Breaking: Penn State Wrestling Clinches the National Title

The dynasty rolls on. With five finalists yet to wrestle and six total All-Americans, Penn State has clinched its sixth national title in seven years, something that has not been done since Iowa won six consecutive from 1995-2000

Many across the wrestling world thought Penn State’s chances were dealt a death blow when it was announced third-seeded freshman Nick Suriano would miss the NCAA Tournament with an ankle injury suffered in the final dual of the season against Oklahoma State. Cael Sanderson’s squad had different ideas, however, as they went an incredible 29-5 over the first two days of the tournament with over half of those wins coming by bonus points. This is Sanderson’s sixth team title in his eight years at the helm in Happy Valley, adding to the four he earned as a wrestler at Iowa State.

Penn State has a bit of unfinished b tonight, with five finalists taking to the mat. Zain Retherford, Jason Nolf, Vincenzo Joseph, Mark Hall, and Bo Nickal all step under the spot loht consecutively from 149-184. Nickal and Cornell’s Gabe Dean will be the final match of the night, meaning that Penn State will be represented in the final five matches of the NCAA wrestling season. Finals action starts at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.