Penn State Wrestler Wins Prestigious Hodge Trophy

Mitchell Mesenbrink reflects on his NCAA championship and national award

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:23pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the movements and energy of a wrestling match, using sharp planes of navy, green, and red to capture the sport's intensity.Penn State's Mitchell Mesenbrink's Hodge Trophy win highlights the school's wrestling dominance through a cubist, deconstructed visual.Cleveland Today

Penn State wrestler Mitchell Mesenbrink was awarded the prestigious Hodge Trophy after an undefeated season and NCAA championship at 165 pounds. Mesenbrink detailed his favorite moments from the 2026 NCAA wrestling championships held in Cleveland, Ohio.

Why it matters

The Hodge Trophy is considered the Heisman of college wrestling, honoring the most dominant wrestler in the NCAA. Mesenbrink's victory continues Penn State's wrestling dynasty and cements the school's status as a national powerhouse in the sport.

The details

Mesenbrink, a junior, went undefeated on the season and capped it off with an NCAA title at 165 pounds. He defeated a tough field of competitors at the national championships held in Cleveland, Ohio to claim the individual championship.

  • Mesenbrink won the NCAA 165-pound title in March 2026.
  • He was awarded the Hodge Trophy, college wrestling's top individual honor, shortly after his NCAA championship victory.

The players

Mitchell Mesenbrink

A junior wrestler at Penn State University who won the NCAA 165-pound championship and was awarded the prestigious Hodge Trophy as the nation's most dominant collegiate wrestler.

Penn State University

A college wrestling powerhouse that has produced numerous individual national champions and team titles over the years.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the Hodge Trophy is a dream come true. I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent Penn State and compete at the highest level.”

— Mitchell Mesenbrink, NCAA Champion and Hodge Trophy Winner

What’s next

Mesenbrink will look to defend his NCAA title and Hodge Trophy next season as a senior, with his sights set on leading Penn State to another team championship.

The takeaway

Mesenbrink's Hodge Trophy win cements Penn State's status as the premier college wrestling program in the country, as the school continues to develop elite, championship-caliber talent year after year.