It is a cold Friday night in February. If you are anywhere near University Park, Pennsylvania, or Columbus, Ohio, you know exactly where the energy is gravitating. People aren't just showing up; they are packing arenas to the rafters to watch two groups of athletes in spandex try to move each other against their will. This isn't just a dual meet. It's Ohio State Penn State wrestling.
Honestly, it’s the kind of rivalry that makes you realize why college sports are so addictive. You’ve got Cael Sanderson’s Nittany Lions, a program that has become a literal juggernaut, facing off against Tom Ryan’s Buckeyes, a squad that refuses to blink even when the odds are stacked.
Last season, we saw a glimpse of how unpredictable this can be. Penn State walked into Columbus and took a 27-13 win, but that score doesn't tell the whole story. It doesn't mention the shock when Ohio State’s Brendan McCrone pinned Luke Lilledahl in the first match. You could have heard a pin drop in the Covelli Center—right before it erupted. That's the beauty of this series. Even when Penn State looks invincible, the Buckeyes find a way to make them sweat.
The Dynasty vs. The Challenger
When you talk about Ohio State Penn State wrestling, you have to start with the "Sanderson Era." Since Cael Sanderson took over in 2009, Penn State hasn't just been good. They’ve been historic. They are currently riding a win streak that is chasing the all-time NCAA record, recently surpassing 72 consecutive dual wins.
But here’s the thing: Tom Ryan has built a culture at Ohio State that thrives on being the underdog. He’s been there since 2006, and he’s coached some of the greatest to ever step on a mat—Logan Stieber, Kyle Snyder, Nathan Tomasello. Ryan doesn't care about the Nittany Lions' "dynasty" labels. He wants to scrap.
🔗 Read more: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Key Matchups for the 2026 Season
If you’re looking at the upcoming clash on February 13, 2026, at the Bryce Jordan Center, several bouts are already circled in red. The individual rankings tell a story of parity and high-level skill.
- 141 lbs: Jesse Mendez (OSU) vs. Beau Bartlett (PSU)
Mendez is a defending national champion and current No. 2, but Bartlett beat him 4-2 in their last dual encounter. These two are basically the immovable object and the irresistible force. - 165 lbs: Mitchell Mesenbrink (PSU) vs. e'Than Birden or Paddy Gallagher (OSU)
Mesenbrink is the pound-for-pound king right now. He’s a walking highlight reel. Watching him transition from a takedown into a tilt is like watching a masterclass in physics. - 285 lbs: Nick Feldman (OSU) vs. Cole Mirasola (PSU)
Feldman is one of the most athletic heavyweights in the country. He’s fast. He moves like a middleweight. Penn State's freshman Mirasola is a powerhouse, though, and he showed last year he can hold his own against the elite.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
Most people look at the team score and move on. Don't do that. To understand the depth of Ohio State Penn State wrestling, you have to look at the "bonus point" battle. In their 2025 meeting, Penn State won seven out of ten bouts. However, three of those were technical falls from Mitchell Mesenbrink, Carter Starocci, and Josh Barr.
Those extra points are the difference between a close 18-15 nail-biter and a 27-13 blowout. Ohio State’s path to an upset always relies on minimizing those bonus points. They need to turn those tech falls into regular decisions and hope for a hero moment at the lower weights.
Historical Context: The Other Border War
Since Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993, this has become the "Other Border War." While the football rivalry gets the most airtime, the wrestling rivalry is arguably more competitive on a national scale. Between 2011 and 2025, these two programs have combined for nearly every NCAA team title.
💡 You might also like: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
The Buckeyes last beat the Nittany Lions in a dual back in 2015 with a 22-15 victory. Since then, it’s been a ten-match slide for Ohio State. But if you talk to any wrestler in that room, they’ll tell you the gap is closing. They aren't looking at the ten-year trend; they’re looking at the seven minutes in front of them.
Why February 13, 2026, is Different
This year’s meet is at the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC), not Rec Hall. For the uninitiated, Rec Hall is a "snake pit"—tight, loud, and intimidating. The BJC is a massive arena, and Penn State usually saves it for the biggest duals of the year to accommodate the 15,000+ fans who want in.
The atmosphere is going to be electric. Ohio State is currently ranked No. 5 in the nation, while Penn State holds the No. 1 spot. But rankings go out the window when the whistle blows. We’ve seen freshman like Ben Davino for Ohio State and Josh Barr for Penn State step up in these big moments.
Surprising Details You Might Miss
One thing people often overlook is the "redshirt" game. Both coaches are masters at managing eligibility. You might see a "true freshman" suddenly pulled from a redshirt year just for this dual. In 2025, Joe Sealey made his season debut for Penn State specifically against the Buckeyes. These are the chess moves that keep fans guessing until the weigh-ins are announced.
📖 Related: Mizzou 2024 Football Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
Also, look at the 174-pound class. Levi Haines for Penn State is a hammer, a returning Big Ten champ. He’s facing Carson Kharchla, an Ohio State veteran who has battled back from significant injuries. That match is about more than points; it’s about two different styles of grit.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re following Ohio State Penn State wrestling this season, here is how you should actually watch the match:
- Watch the 125-pound bout first. It sets the tone. If Brendan McCrone (OSU) can pull another upset or keep it close against Luke Lilledahl, the Buckeyes gain massive momentum.
- Track the "Takedown Count." Penn State averaged a 25-6 takedown edge in their last meeting. If Ohio State can get that ratio closer to 2:1, they are in the hunt.
- Note the riding time. Penn State is notorious for "riding" opponents to build a point. Watch how guys like Jesse Mendez work to get out from the bottom in under 30 seconds. That is where the match is won or lost.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the Big Ten Network schedule for late January. Often, a week before the dual, coaches will reveal hints about their lineup in press conferences—specifically regarding injury updates for key starters like Tyler Kasak.
The rivalry between these two schools represents the absolute peak of American folkstyle wrestling. Whether you're a Buckeye or a Nittany Lion, you're witnessing history every time they step on the mat. Set your calendars for February 13; the BJC is going to be a madhouse.
Next Steps:
- Check the official Big Ten Network schedule to ensure you have access to the live broadcast.
- Monitor the NWCA Coaches Poll every Tuesday to see if any late-season injuries shift the team rankings before the February clash.
- Review the individual head-to-head records on FloWrestling to see which athletes have historical edges in common opponents.