Penn State Wrestling Dominates Oklahoma, Extends Winning Streak to 72

Unstoppable Nittany Lions Open Season with Statement Victory

The Penn State wrestling program once again flexed its championship muscle, defeating Oklahoma 7-0 in their season opener on November 14, 2025. The victory extends the Nittany Lions' remarkable winning streak to 72 consecutive dual-meet matches, further cementing their dominance under head coach Cael Sanderson.

The match at the Bryce Jordan Center showcased Penn State's unparalleled depth, with two redshirt freshmen stepping up to deliver decisive victories in the 197 and 285-pound weight classes. Connor Mirasola kicked things off with a major decision (13-3) against No. 8 DJ Parker, while brother Cole Mirasola followed with a 5-2 decision over No. 24 Juan Mora at heavyweight.

Depth Creates Coaching Headaches

As highlighted in pre-match analysis, Penn State's roster presents a unique challenge for Sanderson. With multiple ranked wrestlers competing for starting positions, the coaching staff faces difficult decisions each week. This season opener saw several lineup adjustments, including Joe Sealey starting at 157 pounds instead of PJ Duke, and Cole Mirasola replacing Lucas Cochran at heavyweight.

"This is the luxury and the curse of having so many talented wrestlers," Sanderson noted. "Every match requires strategic lineup decisions based on opponents and development opportunities."

Despite the changes, the Nittany Lions' performance was seamless. Top-ranked wrestlers like Levi Haines (174), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165), and Shayne Van Ness (149) secured their usual dominance, while newcomers like Marcus Blaze (133) continued to develop under the program's elite coaching.

What's Next for Penn State?

With the 72-match streak secure, Penn State turns its attention to a challenging schedule ahead. The Nittany Lions will face ranked opponents in consecutive weeks, including a dual meet against Iowa on November 21. The team's ability to maintain momentum through these tests will be crucial as they pursue another NCAA championship.

"We're proud of this streak, but it's not our focus," Sanderson emphasized. "Our goal is to peak in March. This early season gives us valuable data on our young wrestlers and our lineup flexibility."

For wrestling fans, Penn State's dominance continues to set the standard in collegiate wrestling. Their combination of seasoned champions and emerging talent makes them the team to beat in the 2025-2026 season.

The Mirasola Brothers Shine

Connor and Cole Mirasola's performances were particularly noteworthy. Connor, filling in for Josh Barr at 197 pounds, controlled the match against Parker with aggressive takedowns and riding time. His major decision provided early momentum.

Cole's heavyweight victory against Mora was equally impressive. Despite giving up early points, Cole's conditioning and defensive prowess secured the win, demonstrating the program's ability to develop top-tier talent at all weight classes.

As Penn State continues its pursuit of another national title, the blend of experience and youth remains their greatest strength. The Nittany Lions have proven once again that their roster isn't just deep—it's championship-caliber from top to bottom.