Penn State Wrestling’s Big Ten Foes Announced for 2025-26 Season—Roster Shakeups and Championship Aspirations Loom Large
Just three months after clinching their fourth straight NCAA title, the Penn State Nittany Lions have officially begun their march toward a potential fifth consecutive championship. On Monday, the Big Ten Conference unveiled the list of wrestling dual opponents for the upcoming 2025–26 season. While specific dates and times have yet to be confirmed, the announcement provided an early glimpse into Penn State’s journey through another rigorous Big Ten campaign.
Head coach Cael Sanderson’s nationally dominant squad will face eight Big Ten teams in dual meets during the regular season. The conference schedule features four home matchups and four on the road, including some major challenges and intriguing rematches from past seasons.
Powerhouse Clashes at Home
Among the home opponents are two of the most formidable programs in the nation: Nebraska and Ohio State. Both teams finished in the top five at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships and are considered likely candidates for Penn State’s annual high-profile dual at the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC). Last season, the BJC hosted two dual meets, and the school may follow suit by scheduling both marquee matchups—Cornhuskers and Buckeyes—inside the massive arena once again. The decision will likely depend on demand and fan interest, both of which remain sky-high after the team’s continued dominance on the national stage.
In addition to the Nebraska and Ohio State showdowns, Penn State will host dual meets against Indiana and Rutgers, two programs looking to break through in the conference. While not perennial powers, both teams could provide crucial tune-ups and competitive experience for younger Nittany Lions wrestlers still adjusting to the Big Ten grind.
Road Challenges Await in Iowa and Beyond
Away from home, Penn State faces arguably its toughest test in a trip to Iowa City. The Hawkeyes, who placed fourth nationally this past March, remain one of Penn State’s fiercest rivals. The Nittany Lions have had the upper hand in recent years, including a 30–8 beatdown at home this past season and a commanding 29–6 win at Iowa in 2024. Nevertheless, a road match against Iowa always brings intensity, especially in front of the notoriously rowdy Hawkeye fans.
Additional road duals will take the team to Michigan, Northwestern, and Maryland. While not as high-profile as Iowa, each program brings its own unique challenge. Michigan continues to develop a strong core of young talent, Northwestern has been competitive in recent years, and Maryland will aim to capitalize on the home environment to slow down the Nittany Lions’ momentum.
Continuing a Streak of Dominance
Penn State enters the 2025–26 season on an incredible run of success. The program has claimed the Big Ten Dual Meet Championship in five consecutive seasons and is currently riding a 71-match win streak in the regular season. The last time the Nittany Lions lost a dual was on January 31, 2020, in Iowa—a stat that underscores both their consistency and dominance.
The full regular-season schedule, including dates, times, and non-conference matchups, is expected to be released in early fall.
New Faces and Lineup Battles Ahead
While the Big Ten schedule draws plenty of attention, just as compelling are the potential changes coming to Penn State’s starting lineup. Despite returning seven of its 10 All-Americans from the 2025 championship squad, the team must replace three key veterans: Beau Bartlett, Carter Starocci, and Greg Kerkvliet. Each played a pivotal role in the program’s recent national titles and leaves behind big shoes to fill.
To address these holes, Sanderson and his staff have been aggressive on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal. Chief among the newcomers is Rocco Welsh, a former NCAA finalist at Ohio State. Welsh is expected to slot in at 184 pounds, the weight class previously held by Starocci, and will likely make an immediate impact.
At heavyweight, redshirt freshman Cole Mirasola appears poised to inherit Kerkvliet’s role. Mirasola has been developing steadily behind the scenes and could bring a fresh yet formidable presence to the upper weights.
Logjam at the Lighter Weights
Things get especially interesting in the lower weight classes, where Penn State may have an embarrassment of riches. Returning All-Americans Braeden Davis and Aaron Nagao are both proven competitors at 133 pounds. But the addition of international and national talent complicates the situation.
Masanosuke Ono, a Japanese world champion, is expected to arrive on campus this fall. He brings elite-level international experience and could be in the mix at 133 or 141 pounds. Also joining the program is Marcus Blaze, the top-ranked recruit in the country, who is likewise eyeing a role in those lower weight classes.
The abundance of talent at these weights gives Sanderson flexibility, but it also sets up fierce internal competition for starting spots. The coaching staff will need to make difficult decisions as the season approaches.
Adding another twist to the lineup conversation is PJ Duke, one of the top young prospects in the nation. Duke recently made headlines by defeating four-time NCAA Champion Yianni Diakomihalis to secure a place on the Senior National Team for the World Championships. While Duke’s natural spot is likely in the middle of the lineup, his raw talent and momentum might make it hard for Sanderson to keep him sidelined—even as a true freshman.
High Expectations, Same Mission
With the start of the season still several months away, speculation over the final lineup will only grow. Penn State fans and wrestling enthusiasts alike will watch closely to see how the pieces come together, especially with so many high-profile additions and returning stars.
Still, one thing remains constant: expectations. The Nittany Lions are once again expected to contend for the Big Ten and NCAA titles. With elite coaching, a culture of excellence, and one of the deepest rosters in the country, Penn State is positioned to extend its dynasty into another season.
For now, the team’s path has been set. Eight Big Ten opponents stand between the Nittany Lions and another perfect regular season. While the schedule is filled with challenges, Penn State has shown time and again that it thrives under pressure—and with new talent entering the fold, the future looks just as bright as the recent past.
