Penn State Wrestling Sets NCAA Attendance Record in Big Ten Title Win

The Nittany Lions dominated No. 2 Ohio State 36-5 in front of a packed Bryce Jordan Center.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The top-ranked Penn State wrestling team clinched its sixth straight Big Ten regular-season championship with a dominant 36-5 victory over No. 2 Ohio State on Friday night. The match was held in front of a record-setting crowd of 16,006 fans at the Bryce Jordan Center, setting a new NCAA indoor wrestling attendance record.

Why it matters

Penn State's wrestling program continues to be a powerhouse, cementing its status as the nation's top team with this decisive win over a highly ranked Ohio State squad. The record-breaking attendance also highlights the immense popularity and passion surrounding college wrestling, especially for a program like Penn State that has built a dynasty.

The details

Penn State won nine of the 10 bouts, including a dramatic come-from-behind victory by sophomore Rocco Welsh at 184 pounds. The Nittany Lions' dominance was led by No. 1 ranked wrestlers like Luke Lilledahl, who defeated No. 2 Nic Bouzakis in extra time to start the evening. This win should solidify Penn State as the unanimous No. 1 team in the country ahead of the upcoming Big Ten and NCAA championships.

  • The match took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Penn State will close out its regular season with a home dual against Princeton next Friday in Rec Hall.
  • The Big Ten championships will be held in the Bryce Jordan Center starting March 7.
  • The NCAA championships begin on March 19 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The players

Penn State

The top-ranked college wrestling program in the country, having won six straight Big Ten regular-season titles.

Ohio State

The No. 2 ranked college wrestling team that was defeated by Penn State.

Luke Lilledahl

Penn State's No. 1 ranked wrestler who defeated No. 2 Nic Bouzakis in extra time.

Rocco Welsh

Penn State's No. 1 ranked 184-pound wrestler who rallied from a 4-0 deficit for a 7-6 victory.

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What’s next

Penn State will close out its regular season with a home dual against Princeton next Friday in Rec Hall. The Big Ten championships will then be held in the Bryce Jordan Center starting March 7, followed by the NCAA championships beginning on March 19 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The takeaway

Penn State's dominant performance in front of a record-setting crowd solidifies their status as the nation's top wrestling program. Their ability to consistently field a championship-caliber team year after year is a testament to the strength of their program and the passion of their fanbase.