With the NCAA DI Wrestling Championships approaching in March, Penn State is once again viewed as the heavy favorite to dominate the competition. They haven’t just been winning—they’ve been crushing opponents all season long, leaving little doubt about who runs the mat this year.

But what about their arch-rivals, the Iowa Hawkeyes? According to one of the greatest in UFC lore, Chael Sonnen, the title bout could possibly have a winner even at this early stage. And boy, he wasn’t afraid to say it.

Sonnen hopped on the Nickals and Dimes podcast, hosted by Penn State’s very own Bo Nickal, and when asked if anyone—including Iowa—could take down the Nittany Lions, he didn’t sugarcoat it. “You have to be very unrealistic…” he said, making it clear that Penn State is untouchable.

He simplifies it—too many weapons, too many talents, and too high a margin for any group to cover over. “Someone’s gotta not make it through… gotta have an injury somewhere where just something doesn’t work out, and then for them to make it all the way to 2nd, that’s a problem because there’s about 57 points in between.”

And even when yet another group—like Iowa—has a tremendous NCAA tourney, Penn State’s depth will simply prove too much for them to overcome. “Penn State ends with 3 in the finals and wins. In case they have 2 champions, they win it.” The lesson? It doesn’t matter what everyone else in the field does—Penn State’s accumulated such a dominant margin that no one can ever hope to pass them.

They summed it up with no room for dispute: “For competition, head-to-head competition, nobody can beat them at present.” That actual bout? It’s not for the first position—it’s for the second position.

Iowa’s culture and leadership of teams during Penn State’s domination

Penn State could be the odds-on bet to win in March but don’t count out for a nanosecond that Iowa is backing down. The Hawkeyes don’t care about wins and losses alone—this is about creating something larger, and that’s precisely what Coach Terry Brands has been creating.

Brands has been creating a powerhouse environment, one of one that is based on determination, leadership, and loyalty. “They’re good culture. And these guys are brothers. They’re actually,” he continued. Guys like Spencer Lee have helped build that sort of environment in years past, and that same sort of momentum is rolling over into today’s times.“Spencer said, ‘We’re brothers,’ and that’s exactly right.”

That doesn’t stop with long-time recruits but extends to new blood gained through NIL deals, as well. Brands pinpointed Park and Bucha, two guys who’ve replaced big shoes in a big manner. “Park was one of our best spiritual leaders,” one of them mentioned. “He brings a group together—we’re praying in groups beforehand now with him, not individual, but group.” And Bucha, in a similar case, impressed in a similar manner. “He came in at NIL and is phenomenal. He’s one of the nicest young men I’ve ever been around, coaching-wise.”

The heart and soul of this unit? Drake Ayala—the unchallenged Hawkeye Alpha.“He puts his arm around you when you need it. He kicks you in the butt when you need it. It is a great culture.”Whatever it is, whether it’s seasoned leaders muddling through, or new guys stepping up to challenge, in Iowa’s locker room, they’re not debating being a family, they’re living it.

But Penn State isn’t resting yet, though. Facts don’t lie. All through the whole season, dominating performances have seen them secure a definite title favorite tag. With Shayne Van Ness (149 lbs), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165 lbs), Levi Haines (174 lbs), Carter Starocci (184 lbs), and Greg Kerkvliet (285 lbs) at the controls, closing in seems a feat too grand to undertake.

Iowa has been a college wrestling juggernaut for years, but this year’s group at Penn State is a whole new level of the beast. Even Iowa’s best lineup will have to go out of its way and then some in an attempt to keep pace with Sanderson’s unit.

Coming down to the start of the NCAA tournament, the actual question may not necessarily be whether Penn State wins—but who will have enough to even give them a glimmer of a chance?

Penn State’s title run looks almost a fait accompli, and Chael Sonnen made it a fact—no one’s getting in their path this year. But, with Nittany Lions attempting to trample everyone in their path to a title, Iowa’s leadership culture will make them one of America’s most durable programs and a reminder no one can count them out yet, at least. The actual fight for the position may be for second but don’t bet against the Hawkeyes defending that they’re still a national player.