Penn State’s Carter Starocci made history by winning his fifth national title at the NCAA men’s wrestling championships. In an exciting heavyweight final, Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson shocked many by defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson 5-4. The event was notable as it was attended by former President Donald Trump, just like the previous tournament held in Tulsa in 2023.
Hendrickson’s victory was dramatic. He was behind until he scored a critical takedown in the final minute—his opponent Steveson had not allowed a single takedown all season. Emotionally charged, Hendrickson declared, “It’s bigger than worlds, Olympics, anything,” after his win.
Steveson, who had a remarkable 70-match winning streak and was two-time national champion, returned to wrestling after a break that included stints in WWE and the NFL. Coming into the last period with a lead of 3-2, he was overtaken by Hendrickson’s impressive final move.
Starocci’s achievement was part of an impressive showing by Penn State. They dominated the tournament, racking up their 12th national title under coach Cael Sanderson, with Starocci narrowly beating Parker Keckeisen in the 184-pound final. After his win, Starocci reflected on the significance of his title, saying, “This is all just preparation for the next thing.”
Penn State scored 177 points, outperforming their previous record. In addition, Mitchell Mesenbrink claimed the title at 165 pounds, finishing the season undefeated after losing in the finals the year before. This season marked a historic moment for Penn State, as they became the second program to have 10 All-Americans in one season.
Nebraska had an impressive outing as well, finishing second with 117 points, thanks to victories from Ridge Lovett and Antrell Taylor. Oklahoma State followed in third with 102.5 points.
In another standout match, Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez mounted an impressive comeback from a 5-0 deficit to defeat Nebraska’s Brock Hardy 12-9 for his second consecutive national title.
This tournament not only showcased individual talents but also highlighted the exciting nature of college wrestling, where surprises are always possible. As fans took to social media to celebrate these moments, it’s clear that the thrill of NCAA wrestling continues to captivate audiences around the nation.
For more detailed stats on this year’s competition, you can check out the NCAA Wrestling Championship results.
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