Another win, another record for Penn State wrestling as it tops Indiana
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Penn State shut out Indiana 48-0, marking sixth program shutout this season.
- Nittany Lions won all 10 bouts, earned nine bonus results including two pins.
- Team recorded 48-3 takedown advantage and improved to 10-0 overall, 4-0 Big Ten.
It seems like every time Penn State hits the wrestling mat, it comes back off with another record.
On Friday night, the No. 1 Nittany Lions shut out No. 25 Indiana, 48-0, inside Rec Hall for the program’s sixth shutout of the season — the most ever in one year.
“We have a strong team, obviously, a lot of good kids. We don't really focus or worry too much about rankings,” Penn State coach Cael Sanderson said. “It's just the same boring process of getting better every day and every competition, and remain grateful for the opportunities that we have. All those other things will take care of themselves.”
For the second consecutive dual, the Nittany Lions won all 10 bouts. They collected bonus points in nine of the matches — two pins, five technical falls and two major decisions.
Penn State also tallied a 48-3 takedown advantage.
“We just enjoy competing. Each individual’s just working on what they do and getting better in each match,” Sanderson said. “Every time you step out there, it’s an opportunity to compete and do something you love, and then also continue to get better.”
The dual began with new No. 1 Luke Lilledahl sticking No. 11 Jacob Moran in 4:20 at 125 pounds. At 133 pounds, Marcus Blaze recorded six takedowns of Blaine Frazier in a 19-4 technical fall in 5:44.
Braeden Davis gave up an initial takedown to No. 25 Henry Porter at 141 pounds. Davis stormed back to fire off seven takedowns of his own — three in the third period — to earn a 24-10 major decision.
“It didn’t bother me too much. I’ve always been taught, if something goes bad, just go and score another,” Davis said with a laugh about giving up the takedown . “I didn’t think of it too deeply. I’m just glad I didn’t get thrown to my back.”
The rout was on after Davis’ match gave Penn State a 15-0 lead.
Shayne Van Ness racked up a 20-3 technical fall of Joey Buttler in 6:45 at 149 pounds. He nearly pinned the Hoosiers wrestler twice during the bout.
PJ Duke rattled off six first period takedowns in a 21-5 tech of Bryce Lowery in 3:16 at 157 pound to hand the Nittany Lions a 25-0 lead at the half.
Out of the break, Mitchell Mesenbrink started things off again for Penn State with a pin of No. 19 Tyler Lillard in 4:01. Levi Haines followed with a 17-1 technical fall of Orlando Cruz in 6:26.
Rocco Welsh was taken down twice by No. 15 Sam Goin in the third period. However, Welsh had built up enough of a lead for a 15-9 win.
Josh Barr was able to secure a 14-6 major decision on No. 15 Gabe Sollars at 197 pounds, but looked a little sluggish in the victory.
Cole Mirasola closed the dual off with another first period technical fall. He rattled off seven takedowns of Caleb Marzolino in a 22-6 victory in 2:46.
The Nittany Lions have a quick turnaround as they travel to Maryland on Saturday to take on the Terrapins at 5 p.m. — a match that was set for Sunday and rescheduled due to the impending snowstorm.
“We want our guys scoring points. They’re getting reps in and doing the things that they need to do. Indiana was scrappy,” Sanderson said. “Every match they came out fighting, so it was good for us. It’s good that our guys were able to score a lot of points. We weren’t at our best at every weight (tonight), but we’re excited to keep pushing forward and get right back on the mat tomorrow.”
No. 1 Penn State 48, No. 25 Indiana 0
Friday at University Park
125: No. 1 Luke Lilledahl, PSU, pinned No. 11 Jacob Moran, 4:20
133: No. 4 Marcus Blaze, PSU, tech. fall Blaine Frazier, 19-4 (5:44)
141: No. 11 Braeden Davis, PSU, major dec. No. 25 Henry Porter, 24-10
149: No. 1 Shayne Van Ness, PSU, tech. fall Joey Buttler, 20-3 (6:45)
157: No. 3 PJ Duke, PSU, tech. fall Bryce Lowery, 21-5 (3:16)
165: No. 1 Mitchell Mesenbrink, PSU, pinned No. 19 Tyler Lillard, 4:01
174: No. 1 Levi Haines, PSU, tech. fall Orlando Cruz, 17-1 (6:26)
184: No. 1 Rocco Welsh, PSU, dec. No. 15 Sam Goin, 15-9
197: No. 1 Josh Barr, PSU, major dec. No. 14 Gabe Sollars, 14-6
285: No. 12 Cole Mirasola, PSU, tech. fall Caleb Marzolino, 22-6 (2:46)
Takedowns: I 3, PSU 48
Records: Indiana (6-3, 1-2 Big Ten), Penn State (10-0, 4-0 Big Ten)
Next match: Penn State at Maryland, 5 p.m., Saturday
This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 9:59 PM.
