Penn State Wrestling Dominates No. 2 Ohio State 36-5

Nittany Lions extend NCAA record dual meet win streak to 85 in front of record crowd

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a highly anticipated matchup between the top two wrestling teams in the nation, No. 1 Penn State steamrolled No. 2 Ohio State 36-5 in front of a record-setting crowd of 16,006 at the Bryce Jordan Center. The Nittany Lions extended their NCAA record dual meet win streak to 85 consecutive victories, showcasing their depth and dominance across all 10 weight classes.

Why it matters

This dual meet victory solidifies Penn State's status as the clear top team in college wrestling, further cementing their dynasty under head coach Cael Sanderson. The loss also raises questions about Ohio State's ability to challenge the Nittany Lions, especially with several key starters out due to injury.

The details

Penn State won nine of the 10 matches, including five bonus-point victories. Highlights included Levi Haines' 16-1 technical fall over PJ Schierl and Cole Mirasola's 4-1 decision over the larger Nick Feldman in sudden victory. The Nittany Lions' depth and cohesion as a team were on full display, overwhelming the Buckeyes despite Ohio State's own impressive lineup.

  • The dual meet took place on February 14, 2026.
  • Penn State extended its NCAA record dual meet win streak to 85 consecutive victories.
  • The Nittany Lions will wrap up their regular season on February 20, 2026 against Princeton.

The players

Cael Sanderson

The head coach of the Penn State wrestling team, who has led the Nittany Lions to unprecedented success and multiple national championships.

Tom Ryan

The head coach of the Ohio State wrestling team, who has built the Buckeyes into a perennial national contender.

Levi Haines

A Penn State wrestler who recorded a 16-1 technical fall victory over Ohio State's PJ Schierl.

Cole Mirasola

A Penn State wrestler who won a 4-1 decision over Ohio State's larger opponent Nick Feldman in sudden victory.

Brandon Cannon

An Ohio State wrestler who missed the dual meet due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“We have a great team. Our culture and just the friendship and the camaraderie is—I do not think it has ever been anything close to what we have right now.”

— Cael Sanderson, Head Coach, Penn State Wrestling (blackshoediaries.com)

“Tom Ryan is an incredible coach. Always has a great team. They always come to compete. He just does everything right. They recruit well, they train their guys well, they wrestle well in the big matches and they wrestle well in the postseason. So we have a ton of respect for them as a program and what they do.”

— Cael Sanderson, Head Coach, Penn State Wrestling (blackshoediaries.com)

“I felt like I was just wearing on him the whole time. I knew when we got to overtime, I had him. I just looked in his face, and he was done. I knew it. So when he shot, the attack was just easy.”

— Cole Mirasola, Penn State Wrestler (blackshoediaries.com)

What’s next

Penn State will honor its seniors, including Levi Haines, when they wrap up the regular season against Princeton on February 20, 2026.

The takeaway

Penn State's dominant performance against their top rival Ohio State underscores the Nittany Lions' status as the clear leaders in college wrestling. Their unmatched depth, cohesion, and coaching have allowed them to build an NCAA record dual meet win streak, cementing their dynasty under Cael Sanderson.