For the first time since late 2021, the Penn State wrestling team has slipped from the top position in the FloWrestling NCAA DI Wrestling Rankings. Despite a solid 3-0 record, they were edged out by Ohio State, who leads with 104 points to Penn State’s 103. Iowa follows closely with 102.5 points.
The rankings reflect the bold choices of Ohio State and Iowa early this season. Ohio State recently claimed victory at the National Duals Invitational, defeating Iowa for a substantial prize of $200,000. In contrast, Penn State chose not to compete in that event.
Even though Penn State hasn’t faced many opponents yet, they continue to showcase strong performances. The team recently won matches against Drexel and Lehigh with scores of 43-3 and 36-6, respectively. This Saturday, they will face No. 24 Wyoming for their opening match in Laramie.
This encounter marks the second time these teams will compete; their first meeting last season ended with Penn State winning decisively, 54-0.
Wyoming is looking to bounce back after a mixed start to their season. They performed well in a recent tournament, finishing seventh at the 2025 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational. Two Wyoming wrestlers, Joey Novak and Christian Carroll, earned runner-up finishes in their weight classes.
In the larger landscape of college wrestling, rankings are often hot topics on social media. Fans share their excitement and opinions about teams’ performances and matchups. Recent trends show increased engagement around top matches, reflecting the growing popularity of wrestling among younger audiences.
How Rankings Work
The FloWrestling rankings prioritize tournament results over dual meet outcomes. This method ensures that only individual performance influences team rankings, making them a more reliable gauge of overall team strength.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships will be a significant event for teams, taking place in Cleveland from March 19-21. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see if Penn State can reclaim the top spot, continuing their legacy of dominance in college wrestling.
For detailed scheduling and updates, fans can find more information on the FloWrestling website.
This season is shaping up to be exciting for wrestling fans, with strong competition and high stakes.
