Penn State Dominates Big Ten Wrestling Championships

Nittany Lions crown seven individual champions, qualify all 10 starters for NCAA tournament

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling team had a dominant performance at the Big Ten Wrestling Championships, capturing a school-record seven individual titles and easily winning the team championship. The Nittany Lions scored 184 points, well ahead of second-place Ohio State's 148.5 points. Penn State qualified all 10 of its starters for the upcoming NCAA championships.

Why it matters

Penn State's wrestling program has been a powerhouse in recent years, and this latest Big Ten title extends their dynasty. The Nittany Lions' ability to win multiple individual championships and qualify their entire lineup for the NCAA tournament shows the depth and talent of their roster, cementing their status as one of the top college wrestling programs in the country.

The details

Seven Penn State wrestlers won individual titles: Luke Lilledahl (125 pounds), Shayne Van Ness (149), P.J. Duke (157), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165), Levi Haines (174), Rocco Welsh (184) and Josh Barr (197). Haines joined elite company by becoming just the 20th wrestler ever to win four Big Ten titles. Several of the Nittany Lion champions won close, hard-fought matches, showcasing their ability to win tight, competitive bouts.

  • The Big Ten Wrestling Championships took place on March 5-6, 2026.
  • The NCAA championships will be held on March 19-21, 2026 in Cleveland.

The players

Penn State

The Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling team, a perennial powerhouse that has won four consecutive Big Ten team titles.

Cael Sanderson

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

Levi Haines

A Penn State wrestler who won his fourth Big Ten title, joining an elite group of only 20 wrestlers to accomplish that feat.

Shayne Van Ness

The top-ranked 149-pound wrestler in the country, who improved to 20-0 on the season with a pin in the Big Ten finals.

P.J. Duke

The returning NCAA champion at 157 pounds, who avenged his only loss of the season with a dominant major decision victory in the Big Ten finals.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, it's a very tough conference tournament with a lot of great wrestlers. We won a lot of tough matches, and close matches. ... We're happy and grateful to have a good weekend like this.”

— Cael Sanderson, Penn State head coach (centredaily.com)

“Right place at the right time. It's just practice getting ready for the nationals.”

— Levi Haines (centredaily.com)

“I just felt like I kept getting better every match, and I'm happy with the way that I performed.”

— Shayne Van Ness (centredaily.com)

“Obviously, Antrell is an amazing wrestler, amazing competitor. But after that first match, I kind of had that feeling like 'I know I can beat this guy. I've just got to wrestle differently and get to what I need to get to.'”

— P.J. Duke (centredaily.com)

What’s next

The Nittany Lions will now turn their focus to the NCAA championships, where they will look to continue their dominant run and capture another national title.

The takeaway

Penn State's wrestling program remains one of the elite programs in the country, as evidenced by their ability to win multiple individual titles and qualify their entire lineup for the NCAA tournament. The Nittany Lions' sustained success is a testament to the coaching staff's ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent year after year.