Consistency has become a hallmark of Beau Bartlett‘s college wrestling career. Finishing last year as the NCAA’s 141 lb division runner-up, Bartlett has already made it to the #3 spot this year. However, just ahead of the match that has the potential to propel him to the #1 spot in his division, the two-time All-American revealed Penn State’s role in his success.

“Luckily, any losses I felt have been made by just me or like one or two guys at a time,” Bartlett confessed while discussing the Nittany Lions’ dominance. Penn State has won a mind-boggling eight NCAA titles in the last decade and hasn’t lost a single dual in all of Bartlett’s 4 years as a Penn State wrestler. While that doesn’t mean individual wrestlers didn’t lose any matches, it has certainly helped Bartlett’s confidence.

“We haven’t lost a dual since I’ve been here. So I don’t know what it’s like to lose a college dual, and that’s an awesome feeling,” Beau Bartlett confessed ahead of his match with rival Jesse Mendez of Ohio State. Last season, Mendez got the better of Bartlett in matches that mattered, the B1G and NCAA finals. This year, the Nittany Lion is hoping for a different outcome.

“I’ve been adjusting my mindset, just trying to improve every week,” the Penn State senior said about preparing to wrestle Mendez again. Bartlett explained he put too much pressure on himself last year trying to chase the top spot. While he continues to strive for that #1 ranking this year, he’s treating the upcoming clash with the Ohio State wrestler as any other wrestling match.

And this is where Penn State’s dominance has helped boost Beau Bartlett’s confidence. “You’re surrounded by guys that are teaching people, pinning guys, having awesome matches and everywhere and in between,” Bartlett said. With so many winners around him, it’s difficult to even consider losing. “I think it motivates you,” added the fourth-year Penn State student. However, defeating Mendez won’t be easy, despite the inspiration.

Can Beau Bartlett defeat his biggest rival?

While the Penn State wrestler believes he is his own biggest rival, on paper, it’s Mendez. After all, Jesse Mendez is the reigning champion, who knocked Bartlett down to the runner-up position. However, even though Bartlett lost the NCAA finals and the NWCA All-Star Classic 4-1 to Mendez, both bouts were extremely competitive.

In fact, Beau Bartlett defeated Mendez during the last regular season dual and briefly held the #1 spot. So it’s certainly possible for the senior Nittany Lion wrestler to defeat his arch-rival. Not to forget that he’ll be motivated to take his perfect record this season to 16-0. That, however, doesn’t mean the defending National Champion in the 141 lb division will cut his rival any slack.

Jesse Mendez expressed his desire to defend the NCAA crown while discussing the 2024-25 season. Mendez revealed a similar mentality toward defending his title in December. “I just don’t think being the returning national champ adds more pressure because it’s going to be tough every time,” said Mendez. The Ohio State wrestler also spoke about his hunger to win.

“I just have too much fight; I refuse to lose,” added Beau Bartlett’s rival as per The Lantern. So it’s safe to assume that both wrestlers will give their fans a show on Friday when Penn State travels to Ohio.