The 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships arrived at a thrilling conclusion on March 22, 2025, in Philadelphia, showcasing the finest talents in collegiate wrestling. With dramatic matches and unexpected outcomes, the event delivered excitement for wrestling fans nationwide.
Penn State emerged as the undisputed champion of the tournament, managing to accumulate a remarkable total of 177 points, making it a historic performance that broke Division I tournament records. Minnesota, highlighted by Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, struggled to find its footing, finishing tied in fifth place with Ohio State, both scoring 51.5 points.
One of the tournament's most electrifying moments came when heavyweight Steveson faced off against Wyatt Hendrickson from Oklahoma State in the finals. In a match laden with anticipation, Hendrickson pulled off what can only be described as a monumental upset, defeating Steveson by a score of 5-4. After trailing 4-2 late in the match, Hendrickson executed a brilliant takedown with just 18 seconds remaining, solidifying his victory. "I never thought I would end Gable’s quest for a third title, but I just focused on my technique, and it paid off," Hendrickson remarked post-match, a sentiment echoed throughout the wrestling community. Steveson, in his final collegiate match, fell short of securing a third national title, a bittersweet end to an illustrious college wrestling career.
On an uplifting note, Carter Starocci of Penn State etched his name in the history books by becoming the first-ever five-time national champion after overcoming Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa in the 184-pound final. In a tightly contested bout, Starocci took the win 4-3, celebrating his momentous achievement. "It feels amazing to be part of history and to celebrate the journey that has led to this achievement," he stated, capturing the pride of the Penn State faithful.
Elsewhere on the mat, Jesse Mendez from Ohio State defended his title efficiently, defeating Brock Hardy of Nebraska, 12-9, in the 141-pound final. Mendez made a strong comeback from an early deficit, showcasing skill and determination. "Winning back-to-back titles is a dream come true, and I hope to keep this momentum going," expressed Mendez, highlighting the emotional stakes of the championship.
Another notable match featured Stephen Buchanan from Iowa, who clinched the 197-pound national championship by defeating Josh Barr of Penn State, 5-2. This victory marked the first time Iowa celebrated a national champion at 197 pounds since the weight class was introduced. Buchanan's triumph swelled the hearts of his loyal Hawkeye supporters, further enriching Iowa's legacy in collegiate wrestling.
Among the remaining participants, Ridge Lovett of Nebraska edged out Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech 1-0, and Antrell Taylor, also from Nebraska, secured a 4-2 victory against Joey Blaze of Purdue. Both victories reflected the competitive nature of the championship and displayed the depth of talent within the Nebraska wrestling program.
The competition illustrated numerous upsets across various weight classes, showcasing unparalleled tension and drama that college wrestling is known for. Hendrickson’s win over Steveson will likely be etched into NCAA history as a defining moment of this championship.
As the dust settled on the final day, the team standings left a lasting picture of where each program stands within the competitive landscape of college wrestling. Penn State claimed first place with an astounding 177 points, while Nebraska followed with 117, Oklahoma State earned 102.5, and Iowa took fourth with 81 points. Minnesota finished tied for fifth with Ohio State, both teams wrapping up their championship showing with 51.5 points.
Reflecting on the culmination of these championships, the event produced not just champions and records, but a wealth of stories that resonate deeply with fans everywhere. As the sun sets on another NCAA Wrestling Championships, anticipation for next season grows, along with the hope of witnessing more incredible performances in the years to come.
