On Feb. 13, the undefeated Penn State wrestling team takes on Ohio State. The Nittany Lions and Buckeyes are ranked first and second in the nation, respectively, making this each of their biggest matchup of the 2025-26 season thus far.
Penn State wrestling proves it has its best team yet for 5th consecutive season
All season long, Penn State hasn't allowed its opponent to score double-digit points. It defeated Oklahoma, North Dakota State, Stanford, Rutgers, and Northwestern not allowing one single point awarded to its opponent neither. Wyoming was awarded seven points on Dec. 13, the most points the Nittany Lions allowed.
After starting the season 9-0 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten, Penn State faces Indiana on Friday, Jan. 23 in hopes of continuing its undefeated, dominant streak. That match can be watched on Big 10+ at 7 p.m. ET. The Nittany Lions face Maryland, Nebraska, and Michigan as well before going head-to-head with Ohio State. The Buckeyes currently hold an undefeated record as well at 12-0.
As of Jan. 19, FloWrestling has four Penn State wrestlers in the Top 10 and one from Ohio State. The Nittany Lions' Mitchell Mesenbrink, Levi Haines, Shayne Van Ness, and Josh Barr rank first, third, seventh, and ninth, respectively. The Buckeyes' Jesse Mendez is ranked second between Mesenbrink and Haines.
The match versus Ohio State is slated for 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 13. It can be watched on Big Ten Network. Penn State hosts this meeting under the lights of the Bryce Jordan Center.
Here's the projected lineup the teams have ahead of their match:
125 lbs — No. 1 Luke Lilledahl vs. No. 2 Nic Bouzakis
133 lbs — No. 4 Marcus Blaze vs. No. 2 Ben Davino
141 lbs — No. 11 Braeden Davis vs. No. 1 Jesse Mendez
149 lbs — No. 1 Shayne Van Ness vs. No. 4 Ethan Stiles
157 lbs — No. 3 PJ Duke vs. No. 1 Brandon Cannon
165 lbs — No. 1 Mitchell Mesenbrink vs. No. 18 Paddy Gallagher
174 lbs — No. 1 Levi Haines vs. No. 4 Carson Kharchla
184 lbs — No. 1 Rocco Welsh vs. No. 5 Dylan Fishback
197 lbs — No. 1 Josh Barr vs. No. 10 Luke Geog
285 lbs — No. 12 Cole Mirasola vs. No. 3 Nick Feldman