20, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET.
  • Penn State honored three senior starters - Levi Haines, Lucas Cochran, and Sam Beckett - before the match began.

The players

Cael Sanderson

Head coach of the Penn State wrestling team, who has led the program to 9 NCAA team championships since 2011.

Levi Haines

Senior starter for Penn State wrestling who was honored on Senior Day.

Lucas Cochran

Senior backup wrestler for Penn State who was honored on Senior Day.

Sam Beckett

Graduate senior starter for Penn State wrestling who was honored on Senior Day.

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What they’re saying

“We don't have a lot of guys walking, which is good for the program. I mean, it's not as good if you're trying to bring new guys in and you have a roster cap. But obviously you're planning, and you see what's going to happen in the future.”

— Cael Sanderson, Head Coach

“These guys have obviously meant a lot to the program. The last four or five years they've been here have been remarkable.”

— Cael Sanderson, Head Coach

What’s next

Penn State will now turn its focus to the postseason, where they will look to capture their 10th NCAA team championship under Cael Sanderson's leadership.

The takeaway

Penn State's wrestling dynasty under Cael Sanderson continues, as the Nittany Lions capped an undefeated regular season with their 86th consecutive dual meet victory. The program's sustained excellence and ability to develop top talent year after year makes them the team to beat heading into the postseason.