Penn State wrestling? Well, they are still out here doing what they do best—stacking up wins like it’s their full-time job. Regardless of whether Bo Nickal is competing or not, the Nittany Lions gave a masterclass in their match against Maryland on February 9 and won the game 35-10. This is five technical falls, eight wins out of ten bouts, and not a single takedown allowed—for the second time this weekend! Starting with the freshman sensation, Luke Lilledahl, who started the day with a 20-4 technical fall while other stars like Beau Bartlett, Carter Starocci, and Mitchell Mesenbrink, also ensured that the show continued with great performances.

And of course, Josh Barr and Greg Kerkvliet, who sealed the deal with a couple of statement wins, making sure Maryland never even had a chance to breathe. The Nittany Lions recorded 29 takedowns and came away with 11 bonus points, and it was evident that this team is constructed in a different manner. And just when you thought the night couldn’t get any better, Bo Nickal chimed in with a powerful message after that win!

Bo Nickal hit up X on February 9, fresh off that W, and dropped a message with some serious swagger: “There’s only one dynasty allowed in sports, and that’s @pennstateWREST. Go Birds!” Yep, he made it crystal clear—when it comes to dominance, there’s only room for one powerhouse, and it’s the Nittany Lions running the show. And with Penn State eyeing its fourth consecutive national championship to add to its existing tally of 12, there can’t be too many naysayers.

Bo Nickal is not an ordinary fighter; he is a wrestling champion who has transitioned to the UFC and as of February 4, 2025; he is ranked as the UFC middleweight #15. Before transitioning to MMA, he won the 2019 U23 World Championship, the US Open national championship.

He is a three-time NCAA champion, three-time Big Ten champion, and the 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy winner created at Penn State. Teaming those up with two Schalles Awards for the top pinner and the 2019 Big Ten Athlete of the Year and you have yourself quite the fighter. And while he has a stacked resume, he still sure knows how to cheer on the current Penn State wrestlers!

Bo Nickal was in Evans’ corner

Back in September, Penn State was preparing for yet another electrifying season and the expectations were high. Some of the Nittany Lions’ key players included experienced champions alongside some of the new talents which meant the team was ready to face Drexel and continue where they left off. In 2023, they made history with two four-time NCAA champs, but then, all eyes were on Carter Starocci.

In addition to the wrestling frenzy, Penn State was also making headlines off the wrestling floor. One of their young talents, David Evans, was scheduled for an MMA fight against Yrysbek Usenov in October, and the man in his corner was none other than Bo Nickal. On his YouTube podcast, Bo hyped up the season and made sure Evans got his flowers. “I’m excited for this Penn State year… (David) Evans has a fight… an actual guy on the Penn State wrestling team currently enrolled in school that’s going to be getting a fight in October. That’s sick!”

Bo made it clear—Evans had been putting in work. Training all summer, attending evening classes and polishing himself in both the takedown and striking departments. The statistics also did not deceive–his winning percentage increased from 71.43% in 2022 to 80% in 2023. And Nickal had no doubt that Evans was ready. “They’re not going to be getting any takedowns; I can guarantee that.” And guess what? Evans won. And with Nickal backing Penn State this season as well, who knows…?