Big Ten Wrestling power rankings: Can anyone derail Penn State train?

Dual Rank: 8
Record: 7-3 (3-3 B1G)
Ranked Wrestlers: 8
125 No. 11 Malik Heinselman
141 No. 20 Dylan D’Emilio
149 No. 2 Sammy Sasso
165 No. 4 Carson Kharchla
174 No. 7 Ethan Smith
184 No. 6 Kaleb Romero
197 No. 21 Gavin Hoffman
285 No. 13 Tate Orndorff

The Ohio State Buckeyes hold steady at the 4th spot in my Big Ten Power Rankings. And to quote the late Dennis Green, “They are who we thought they were!”.

This year’s Ohio State squad is full of national contenders and All-Americans but it’s just not strong enough in other spots to contend with the top three in the Big Ten. Basically, the Buckeyes are able to beat the teams they are supposed to beat, and conversely, they lose to the teams they are supposed to lose to.

Earlier in the season, Ohio State had a couple of impressive wins over No. 17 North Carolina and No. 9 Virginia Tech. And they followed this up with a good showing in the CKLV in taking home a 2nd place team finish.

But when the Buckeyes have to face the likes of Michigan, Iowa, and Penn State, they are completely outclassed.

Which is most likely going to be the same story when Ohio State laces up their shoes for the Big Ten Championship and the NCAA Championship. They’re good, but just not great.

Next up for the Buckeyes is an away dual against Minnesota this Friday (2/11) at 9:00 p.m.