Penn State Wrestling's Cole Mirasola defeats Nick Feldman 4-1 SV in Penn State's dual meet against Ohio State (2/13/2026). Credit - Lloyd McCully
Penn State Wrestling gears up for the 2026 Big Ten Championships inside the friendly confines of the Bryce Jordan Center.
As of today, we are officially less than three days away from the 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships. There is no better wrestling conference in the nation and there’s definitely not a more thrilling conference tournament than the B1G.
The Nittany Lions plowed through the regular season relatively untested. But does that mean they’ll cruise to their fourth straight conference championship?
Time will tell on that one.
So for now, let’s jump into the first installment of “Projecting the Path”. And in this edition we’re going to look at the Penn State Wrestling starters from 125 to 157 pounds.
And away we go!
125
Luke Lilledahl (17-0)
Credit – Lloyd McCully
Intermat rank: 1
Big Ten Pre-seed: 1
1st Matchup: No. 8 Dean Peterson (Iowa) or No. 9 Diego Sotelo (Mich) – 2nd round
Takeaway
Throughout this article (and the next), you’re going to notice a recurring trend. Which is the fact that there are only two Penn State Wrestlers who can even score points in the opening round of the 2026 B1G’s.
But hey, having No. 1 and No. 2 seeds slapped next to your name tends to be the byproduct of having an insanely talented wrestling squad.
Moving on.
The most likely path for Luke Lilledahl to get into the finals will likely go through Peterson and then No. 4 Jacob Moran (IND) in the semifinals. Which isn’t exactly an easy path. Especially when you consider the fact that Luke is 1-1 in his career against Peterson.
However he was able to avenge last year’s loss with an 11-5 decision in Penn State Wrestling’s destruction of Iowa back in January. As for Moran, just take a peek at the photo above.
Therefore I feel that Luke’s biggest test could happen in the finals. Where either No. 2 Spencer Moore (ILL) or No. 3 Nic Bouzakis will be waiting.
133
Marcus Blaze (19-0)
Credit – Lloyd McCully
Intermat rank: 2
Big Ten Pre-seed: 1
1st Matchup: No. 8 Braxton Brown (MD) or No. 9 Dylan Shawver (RU) – 2nd round
Takeaway
Look, Marcus Blaze has already proven as a true freshman that their aren’t many guys who can toe to toe with him on the mat. And while neither Brown or Shawver are anything to sneeze at, I don’t foresee Blaze having much issue with either of them.
And same goes for his potential matchup with No. 4 Zan Fugitt (WIS) in the semifinals. Regardless of the fact that these guys never locked horns this season.
Nope. I think it will be smooth sailing.
However, a likely matchup between Blaze and No. 2 Lucas Byrd (ILL) could be very interesting. Byrd is a three-time All-American and the reigning national champion at 133 pounds.
If this match comes to fruition, you better get your popcorn ready!
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141
Braeden Davis (9-3)
Credit – Lloyd McCully
Intermat rank: 14
Big Ten Pre-seed: 7
1st Matchup: No. 10 Joseph Olivieri (RU) – 1st Round
Takeaway
Braeden Davis has for sure had an up and down year this season.
But now is the time for him to put it behind him and get down to business. And I have a feeling he could make a deep run this year. Especially given who his quarterfinal opponent could be.
Did Davis’ last match end the way he wanted against Brock Hardy? Not all at. However you have to remember that Braeden controlled this match for the majority of the first and second periods before ultimately being pinned in the third.
Something tells me this matchup could go the other way next time.
149
Shayne Van Ness (18-0)
Credit – Lloyd McCully
Intermat rank: 1
Big Ten Pre-seed: 1
1st Matchup: No. 8 Ryder Block (Iowa) or No. 9 Michael Gioffre (ILL)
Takeaway
Shayne Van Ness has been nothing short of dominant this year. He’s a perfect 18-0 and has won bonus points in all but two matches.
However it’s possible his outstanding season could have gone unnoticed when you look at what Mitchell Mesenbrink and Josh Barr have done. Again, that’s probably reason No. 295 on the ever growing list of “That’s Penn State Wrestling for you”.
I just don’t see anyone in this year’s 149 field that’s going to push Shayne. However when it comes time for the NCAA’s, that might be a different story.
157
PJ Duke (16-1)
Credit – Lloyd McCully
Intermat rank: 4
Big Ten Pre-seed: 2
1st Matchup: No. 7 Brandon Cannon (OSU) or No. 10 Victor Voinovich (Iowa)
Takeaway
PJ Duke, just like teammate Marcus Blaze, is also a true freshman. But if you watched any of their matches, there’s little chance you would believe it.
Both guys have been incredible.
And if it wasn’t for a 2-1 TB loss at the hands of the referee in the Nebraska dual for not calling stalling Antrell Taylor, Duke would also be perfect on the season. Furthermore, he boasts a staggering eight falls and has a 72% bonus point percentage this year.
If for one would love to see a Duke/Taylor rematch in the finals. Because avenging that loss would be a huge confidence boost going into the 2026 NCAA’s for PJ.
Which is never a bad thing.
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Did Drew Allar’s Combine Performance Move Him into Round 1 Territory?
Education: Penn State University
Location: State College, PA
Even though he had no prior journalism experience, Chris has now covered Penn State Wrestling and Penn State Football for the past three years, including as the Penn State Wrestling Beat Writer for VictoryBellRings.com, part of the FanSided network.
And it's clear he also likes constant torture as he's been a PSU Basketball fan for way too long.
Several years back, Chris made the seamless transition from PGA Professional to computer programmer and thoroughly enjoys following and writing about all things related to Penn State sports during his spare time.
- Penn State Wrestling: Big Ten Championships – Projecting the Path 125 to 157 - March 5, 2026
- Penn State Wrestling: Match Grades and MVP from the Ohio State Dual - February 17, 2026
- Penn State Wrestling vs. Ohio State | FULL RESULTS - February 13, 2026
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