As we head full steam into the heart of the 2025-26 NCAA winter season, the collegiate wrestling landscape is taking shape with the stories and headlines as big as a heavy weight tie up. As the season moves on and athletes such as Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks left behind in the history books, some might think the Penn State dynasty has officially come to a halt, however, it might be best to think again. 

This season is defined by a massive reload, the continued rise of David Taylor’s Oklahoma State program, and crop of freshmen that are not just looking to compete - they’re looking to dominate.

 Here is your guide to the athletes and storylines defining the road to the 2026 NCAA Championship - welcome to the mat report. 

The “New” Nittany Lion Juggernaut 

The biggest question entering the season was how Cael Sanderson would replace one of the greatest senior classes in NCAA history. The answer? The transfer portal and the number one recruiting class. 

Mitchell Mesenbrink (165 Ibs, Penn State): With Starocci gone, this is Mesenbrink’s team now. Coming off a 27-0 championship season where he bonus-pointed nearly everyone in sight, Mesenbrink is the heavy favourite for the Hodge Trophy. His pace is withering, his attacks are relentless, and he has arguably become the most entertaining wrestler in the country. 

Levi Haines (174 lbs, Penn State): Now a senior, Haines provides the veteran stability. He has been a finalist or champion his entire career. While Mesenbrink brings the flash, Haines brings the grit, looking to cap off his career with another title in a new weight class.

Rocco Welsh (184 lbs, Penn State): In one of the offseason's biggest shockwaves, NCAA finalist Rocco Welsh transferred from Ohio State to Penn State. He immediately plugs the hole left by the graduates and makes PSU a favorite at 184.

The Challenger: David Taylor’s Cowboys

In just his second season as head coach at Oklahoma State, David Taylor is aggressively reshaping the program to rival his alma mater. The "Magic Man" has the Cowboys wrestling with a new intensity, and he’s winning battles in the recruiting living rooms.

Zack Ryder (184 lbs, Oklahoma State): The narrative here is thick. Ryder, a blue-chip recruit originally at Penn State, transferred to Stillwater this offseason. He now anchors the upper weights for Taylor, bringing a dynamic, scramble-heavy style that fits the new Cowboy culture perfectly.

Troy Spratley (125 lbs, Oklahoma State): A returning All-American who has looked sharp early in the season. With the 125-pound weight class notoriously chaotic, Spratley provides the consistency the Cowboys need to chase a team trophy.

Veterans to Watch

Outside of the PSU-OK State axis, several stars are looking to spoil the party.

Jesse Mendez (141 lbs, Ohio State): The Buckeyes may have lost Welsh, but they still have Mendez. The defending NCAA champion is a tactical genius and arguably the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the Big Ten not named Mesenbrink. Expect him to be on a collision course with the finals Saturday night in March.

Luke Lilledahl (125 lbs, Penn State): After a stellar true freshman campaign where he finished 3rd, Lilledahl enters his sophomore year as the title favorite. He has filled out into the weight and his technical precision is lightyears ahead of most of the field.

Impact Freshmen: The Youth Movement

Rarely do we see true freshmen poised to make this much noise, but the Class of 2025 is different.

Marcus Blaze (133 lbs, Penn State): The #1 overall recruit coming out of high school did not redshirt—he stepped right into the lineup. Blaze is already wrestling with the poise of a veteran. His speed and transition wrestling are elite. He isn't just a "dark horse"; he is a legitimate title contender right now.

PJ Duke (157 lbs, Penn State): Another true freshman thrust into the spotlight. Duke is battling with teammate Tyler Kasak for the spot, but when he’s on the mat, he’s electric. If he locks down the starting job by March, he is an immediate All-American threat.

The Bottom Line

The 2025-2026 season isn't a rebuilding year; it's a reloading year. While the names on the back of the singlets have changed, the standard remains sky-high. Keep your eyes on the Mesenbrink vs. The Field chase for the Hodge, and watch closely as David Taylor tries to bridge the gap between Stillwater and State College.

March is here.