PHILADELPHIA, Pa.
The Penn State wrestling team concluded a flawless first session at the 2025 NCAA Championships, continuing their unbeaten streak into the second session in Philadelphia. Leading by head coach Cael Sanderson, the team achieved an impressive perfect score of 20-0 for the day, qualifying all ten wrestlers for the national quarterfinals at the Wells Fargo Center. The competition, which includes the quarterfinals and consolation matches, resumes with session three tomorrow, March 21, at 12 p.m.
Penn State’s flawless performance on the first day marks a historic achievement, being the first time the Nittany Lions have gone 20-0 on day one of the NCAA Championships while advancing all ten wrestlers to the quarterfinals. The team is currently leading the standings with 39.5 points, ahead of Nebraska at 28.0 and Oklahoma State at 24.0.
Highlights of Wrestlers
True freshman Luke Lilledahl, the top seed at 125, faced off against No. 16 Blake West from Northern Illinois in the second round. The match started with both wrestlers exchanging attempts, but Lilledahl secured a late takedown in the first period and maintained control, ultimately winning by a commanding 19-3 technical fall at the 6:52 mark.
Sophomore Braeden Davis, seeded eighth at 133, battled No. 9 Braxton Brown of Maryland. Davis initiated the scoring with a takedown and held off Brown’s attacks to win 5-3, earning his spot in the quarterfinals.
Additional Wins
Senior+ Beau Bartlett, the second seed at 141, also advanced by defeating No. 18 Julian Tagg of South Dakota State with a 4-1 decision. Junior Levi Haines, seeded second at 174, won decisively against No. 18 Gavin Sax from Oklahoma, with a 4-0 victory.
The Nittany Lions finished day one with a perfect 20-0 record, achieving significant scoring through three major decisions, seven technical falls, and three pins, accumulating 19.5 points. Action will continue Friday with quarterfinals and consolation matches at 12 p.m., followed by national semifinals later in the evening.
Team Standings and Broadcast Details
Penn State leads with 39.5 points, followed by Nebraska and Oklahoma State. Fans can tune in to watch the action live on ESPNU during morning sessions and ESPN during the evening sessions. Stay connected with Penn State wrestling on social media platforms like X/Twitter and Instagram.
Penn State at the 2025 NCAA Championships
March 20-22, 2025 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, Pa.
