The Ohio State Buckeyes wrestling team achieved an undefeated 17-0 start to its season, capped by a 24-9 victory over Iowa. This impressive streak was halted by top-ranked Penn State, which defeated Ohio State 36-5. Penn State secured its sixth consecutive Big Ten dual meet championship with the win, while Ohio State, despite the loss, maintains a strong national ranking.
Ohio State Defeats Iowa, Reaching 17-0
Ohio State secured a dominant 24-9 victory over Iowa on February 9 at the Covelli Center, drawing a record crowd of 4,749. This win marked the Buckeyes' second triumph over Iowa this season and their sixth all-time against the Hawkeyes, pushing their program start to an impressive 17-0.
The dual began with Iowa taking an early lead, securing three consecutive decisions:
- Victor Voinovich III won 5-1.
- No. 3 Michael Caliendo defeated e’Than Birden 8-2.
- No. 3 Patrick Kennedy defeated No. 5 Carson Kharchla 2-1.
Ohio State then mounted a strong comeback, securing critical victories:
- No. 7 Dylan Fishback won in sudden victory over Gabe Arnold, following an official review that awarded a crucial takedown.
- No. 10 Luke Geog earned a 13-4 major decision over Brody Sampson, narrowing Iowa's lead to 9-7.
- After intermission, No. 3 Nick Feldman defeated No. 8 Ken Kueter 3-2, giving Ohio State a 10-9 lead.
- No. 2 Nic Bouzakis extended the lead to 13-9 with a 9-5 decision over No. 6 Dean Peterson.
- No. 2 Ben Davino defeated No. 9 Drake Ayala 4-2.
- No. 1 Jesse Mendez secured an 18-3 technical fall win over Kale Peterson, adding five critical points for Ohio State.
- No. 7 Ethan Stiles defeated No. 18 Ryder Block in sudden victory.
The 24-9 win concluded Ohio State's home dual season on a high note.
Penn State Halts Ohio State's Perfect Season
On February 13, top-ranked Penn State ended Ohio State's undefeated season with a decisive 36-5 victory at the Bryce Jordan Center. This dual marked Ohio State's first loss of the season after its impressive 17-0 start. With the win, unbeaten Penn State secured its sixth consecutive Big Ten dual meet championship.
Penn State dominated the dual, winning nine out of ten matches. Ohio State's sole victory came from two-time national champion Jesse Mendez at 141 pounds, who achieved an 18-2 technical fall against Braeden Davis.
Notable matches and Penn State's victories included:
- At 125 pounds, No. 1 Luke Lilledahl (Penn State) defeated No. 2 Nic Bouzakis (Ohio State) in sudden victory.
- At 133 pounds, No. 4 Marcus Blaze (Penn State) defeated No. 2 Ben Davino (Ohio State) 3-2.
- Following Mendez's win, Penn State secured all remaining matches.
- No. 1 Shayne Van Ness earned a 20-5 technical fall at 149 pounds.
- PJ Duke delivered a win by fall at 157 pounds.
- After halftime, No. 1 Mitchell Messenbrink secured a 12-2 major decision at 165 pounds.
- No. 1 Levi Haines followed with a 16-1 technical fall at 174 pounds.
- At 184 pounds, No. 1 Rocco Welsh defeated No. 8 Dylan Fishback (Ohio State) 7-6 with a late takedown.
- No. 1 Josh Barr secured an 11-2 major decision at 197 pounds.
- In the heavyweight match, No. 12 Cole Mirasola defeated No. 3 Nick Feldman (Ohio State) 4-1 in sudden victory.
Season Context and Upcoming Schedule
Penn State's victory extends their remarkable unbeaten streak, as they have not lost a dual since 2020.
Ohio State, despite the loss to Penn State, maintains a strong national ranking. The Buckeyes' impressive season includes prior victories over formidable opponents such as No. 4 Iowa State, No. 5 Nebraska, No. 7 Iowa, No. 8 N.C. State, No. 9 Minnesota, and No. 10 Michigan.
Ohio State is scheduled to conclude its regular season with a match against Maryland on February 15.