Fans Furious Over No Mention of Penn State Wrestling at Big Trophy Appreciation

Despite their consecutive dominant NCAA season, the Penn State wrestling team was left out of the Big Ten Network's celebration of championship wins.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a Penn State wrestling match, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant navy, white, and red colors, capturing the raw energy and intensity of the sport.The Penn State wrestling team's dominant run is celebrated through a cubist, geometric interpretation of their athletic prowess.Penn State Erie Today

Fans have expressed outrage on social media after the Big Ten Network failed to include the Penn State wrestling team in their recent post celebrating the conference's NCAA championship wins in men's basketball, women's basketball, and football. The Penn State wrestling team has won 5 consecutive NCAA titles and 12 of the last 15, but were not acknowledged alongside the other championship-winning teams. Fans have criticized the network for this omission, with some creating edited versions of the post to include the wrestling team.

Why it matters

The Penn State wrestling program is one of the most dominant collegiate sports teams in recent history, with an unprecedented run of 5 straight NCAA championships and 12 titles in the last 15 years. Fans feel the team's sustained excellence and historic achievements warrant recognition alongside the other Big Ten championship winners.

The details

The Big Ten Network recently shared a post on social media celebrating the conference's NCAA championship wins in men's basketball (Michigan), women's basketball (UCLA), and football (Indiana). However, the post did not include any mention of the Penn State wrestling team, which has won 5 consecutive NCAA titles and 12 of the last 15. This omission has sparked outrage among Penn State fans, who have taken to social media to criticize the network for failing to acknowledge the wrestling team's historic accomplishments.

  • Penn State wrestling team won their 5th consecutive NCAA championship in 2026.
  • The Big Ten Network made their celebratory post on April 7, 2026.

The players

Cael Sanderson

The head coach of the Penn State wrestling team, who has led the program to unprecedented success with 5 straight NCAA titles and 12 championships in the last 15 years.

Luke Lilledahl

A Penn State wrestler who won an individual NCAA championship in the 125lbs weight class in 2026.

Mitchell Mesenbrink

A Penn State wrestler who won an individual NCAA championship in the 165lbs weight class in 2026.

Levi Haines

A Penn State wrestler who won an individual NCAA championship in the 174lbs weight class in 2026.

Josh Barr

A Penn State wrestler who won an individual NCAA championship in the 197lbs weight class in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know how to really compare teams, but this is a really good team. The character, determination, everything is outstanding. We're happy and definitely grateful to have a good weekend like this.”

— Cael Sanderson, Head Coach, Penn State Wrestling

What’s next

The Penn State wrestling team will look to continue their dominant run and win their 6th consecutive NCAA championship in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The omission of the Penn State wrestling team from the Big Ten Network's celebration of conference championship wins has angered the team's passionate fanbase, who feel the program's historic achievements deserve more recognition. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring all successful college sports teams, even those outside the major revenue-generating sports, receive the attention and appreciation they have rightfully earned.