Unstoppable on the Mat: Penn State Wrestling Shatters Records En Route to 2025 Big Ten Championship Victory
The Penn State Nittany Lions have once again proven their supremacy on the collegiate wrestling stage, delivering a jaw-dropping performance at the 2025 Big Ten Wrestling Championship. With a display of skill, dominance, and depth rarely seen in the sport, the Nittany Lions not only claimed the team title—they rewrote the record books in the process.
Held at the Xfinity Center in Maryland, the championship weekend saw Penn State emerge as the undisputed powerhouse of the Big Ten, securing its ninth team title in the past 12 years. The team finished with a staggering 165.5 points, outpacing second-place Iowa by more than 40 points and setting a new Big Ten scoring record in the process.
A Historic Team Performance
Led by head coach Cael Sanderson, the Nittany Lions placed nine wrestlers in the finals, with seven winning individual titles—another record for the program. The dominance was felt in every weight class, from the lightest to the heaviest, as Penn State grapplers overwhelmed their competition with precision and poise.
Notably, Aaron Brooks (197 lbs) and Carter Starocci (174 lbs) continued their legendary collegiate careers by capturing their fourth straight Big Ten titles—putting them in elite company in NCAA history. Brooks, in particular, was named Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament after recording two technical falls and a major decision en route to his championship win.
Freshman phenom Levi Haines also made waves, capturing his first Big Ten title at 157 lbs with a clutch overtime victory in the finals. His emergence as a top-tier competitor adds even more depth to an already loaded Penn State lineup.
Cael Sanderson’s Dynasty Continues
Since arriving in State College, Sanderson has transformed Penn State Wrestling into one of the most dominant dynasties in all of college sports. With the 2025 Big Ten title, Sanderson now holds 11 conference championships, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history.
What separates Sanderson’s teams is not just talent, but culture. “These guys fight for each other,” he said after the finals. “It’s not about individual glory—it’s about raising the level of the team. That’s what makes them so special.”
Eyes on Nationals
With their Big Ten dominance secured, all eyes now turn to the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, where Penn State is the heavy favorite to reclaim the national title. If their conference performance is any indication, the Lions are poised for another historic run.
“We’re proud of this moment,” said Starocci, “but the job’s not done. We’ve got more history to make.”
A Message to the Wrestling World
The message from State College is loud and clear: Penn State Wrestling isn’t just competing—they’re commanding. As they head into nationals with momentum, unity, and unmatched talent, it’s hard to envision anyone stopping them. This 2025 Big Ten Championship wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. And that statement is simple:
Penn State owns the mat.
