Under Cael Sanderson, Penn State Dominates Over 2025 Season End Rankings

Ever since Cael Sanderson joined the team, Penn State quickly took the lead, starting with a 13-6-1 dual meet record and securing its first significant achievements. Now in his 16th year, Sanderson has been instrumental in leading the Nittany Lions to 10 NCAA Championships and producing 34 national champions, a feat nothing short of remarkable. From his wrestling career to his coaching role, it’s all yielding the expected results from a legend like him.

With the 2025 season concluded and final NCAA rankings released, the Nittany Lions have four wrestlers finishing at No. 1 in their respective weight classes. In a newly released X post, Beau Bartlett takes the top spot in the 141-pound class after beating his rival, Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez. The top two wrestlers on their teams saw Mendez in the lead last year after Bartlett fell short in the 2024 NCAA Championship finals match. This time, the momentum shifted in Penn State’s favor.

At 149 lbs, the Nittany Lions’ Shayne Van Ness takes the No. 2 spot over Iowa Hawkeyes’ Kyle Parco. When it comes to their significant differences, Ness holds a 3-0 lead over Parco. Following him is Tyler Kasak at 157 pounds, taking the lead over Cornell University wrestler Meyer Shapiro. Kasak holds a 14-9 advantage over him.

At 165lbs, Mitchell Mesenbrink is taking the No. 1 spot over Iowa Hawkeyes Mikey Caliendo. It was just a one-point difference, with the Lions’ wrestler gaining the upper hand. Carter Starocci, at 184 pounds, claims the top spot with an undefeated 17-0 record, just like Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeison. However, despite his 19-0 record, Keckeison is ranked No. 2.

Penn State continues to dominate, maintaining its No. 1 spot in the rankings. In terms of the tournament rankings, the Lions take the top spot with 152.5 points, and in the dual rankings, they make a 14-0 record. The team’s dominance from the start has posed a significant challenge to other NCAA teams.

NCAA D1 rankings of the season, including Penn State’s

With the Nittany Lions wrestling team at No. 1, David Taylor’s Oklahoma State Cowboys follow at No. 2, while Tom Brands’ Iowa Hawkeyes hold the No. 3 spot in the dual rankings. As for the tournament team ranking, it’s Iowa Hawkeyes at No. 2 and Oklahoma State at No. 3.

Oklahoma State star player Troy Spratley takes the No. 5 spot in 125lbs, while Tagen Jamison is also at No. 5 in 141lbs. Other highlights came with Cameron Amine at No. 6 in 165lbs, Dean Hamiti taking the No. 3 spot in 174lbs, Dustin Plott at No. 3 in 184lbs, Luke Surber at No. 6 in 197lbs, and finally Wyatt Hendrickson at No. 3 spot in 285lbs.

Stephen Buchanan leads at No. 1 spot in 197lbs, representing the Iowa Hawkeyes. At No. 2 come Drake Alaya in 133lbs and Mikey Caliendo at 165lbs. The No. 3 spot is led by Kyle Parco in 149lbs and Jacori Teemer at 157lbs. Alongside Penn State, Iowa and Oklahoma State continue to dominate the NCAA tournament, maintaining their position among the top three teams, just like last year.

Since joining last season, David Taylor has led the Cowboys to dominant victories, positioning them as strong contenders alongside Penn State and Iowa. With their promising dual match wins this season leading them to the second spot, the Cowboys need to prepare themselves for the 2025 NCAA Championship.