Penn State Wrestling has once again etched its name into the annals of collegiate sports history. At the 2025 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia, the Nittany Lions not only clinched their fourth consecutive national title but also achieved a historic feat by having all 10 of their wrestlers earn All-American honors—a distinction only matched once before by Minnesota in 2001 .
Under the leadership of head coach Cael Sanderson, Penn State amassed a record-breaking 177 team points, surpassing their own previous record of 172.5 set in 2024 . This dominant performance secured the program’s 13th national title and 12th under Sanderson, solidifying their position as a wrestling powerhouse .
The tournament was highlighted by Carter Starocci’s unprecedented achievement of becoming the first five-time NCAA wrestling champion, capturing the title at 184 pounds . Mitchell Mesenbrink also claimed an individual championship at 165 pounds, while freshman Josh Barr finished as a runner-up at 197 pounds . Other standout performances included third-place finishes by Luke Lilledahl (125 lbs), Beau Bartlett (141 lbs), Shayne Van Ness (149 lbs), Tyler Kasak (157 lbs), and Levi Haines (174 lbs). Braeden Davis (133 lbs) secured fifth place, and Greg Kerkvliet (285 lbs) overcame a knee injury to finish sixth .
This remarkable display of depth and talent has sparked discussions about whether Penn State Wrestling represents the greatest dynasty in college sports history. With 12 national titles in the last 15 contested championships and a consistent presence at the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling, the Nittany Lions continue to set new standards of excellence .
As the program looks ahead, the foundation laid by Sanderson and his athletes suggests that Penn State’s wrestling dominance is poised to continue, further cementing their legacy in the sport.
