University Park, PA—In a night that showcased the relentless dominance of Penn State wrestling, sophomore Tyler Kasak, ranked No. 3 nationally, delivered one of the evening’s standout performances with a 5-2 victory over Iowa’s top-ranked Jacori Teemer. Kasak’s win was more than just another notch in his undefeated season—it was a testament to the overwhelming power of Cael Sanderson’s Nittany Lion dynasty, which continues to thrive against the nation’s elite.
A Wrestling Powerhouse That Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
Top-ranked Penn State dismantled No. 2 Iowa with an emphatic 30-8 victory, thrilling a packed crowd of over 15,000 fans at the Bryce Jordan Center. The win extended Penn State’s dual meet winning streak to 66, a streak that dates back to January 31, 2020, when the Nittany Lions last fell—to none other than Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
While fans were eager to see the highly anticipated showdown between Penn State’s four-time NCAA champion Carter Starocci and Iowa’s fifth-ranked Gabe Arnold, that matchup never materialized. Instead, Iowa sent out freshman Angelo Ferrari, one of their most promising recruits. Starocci handled business, securing a 3-1 decision with over a minute of riding time, adding another win to his storied career.
Why This Win Matters for Penn State
Beyond bragging rights, the results from this dual could influence seeding for the postseason. As the calendar inches closer to the NCAA Championships at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Penn State looks poised to continue its reign. With eight victories out of ten matches, it’s clear the Nittany Lions are primed for another deep run in March.
Despite missing Braeden Davis, the usual starter at 133 pounds, Penn State didn’t miss a beat. Senior Kurt McHenry stepped in as his replacement but fell to Iowa’s Drake Ayala. Davis’s absence remains unexplained, but the Nittany Lions’ depth shone through.
Key Match Highlights
- 149 lbs: Shayne Van Ness delivered a dominant performance against Iowa’s No. 2 Kyle Parco, securing a 17-6 major decision.
- 165 lbs: In a highly anticipated No. 1 vs. No. 2 battle, Mitchell Mesenbrink overwhelmed Michael Caliendo with a 19-4 technical fall.
- 197 lbs: Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan provided a rare bright spot for the Hawkeyes, earning a 5-1 victory over Penn State’s Josh Barr.
Transfers like Parco and Teemer, both former Arizona State standouts, struggled mightily against Penn State’s younger talent. Parco was outclassed by Van Ness, while Teemer couldn’t overcome Kasak’s relentless pace.
Iowa’s Struggles Continue
This marks Iowa’s fourth consecutive dual loss to Penn State—a trend the Hawkeyes haven’t experienced against a Big Ten rival since Michigan’s six-match streak from 1963-68. Despite significant investments, including a $31 million wrestling facility and aggressive moves in the transfer portal, Iowa remains a step behind Sanderson’s powerhouse.
While Iowa fans continue to pack arenas and support the program passionately, the gap between the Hawkeyes and Nittany Lions seems to be growing. For a program accustomed to national dominance, patience is running thin in Iowa City.
Match Results:
- 125: No. 7 Luke Lilledahl (PSU) tech. fall No. 26 Joey Cruz (Iowa), 22-6 – PSU 5, Iowa 0
- 133: No. 3 Drake Ayala (Iowa) tech. fall Kurt McHenry (PSU), 19-4 – PSU 5, Iowa 5
- 141: No. 3 Beau Bartlett (PSU) dec. Cullan Schriever (Iowa), 7-3 – PSU 8, Iowa 5
- 149: No. 4 Shayne Van Ness (PSU) maj. dec. No. 2 Kyle Parco (Iowa), 17-6 – PSU 12, Iowa 5
- 157: No. 3 Tyler Kasak (PSU) dec. No. 1 Jacori Teemer (Iowa), 5-2 – PSU 15, Iowa 5
- 165: No. 1 Mitchell Mesenbrink (PSU) tech. fall No. 2 Michael Caliendo (Iowa), 19-4 – PSU 20, Iowa 5
- 174: No. 2 Levi Haines (PSU) dec. No. 5 Patrick Kennedy (Iowa), 10-3 – PSU 23, Iowa 5
- 184: No. 1 Carter Starocci (PSU) dec. Angelo Ferrari (Iowa), 3-1 – PSU 26, Iowa 5
- 197: No. 1 Stephen Buchanan (Iowa) dec. No. 4 Josh Barr (PSU), 5-1 – PSU 26, Iowa 8
- 285: No. 2 Greg Kerkvliet (PSU) maj. dec. No. 11 Ben Kueter (Iowa), 12-2 – PSU 30, Iowa 8
Penn State’s dominance isn’t just a phase—it’s a statement. And as March approaches, the Nittany Lions are making it clear: they’re not giving up their throne anytime soon.
