Penn State Wrestling Aims to Make NCAA History
Penn State Wrestlng added 38.5 team points to their score to leave them at 116.5 heading into Saturday, and well on their way to the 10th title in 12 seasons for Cael Sanderson and 11th title overall.
The Nittany Lions have all but wrapped up the team title after sending 5 wrestlers to the finals and 3 more that are All-Americans. There is a good chance that Penn State wins the team title before the finals even start.
Of the five finalists, three are defending national champions. One of the newcomers is true freshman Levi Haines who continues to build his legacy in his 1st season after winning the Big Ten Championship and now looking to add a National Championship.
The most points ever scored in NCAA Championship history was Iowa with 158 in 1986. The most points Penn State Wrestling has ever scored was 146.5 in 2017. That year, the Nittany Lions had 5 National champions and 6 All-Americans.
If the Nittany Lions can find a way to win all their championship matches and do well in consolations, they may have an opportunity for the scoring record.
Realistically the Nittany Lions will be favored in 3 out of the 5 with Bravo-Young, Starocci, and Brooks. Having 5 champions from one team has only happened 4 times in NCAA history: Iowa (1997), Oklahoma State (2005), and Penn State (2017, 2022).
Everything you need to know about Penn State Wrestling in the NCAA Wrestling Finals
Team Standings after Day 2:
1 Penn State 116.5
2 Iowa 77
3 Cornell 64
4 Ohio State 62
5 Missouri 55
Championship Matchups:
133: #1 Roman Bravo-Young (PSU) vs #3 Vito Arujau (COR)
157: #1 Austin O’Connor (UNC) vs #2 Levi Haines (PSU)
174: #1 Carter Starocci (PSU) vs #2 Mikey Labriola (NEB)
184: #1 Parker Keckeisen (UNI) vs #3 Aaron Brooks (PSU)
285: #1 Mason Parris (MICH) vs #3 Greg Kerkvliet (PSU)
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Where to Watch Penn State Wrestling:
Session 5 (Wrestlebacks): 11 am ET ESPNU
Session 6 (Championships): 7 pm ET ESPN