Cael Sanderson just doesn't stop. Honestly, it’s getting a little ridiculous for the rest of the conference. If you were watching the Big Ten wrestling championship results roll in from Evanston last March, you saw a masterclass in how to peak at the right time. Penn State didn’t just win; they essentially redesigned the record books while everyone else was just trying to keep their headgear on straight.
They finished with 181.5 team points. That's a new school record. It's also their ninth title under Cael and their third straight. Nebraska put up a massive fight to take second with 137 points, but when the Nittany Lions go 5-for-6 in the finals, you’re basically wrestling for silver.
The Penn State Power Surge
Five individual titles. That's what Penn State walked away with. It matches their school record and ties what they did back in 2024 and 2011. You've got guys like Luke Lilledahl, the true freshman at 125, who just looked unfazed. He took down Nebraska’s Caleb Smith 4-3 in a match that was way tighter than the Nittany Lion fans probably liked. Lilledahl’s length and hand-fighting are basically a cheat code for a guy that young.
Then you have the hammers.
Carter Starocci and Levi Haines are now three-time Big Ten champions. Haines moved up to 174 and didn't miss a beat, absolutely dismantling Lenny Pinto with a 12-1 major decision. Starocci’s win at 184 was a bit more of a heart-stopper, going into sudden victory against Minnesota’s Max McEnelly before pulling out the 8-5 win. Starocci was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Year for a reason—the guy is a closer.
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A Quick Look at the Top Team Standings
- Penn State: 181.5
- Nebraska: 137.0
- Iowa: 112.0
- Minnesota: 108.5
- Illinois: 105.5
The gap between first and second was 44.5 points. In a tournament this deep, that’s a chasm.
Upsets and Statement Wins in the Finals
It wasn't all a Penn State highlight reel, though. Michigan found a bright spot at 197 pounds. Jacob Cardenas, who transferred in from Cornell, pulled off a massive 4-2 upset over Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan. Buchanan was the top seed and hadn’t lost all season until he ran into Cardenas. That match was a tactical battle, but Cardenas' second-period takedown was the difference-maker.
And then there’s Gable Steveson.
The man is a legend for a reason. Returning to the Minnesota singlet, he capped off the night at heavyweight by beating Greg Kerkvliet 10-3. It made Gable a four-time Big Ten champion, joining the likes of Verne Gagne. Seeing Steveson and Kerkvliet go at it is always high-level, but Gable’s movement at that size is still something you have to see to believe.
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2025 Big Ten Individual Champions
- 125: Luke Lilledahl (Penn State)
- 133: Lucas Byrd (Illinois) - Earned a huge pin over Drake Ayala
- 141: Brock Hardy (Nebraska) - Pinned Vance Vombaur in under two minutes
- 149: Ridge Lovett (Nebraska)
- 157: Tyler Kasak (Penn State)
- 165: Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State)
- 174: Levi Haines (Penn State)
- 184: Carter Starocci (Penn State)
- 197: Jacob Cardenas (Michigan)
- 285: Gable Steveson (Minnesota)
Lucas Byrd at 133 was a bit of a shocker. He didn't just win; he stuck Iowa's Drake Ayala in 3:16. That’s a massive result for Illinois and a tough pill for the Hawkeyes, who finished third overall.
Why These Results Matter for 2026
The Big Ten is widely considered the toughest wrestling conference for a reason. If you can place here, you’re an All-American contender. Period. Penn State qualified all ten of their wrestlers for the NCAA tournament, which is basically their standard operating procedure now.
But look at Nebraska. Ridge Lovett and Brock Hardy are elite. They are the reason the Huskers jumped Iowa in the standings. Nebraska’s aggressive style in the finals—especially Hardy’s first-period cradle for the fall—shows that the gap at the top might be closing, even if the team scores don't always reflect it yet.
"The script was similar, as the Nittany Lions finished with five individual Big Ten champs again — only this time, the team race wasn't nearly as close as it was all those years ago." — Cody Goodwin, USA Wrestling
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If you're a fan of the Hawkeyes, the 2025 Big Ten wrestling championship results felt a little bittersweet. They had three guys in the finals (Ayala, Caliendo, Buchanan) and lost all three. That’s unusual for a program with 37 conference titles. Ben Kueter taking third at heavyweight as a dual-sport athlete (football and wrestling) is a bright spot, but Tom Brands is definitely looking to close that technical gap with the Nittany Lions.
Looking Ahead to State College in 2026
The 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships are heading to the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State gets to defend their crown on home mats starting March 7, 2026. If you think the environment in Evanston was loud, the BJC is going to be a different beast entirely.
For those trying to analyze where the conference is headed, keep an eye on the 174 and 184 weight classes. With Haines and Starocci potentially chasing historic fourth titles, the target on their backs is massive. Also, watch the development of Max McEnelly at Minnesota. He was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and nearly took out Starocci. He’s the future of that Gopher program.
Next Steps for Wrestling Fans:
- Track the Dual Season: Check the current 2025-2026 dual meet results, especially the Penn State vs. Iowa and Nebraska vs. Penn State matchups, as these often predict the seeding for the Big Ten tournament.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Keep an eye on late-season scratches. In a conference this deep, a single injury can swing the team title by 20 points.
- Secure Tickets Early: Since the 2026 championships are at Penn State, expect a sell-out. Tickets usually drop well in advance through the Penn State athletics portal.