🤼‍♂️ Finals Set in Philly: Wrestling’s Biggest Stage Delivers Drama, History & Heavy Hands

All weekend in Philadelphia, grappling has taken over the Wells Fargo Center and given us nothing less than what we have now come to expect from the premier wrestling event in North America. From long-seed upsets to returning wrestlers making history and flexing their dominance—for those like me who love this sport, it has been spectacular.

🏆 The Dynasty Rolls On – Penn State’s Power Position

We can't start this without mentioning any other team than Penn State. Under Cael Sanderson, they have reached a new level of dominance in the era. They are seeking their third 4-peat of team national titles and 12th in 15 years. They struggled slightly in the semifinal round with six wrestlers total but were only able to push three into the finals.

• Mitchell Mesenbrink, the undefeated redshirt freshman phenom, continued his motor through the season, completing a 95% bonus rate going into the national finals.
• Carter Starocci will try to complete the unprecedented 5th NCAA National Title as he worked over his opponent in the semis, Dustin Plott from Oklahoma State. It will never be achieved again, yet the pressure and magnitude don't seem to hinder him on the mat.
• New to the scene is Josh Barr, who battled into the lineup now that Aaron Brooks is wrestling on the international circuit, and he will be going for the 197-pound title.

What started close has ballooned and will continue to grow tomorrow. Penn State sits in a comfortable lead with 135.5 team points.

🌽 Huskers Hunting History – Nebraska Locks in 2nd

Like many thought, the team behind the Nittany Lions is not Oklahoma State or Iowa. The Nebraska Cornhuskers have taken the tournament by storm, securing three into the national finals. Still, the more impressive thing about this lineup is the seven All-Americans the Cornhuskers will be leaving Philly with.

They are led by the killer triplets from 141–157 pounds:

• Brock Hardy
• Ridge Lovett
• Antrell Taylor

All three are looking to win individual titles. Their hard work has given them the 2nd place team finish, their first since 2008. Once again, the Big Ten conference has proven to be the best in college wrestling.

💥 Bracket Busters – Lower Seeds Crash the Party

Not all favorites punched their ticket to the finals stage, and things went off starting at 125:

• Troy Spratley from Oklahoma State removed 3-seed Eddie Ventresca and denied Virginia Tech a second NCAA Finalist in overtime.
• At 157 pounds, out of Purdue, Joey Blaze also pulled off a significant upset in both the quarters and now the semifinals to be the Boilermakers' lone finalist this season.

🦍 Gable Returns – Heavyweights Close the Curtain in Style

As always, on semi-final Friday, the heavyweights ended the night.

• Former Olympic and NCAA Champ Gable Steveson has been enjoying his dominant return to the mat after his WWE and NFL stints. He continued making life miserable for his opponents and found himself in a spot to win a 3rd National Title, along with many other accolades.
• On the other side of the heavyweight final will be Oklahoma State Cowboy Wyatt Hendrickson, a man who chose to finish his career after completing his time at the Air Force Academy and joining David Taylor in Stillwater. It paid off after his upset of reigning national champ Greg Kerkvliet.

🗺️ 2025 NCAA FINALS MATCHUPS

🐜 125 lbs: Vincent Robinson (NC State) vs. Troy Spratley (Oklahoma State)

In a bracket filled with upsets, No. 4 seed Vincent Robinson of NC State has showcased resilience and tactical prowess. His journey to the finals included a notable victory over top-seeded Luke Lilledahl. Facing him is No. 7 seed Troy Spratley from Oklahoma State, who has demonstrated tenacity and skill, earning his spot in the championship bout.

⚡ 133 lbs: Lucas Byrd (Illinois) vs. Drake Ayala (Iowa)

The top two seeds have asserted their dominance in this weight class. No. 1 seed Lucas Byrd of Illinois has been a model of consistency, utilizing his technical mastery to navigate the bracket. Iowa's No. 2 seed, Drake Ayala, matches Byrd's intensity, setting the stage for a classic Big Ten showdown.

🧠 141 lbs: Brock Hardy (Nebraska) vs. Jesse Mendez (Ohio State)

Nebraska's Brock Hardy, the top seed, has displayed a blend of strength and strategy throughout the tournament. He faces No. 3 seed Jesse Mendez of Ohio State, whose dynamic style and relentless offense have propelled him to the finals.

🪓 149 lbs: Caleb Henson (Virginia Tech) vs. Ridge Lovett (Nebraska)

Defending champion and top seed Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech aims to cement his legacy with back-to-back titles. Standing in his way is Nebraska's No. 2 seed, Ridge Lovett, known for his aggressive approach and tactical versatility.

🔥 157 lbs: Joey Blaze (Purdue) vs. Antrell Taylor (Nebraska)

In one of the tournament's Cinderella stories, No. 8 seed Joey Blaze from Purdue has defied expectations with his fearless performances. He clashes with Nebraska's No. 3 seed, Antrell Taylor, whose consistent dominance makes him a formidable opponent.

🚀 165 lbs: Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State) vs. Mike Caliendo (Iowa)

Top-seeded Mitchell Mesenbrink of Penn State has lived up to his billing, showcasing a blend of power and technique. Iowa's No. 3 seed, Mike Caliendo, is impressed with his strategic acumen and has set up a compelling final.

🐅 174 lbs: Keegan O'Toole (Missouri) vs. Dean Hamiti (Oklahoma State)

Defending champion and top seed Keegan O'Toole from Missouri seeks to add another title to his illustrious career. O'Toole advanced to the final at 174 lbs, marking his fifth All-American finish. Facing him is No. 3 seed Dean Hamiti of Oklahoma State, whose relentless style has been a tournament highlight.

🦁 184 lbs: Carter Starocci (Penn State) vs. Parker Keckeisen (Northern Iowa)

Penn State's Carter Starocci, the top seed, has been a force, combining technique with physicality. He faces No. 2 seed Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa, who secured his finals spot with a sudden victory, showcasing his resilience and skill.

🧱 197 lbs: Josh Barr (Penn State) vs. Stephen Buchanan (Iowa)

No. 4 seed Josh Barr of Penn State has navigated a challenging path to the finals, demonstrating grit and determination. Iowa's No. 2 seed, Stephen Buchanan, has been equally impressive, setting up a thrilling Big Ten clash.

🐘 285 lbs: Gable Steveson (Minnesota) vs. Wyatt Hendrickson (Oklahoma State)

In the heavyweight division, defending champion and top seed Gable Steveson of Minnesota continues to dazzle with his athleticism and charisma. He faces No. 2 seed Wyatt Hendrickson from Oklahoma State, who earned his finals berth with a decisive victory over the defending national champion, Greg Kerkvliet.

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