Army West Point made history by claiming their first Southern Scuffle team title, outshining the heavyweights in the NCAA wrestling world. 2025 Southern Scuffle Tournament at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, saw a performance that stunned fans and analysts. Despite tough competition from top-ranked teams, the Army Black Knights’ performance left a lasting impact on the wrestling community.

Army secured the team title at the 2025 Southern Scuffle, finishing first with 132.5 points, dethroning traditional powerhouses like Penn State and Oklahoma. Both Oklahoma and Penn State, tied with 126.5 points. The Black Knights’ victory highlighted the strategic depth and the impressive performance that the team showcased which earned them the title.

Army’s Gunner Filipowicz was a standout who contributed significantly to the team’s title run. He clinched the 165-pound title with an 18-3 victory. Moreover, Filipowicz’s performance, along with strong efforts from Richard Treanor and Dalton Harkins, helped Army maintain their lead on day two. He went 4-0 on day one with two major decisions and two falls. In the second period, he sealed his title with a 10-1 lead through two takedowns and four near-fall points. Richard Treanor’s 3-0 performance at 141 pounds on day one contributed to Army’s success. He opened the tournament with a pin just 1:23 into the match, followed by a major decision and a 3-1 win in the quarterfinals. Additionally, Lucas Stoddard, at 285 pounds, also had a strong performance, making it to the finals before placing second.

In a recent tweet by Army Wrestling on X, the team expressed their pride in securing their first-ever Southern Scuffle team title. Reflecting on their victory, they shared their excitement about the future and their determination to bring energy to every event ahead. “Our boys take home the team trophy for the first time in program history with a combined team score of 132.5!!! We are proud of our performance, and we are excited to bring the energy to every event that follows 🇺🇸 #AmericasTeam.” This highlights their recognition of the hard work and determination that earned them the title. It signals the team’s pride in their historic accomplishment and their readiness to face future challenges. Beyond just celebrating this victory, it shows their confidence to maintain their momentum for the upcoming competitions.

Army’s historic victory at the 2025 Southern Scuffle has redefined the dynamics of NCAA wrestling with this historic win. The team’s success not only highlights their emergence but also shows their resilience that carried them to this victory. Their victory marks a turning point in NCAA wrestling, shifting NCAA wrestling rankings and challenging the dominance of traditional powerhouses.

Army’s victory reshapes NCAA wrestling power rankings

Army’s victory is all the more impressive considering the challenges Penn State and Oklahoma faced throughout the tournament. The two powerhouses struggled with key setbacks that impacted their overall results. Challenges faced by these powerhouses exposed weaknesses, which the Army took advantage of for their historic win. This shift in momentum highlights the changing dynamics of NCAA wrestling, as Army’s triumph redefines the rankings.

Penn State entered the tournament with high expectations but was hit hard by injuries and absences. Key wrestlers like Carter Starocci, a four-time NCAA champion, were missing. Additionally, the absence of Kysion Garcia further weakened their lineup.

These absences led to a disappointing performance, with Penn State finishing third with only 126.5 points. Although wrestlers like Zack Ryder and Connor Mirasola advanced to the semifinals, the absence of key wrestlers affected their overall performance. For Head Coach Cael Sanderson, wrestling is more than just wins and losses. “We don’t really worry about that stuff. We’re just focusing on our performance and our effort and just trying to get better,” he said. It’s this mindset that he knows there is always room for growth and improvement. Sanderson’s goal is clear: to continue leading his team towards excellence.

David Taylor’s Oklahoma also faced its own hurdles throughout the tournament. Oklahoma secured second place with 126.5 points but faced setbacks, including Gaven Sax’s surprising loss in the 174-pound final. The absence of wrestlers like Wyatt Hendrickson and Reece Witcraft, both key figures for the Sooners, further disrupted their momentum. Oklahoma’s depth, shown through other wrestlers’ performances, kept them competitive but couldn’t surpass Army for the title.

Army’s victory at the Southern Scuffle marks a dramatic shift in the NCAA wrestling landscape, leaving traditional powerhouses like Penn State and Oklahoma reassessing their strategies. However, the question remains whether the Army can maintain this momentum, or will the traditional powers reclaim their position in upcoming seasons?