In a historic performance at the 2025 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia, the Penn State Nittany Lions achieved a remarkable milestone by having all 10 of their wrestlers earn All-American honors. This feat has been accomplished only once before, by the University of Minnesota in 2001. 
Under the leadership of head coach Cael Sanderson, Penn State not only secured 10 All-Americans but also advanced three wrestlers to the championship finals. The Nittany Lions amassed a commanding lead in the team standings with 135.5 points, outpacing second-place Nebraska, which has 101.5 points, and third-place Oklahoma State with 91 points.
Among the finalists is Carter Starocci, who remains in contention for an unprecedented fifth national title. He advanced to the final at 184 pounds after defeating Oklahoma State’s Dustin Plott 9-3 in the semifinals. Starocci will face Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen, the defending champion at 184 pounds, in the final.
The other Penn State finalists include top-seeded Mitchell Mesenbrink at 165 pounds, who will face Iowa’s Mike Caliendo, and Josh Barr at 197 pounds, who advanced after defeating Michigan’s Jesse Cardenas 5-3 and will compete against Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan in the final.
This achievement underscores Penn State’s dominance in collegiate wrestling and highlights the depth and talent within their program. The Nittany Lions’ performance not only cements their legacy but also sets a new standard for excellence in the sport.
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