In a highly anticipated clash, the top-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions face the fourth-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. This decisive wrestling showdown takes place at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena on January 16, starting at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on the Big Ten Network or follow updates through El-Balad.
Match Overview
Penn State enters the match with a perfect record of 7-0, while Iowa holds an 8-2 record. Both teams have established themselves as formidable contenders in the Big Ten wrestling landscape.
Probable Line-ups
Iowa Hawkeyes
- 125 lbs: #7 Dean Peterson, SR (7-1)
- 133 lbs: #11 Drake Ayala, SR (4-4)
- 141 lbs: #15 Nasir Bailey, JR (9-5) or Kale Petersen, SO (16-11)
- 149 lbs: #10 Ryder Block, SO (6-2)
- 157 lbs: #11 Jordan Williams, JR (8-2) or Victor Voinovich III, SR (7-4)
- 165 lbs: #3 Michael Caliendo, SR (9-1)
- 174 lbs: #3 Patrick Kennedy, SR (9-1) or Gabe Arnold, SO (10-1)
- 184 lbs: #1 Angelo Ferrari, FR (9-0)
- 197 lbs: Brody Sampson, FR (7-6) or Harvey Ludington, FR (11-3)
- 285 lbs: #5 Ben Kueter, SO (2-1)
Head Coach: Tom Brands
Penn State Nittany Lions
- 125 lbs: #2 Luke Lilledahl, SO (9-0)
- 133 lbs: #6 Marcus Blaze, FR (11-0)
- 141 lbs: #8 Braeden Davis, JR (5-0)
- 149 lbs: #1 Shayne Van Ness, JR (9-0)
- 157 lbs: #2 PJ Duke, FR (9-0, from Slate Hill)
- 165 lbs: #1 Mitchell Mesenbrink, JR (11-0)
- 174 lbs: #1 Levi Haines, SR (10-0)
- 184 lbs: #4 Rocco Welsh, SO (9-0)
- 197 lbs: #1 Josh Barr, SO (8-0)
- 285 lbs: #12 Cole Mirasola, FR (8-2)
Head Coach: Cael Sanderson
Significance of the Match
This matchup is more than just a contest between two ranked teams. It represents a critical moment in the Big Ten season. Both squads are looking to maintain momentum and establish dominance within the conference each aiming for a higher seed in postseason tournaments.
As the competition intensifies, wrestling fans eagerly await this key event in collegiate wrestling, with both teams bringing top-tier talent to the mat.
