This should be a great match! Reminiscent of the 2018 #1 PSU vs. #2 OSU match at Rec Hall that Penn State won, 19-18. Penn State is putting its 84-match win streak on the line in what's likely to be its toughest test during that streak since the 19-13 win over Iowa on January 28, 2022. Based on wrestlestat rankings, we've got a #1 vs. #2 matchup at 125 and 174, #3 vs. #4 at 133, and #3 vs. #7 at 157. Wrestlestat has it 16-15 Penn State. We aren't favored in the first three weight classes, and four of the first five. Any bonus point wins or upsets will likely be huge in determining the outcome. I would not be surprised if the addition of Rocco Welsh to PSU's roster from Ohio State is the difference in this one.
#1 Penn State (13-0) vs. #2 Ohio State (16-0), 2/13/2026 7 p.m., Bryce Jordan Center (BTN)
- Thread starter IANit
- Start date
WeR0206
Well-known member
Dominant win by PSU! Braden Davis seems to be their only weak spot at 141
Roar More
Member
It says something that our perceived weak spot is an All-American.
He was an all-American at a lower weight class. He very well still could be one this year at 1:41 but you can see that he struggles with guys who are just a little bit bigger and stronger than him. I don’t think the team will need him to score points to win the natty, but it would be nice if he can at least get a winner or two
WeR0206
Well-known member
Id rather see Desmond compete at 141 but it looks like he will likely keep his red shirt this year
I'd say 141 and Heavyweight are both "weak" spots on this team. Meaning I don't think we're likely to be contending for the championship at either weight. Davis wasn't really supposed to be wrestling this season. Give credit to Jesse Mendez - he's one of the best in the country. He will likely win or share the Hodge with Mitchell if he wins out. Davis was an AA at 125, so he's likely a little small for the weight class, and it probably hasn't helped that he was called into action after Nagao's injury. Connor Mirasola is a bit small for the 285 class. He made progress against Feldman. Maybe he's turned a corner. Size isn't everything at that weight, as Anthony Cassar showed. Cael raved about his potential in the post-match PC. Both could AA this year, but it isn't a guarantee.
According to Wrestlestat, PSU has six wrestlers ranked #1 at their weight. One is ranked #2, and another is ranked #5. Of those eight wrestlers, the only loss so far this season (seven of the eight are unbeaten) is by a true freshman against the defending national champion in sudden victory. Oh, and Mirasola is #7, and Davis is #9.
This may be the best team we've seen yet when all is said and done. Only Van Ness and Haines are seniors, by the way.
Still a month away, but I think that all 10 will qualify for NCAA. I think we end up having three or four champions and eighth of the 10 will finish in the top 5. The two weights that you mentioned, both have a chance to slide in the top eight