
Penn State Makes History: The Second Team Ever to Secure 10 All-Americans!
2025-03-22
Author: Ying
In an outstanding display of talent and resilience, the Penn State Nittany Lions have cemented their legacy in college wrestling by becoming only the second team in NCAA Division I history to produce 10 All-Americans in a single season. This remarkable achievement aligns them with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who first reached this milestone back in 2001.
The thrilling journey unfolded on a dramatic Friday night during the NCAA championships, as Penn State saw three of its wrestlers secure hard-fought victories in the blood round—an elimination round that separates the finalists from those who fall short of All-American status. Among the standout wrestlers was Tyler Kasak, the top-seeded 157-pound contender. After facing an unexpected setback in the quarterfinals, Kasak bounced back with determination and skill, securing a narrow 5-4 victory over Jude Swisher by skillfully escaping a last-minute leg attack.
Adding to the collective triumph, Luke Lilledahl at 125 pounds and Braeden Davis at 133 pounds also clinched crucial blood round wins, further solidifying Penn State’s remarkable achievement. Lilledahl displayed exceptional tenacity, rebounding from his quarterfinal loss to dominate a match against Wisconsin's Nicolar Rivera with a 7-3 decision. Meanwhile, Davis showcased his strategic prowess with a timely first-period takedown that ultimately led him to a 4-2 victory over returning All-American Evan Frost from Iowa State.
This historic milestone not only highlights the strength of the Penn State wrestling program but also sets the stage for a fierce competition as they seek to maintain their dominance in college wrestling. As the championship unfolds, wrestling enthusiasts are left wondering: can Penn State push beyond this milestone and further rewrite the record books? Only time will tell!