The wrestling world was treated to an exceptional display of dominance as top-ranked Penn State wrestling secured a decisive 32-3 victory over No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This result not only extends the Nittany Lions' historic winning streak but also underscores their growing superiority in the NCAA wrestling rankings.
The match, which took place on Friday, January 16, 2026, saw Penn State's wrestling team win nine of the ten bouts, showcasing their depth and skill across various weight classes. This victory marks the third consecutive year Penn State has defeated Iowa, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in college wrestling.
One of the standout performances came from No. 4 Rocco Welsh, who pulled off a stunning upset by defeating No. 1 Angelo Ferrari in a thrilling 2-1 tiebreaker at 184 pounds. This victory is particularly significant, as Ferrari had been a formidable opponent and previously held the top ranking in his weight class.
Another notable performance was from No. 13 Cole Mirasola, who secured a 4-3 decision over No. 5 Ben Kueter. This win not only highlights Mirasola's skill but also adds to the growing list of ranking upsets that Penn State has achieved this season.
The victory was even more impressive considering it came on Iowa's home turf. The Hawks have had a long history of wrestling excellence, making this loss one of their worst since the 1965-66 season. This defeat also represents the Hawkeyes' worst loss at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, adding to the magnitude of Penn State's achievement.
The Nittany Lions' dominance was evident from the start, with their head coach, Cael Sanderson, leading the team to their 79th consecutive dual win. This streak is a testament to the program's consistency and the dedication of its athletes. The team's ability to score bonus points, particularly from their No. 1-ranked wrestlers, further underscores their depth and talent.
This victory not only extends Penn State's NCAA-record win streak but also highlights their growing dominance in college wrestling. With such impressive performances, Penn State continues to set new standards and expectations for the sport. The Hawkeyes, despite the loss, will likely regroup and prepare for future challenges, but for now, Penn State stands tall as the reigning champions of college wrestling.
