It’s a big cross-country and fan rivalry, between the top-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions and No. 2 Iowa Hawkeyes on January 31, 2025 at the Bryce Jordan Center, as top is always anticipating that road and fan matchup. This eagerly awaited dual reignites a historic rivalry between two of the winningest programs with top talent in the nation.
Historical Context
The Iowa Wrestling rivalry is one of the most intense rivalries in collegiate sporting. The Nittany Lions are now just seven games behind Iowa with 13 wins versus 28 for the Hawkeyes, trailing 1-0 in a series that has tilted more in their direction recently, with Penn State winning seven of the last 10 meetings heading into the February 2024 clash, including one in which they put it away 29-6. Such a rivalry in Iowa Wrestling is essential for both the edge of competition and both programs’ accomplishments in national titles (24 by Iowa and 11 by Penn State), and several of their matchups are meaningful to rankings and postseason situations.
Current Rankings and Records
The Penn State Nittany Lions are No. 1 as of January 30, 2025 with a 9-0 record and 3-0 standing in the Big Ten after beating Rutgers 35-3. And there are ten qualified wrestlers (four ranked No. 1). Also 9-0 and 3-0 Big Ten, the No. 2 team Iowa Hawkeyes have 24-13 over Ohio to stand at 9-0. Both have nine ranked wrestlers including Stephen Buchanan and Jacori Teemer, each No. 1 but they just aren’t deep or heavy enough. This was an important season result for both teams.
Team Profiles
The Penn State Nittany Lions are flying high, 9-0 and outscoring their opponents 323-9. Such wins include a 55-0 shutout of Michigan State and a 41-3 win over No. 21 Missouri, which features 10 ranked wrestlers and four of whom are ranked No. 1. The number 2 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, however, have a perfect 9-0 record and the most recent road win against fourth ranked Ohio St, 24-13. Stephen Buchanan and Jacori Teemer are ranked No. 1 in Iowa, along with eight other ranked wrestlers, so they will be a strong opponent headed into its duel with Penn State.
Key Wrestlers to Watch
Top ranked wrestlers in Iowa Wrestling could be in store for a satisfying dual in the upcoming Penn State Nittany Lions versus Iowa Hawkeyes meet. Tyler Kasak (157) and Mitchell Mesenbrink (165) at 157 and 165 are both ranked No. 1 at 11-0 and 13-0 for Penn State. Carter Starocci (184) also moves up to No. 1 and adds to their formidable lineup. Iowa counters with Stephen Buchanan (197), who remains perfect at 10-0 and ranked No. 1, and meantime, 2-1 Jacori Teemer (157), who leads his weight at 157 and is ranked No. 1. And their match is a critical matchup to watch between Buchanan and Starocci, who need such wins in order to secure university bona fides.
Probable Lineups
All weight classes on the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Iowa Hawkeyes are loaded for the upcoming dual meet. Luke Lilledahl (125 lbs) against 23 Joey Cruz (Iowa), Braeden Davis (133 lbs) vs 2 Drake Ayala, Beau Bartlett (141 lbs) vs. Ryder Block, Shayne Van Ness (149 lbs) will have 2 Kyle Parco. Key contests to watch include 3 Tyler Kasak vs. 1 Jacori Teemer (157 lbs); both combatants are very important to national rankings and potential postseason impact, while 1 Carter Starocci vs. 5 Gabe Arnold (184 lbs) is also a big match up between not just teammates, but individuals with a combined 65 his state and national titles.
Recent Performances Leading Up to the Dual
Notable wins in Iowa Wrestling and their perfect 9-0 record include a 24-13 Ohio State win as No. 4, and a 21-15 win over No. 12 Iowa State. Like the Penn State Nittany Lions, who have yet to fall at 9-0 by comfortably handling their opponents by beating Rutgers 35-3 and Missouri 41-3 to show they’re strong all across the lineup. The two teams are tied in their preparation for their highly anticipated dual match.
The Venue
Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the home of the Iowa Hawkeyes, is a premier venue in college Iowa Wrestling, renowned for its enthusiastic atmosphere and extensive history. Opening in 1983, it has hosted over 1,000 matches, with Iowa Wrestling boasting an impressive home record of 255-25. The arena’s prominence is underscored by notable attendance figures, including a remarkable 42,287 fans during the “Grapple on the Gridiron” event in 2015. This venue not only serves as a fortress for the Hawkeyes but also plays a vital role in the culture of college Iowa Wrestling.
Fan Engagement and Atmosphere
The dual meet featuring the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Iowa Hawkeyes is expected to draw over 15,000 fans to the Bryce Jordan Center, known for hosting some of the largest-attended dual meets in college Iowa Wrestling. Fan engagement plays a vital role in these events, as an energized crowd can enhance athletes‘ performances and create a lively atmosphere. This energy in Iowa Wrestling motivates wrestlers and elevates the overall excitement and prestige of the competition, rendering it a significant highlight of the season.
As the dual approaches, anticipation increases for the fierce competition and energetic atmosphere created by passionate fans. This event embodies the spirit of collegiate Iowa Wrestling, highlighting skill and strategy while uniting supporters for a memorable celebration of college sports.