Penn State Wrestling Nears Historic Win at Collegiate Duals
Penn State Wrestling is on the verge of a remarkable achievement in collegiate wrestling. The Nittany Lions currently boast a winning streak of 75 consecutive dual meets, a record that has remained intact since their last loss on January 31, 2020. Their next matches at the Collegiate Wrestling Duals present a unique opportunity for them to tie and potentially surpass the all-time dual meet streak record of 76 wins, held by Oklahoma State from 1937 to 1951.
Penn State’s Impressive Streak
The current dual meet winning streak places Penn State under the leadership of head coach Cael Sanderson in the spotlight. The team’s dual meet record stands at 222 wins, 16 losses, and 2 ties under Sanderson’s guidance. Below are key details regarding this remarkable streak:
- Last Loss: January 31, 2020, against Iowa (score 19-17)
- Long-Standing Previous Streak: 60 wins from 2015 to 2019
- Undefeated Dual Seasons: 9 (notable years include 2016-2019, 2021-2024)
- Most Dual Wins in a Season: 17 (achieved in 2011 and 2022)
- Total Team Points During Streak: 2,578 points
- Average Team Score: 34-7
Upcoming Matches at the Collegiate Duals
Penn State will compete against North Dakota State on February 9, 2025, followed by a match against Stanford on February 10, 2025. These contests are pivotal for the Nittany Lions as they aim for record-breaking victories.
Match Previews
The dual against North Dakota State is especially notable, featuring five ranked matchups:
- 125 lbs: #2 Luke Lilledahl vs. #32 Ezekiel Witt (ND State)
- 133 lbs: #7 Marcus Blaze vs. #31 Tristan Daugherty (ND State)
- 157 lbs: #11 PJ Duke vs. #21 Gavin Drexler (ND State)
- 184 lbs: #4 Rocco Welsh vs. #19 Aidan Brenot (ND State)
- 285 lbs: #14 Cole Mirasola vs. Andrew Blackburn-Forst (ND State)
Historical Context and Predictions
As Penn State approaches potentially historic victories, their previous success against opponents like Ohio State and Maryland adds weight to their current aspirations. Predictions suggest a dominant performance against North Dakota State, projected at a score of 48-0.
Should they prevail, their subsequent match against Stanford will present a more challenging scenario. Key matchups such as #2 Luke Lilledahl against #11 Nico Provo are anticipated to spotlight the Nittany Lions’ skill and strategy as they attempt to cement their legacy in collegiate wrestling.
Overall, Penn State Wrestling’s pursuit of a historic win in the 2025 Collegiate Duals serves as a testament to the team’s excellence and resilience under Cael Sanderson’s leadership.
