When No. 1 Penn State and No. 2 Iowa step onto the mat, you know it’s going to be a battle. These two teams have one of the biggest rivalries in college wrestling, and their 2025 showdown lived up to the hype. Held at a packed Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania, this dual meet was filled with high-energy matches, upsets, and some incredible performances.
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The Hype Leading Up to the Match
Both teams came into this dual undefeated at 9-0 (3-0 in the Big Ten). It was a massive showdown because Penn State and Iowa have met five times before while ranked No. 1 and No. 2 (previously in 1986, 2020, 2022, and 2023).
With four wrestlers ranked No. 1 in their weight classes and 14 athletes ranked in the top 5, fans knew this would be a war.
The Match Breakdown
125 lbs: Penn State Starts Strong
The night kicked off with the 125-pound match, where Penn State’s top-ranked wrestler took on Iowa’s tough competitor. In a strong start for the Nittany Lions, Penn State secured the win, energizing the home crowd.
133 lbs: Close Battle, Same Result
At 133 pounds, Iowa was hoping to even the score. Their wrestler came in slightly higher ranked, but Penn State pulled off a narrow win, keeping their momentum going.
141 lbs: Penn State Extends Their Lead
The 141-pound bout was another thriller, featuring two wrestlers ranked in the top 5. It was a grind, but Penn State’s wrestler controlled the pace and pulled out another victory. At this point, the Nittany Lions were rolling.
149 lbs: An Unexpected Upset
Iowa was hoping to get on the board in the 149-pound category, as their wrestler came in ranked higher. But in a surprising turn of events, Penn State’s athlete delivered an upset, securing yet another win! The home crowd was on fire.
157 lbs: The Most Anticipated Match
This was one of the biggest matches of the night:
- Penn State’s No. 3 Tyler Kasak vs.
- Iowa’s No. 1 Jacori Teemer (a returning NCAA runner-up).
Most fans expected Teemer to dominate, but Kasak shocked everyone by taking the win in a nail-biting match. This was a huge moment for Penn State, proving their depth across weight classes.
165 lbs: Penn State Keeps Rolling
At 165 pounds, Penn State grabbed yet another win, putting Iowa in serious trouble.
174 lbs: Iowa Finally Strikes Back
Iowa finally had something to cheer about in the 174-pound match, as their wrestler pulled off a much-needed win. It was Iowa’s first victory of the night, and they hoped to use it to spark a comeback.
184 lbs: Another Tight Battle Goes to Penn State
At 184 pounds, both teams sent out top-tier wrestlers. It was a grind, but Penn State edged out Iowa once again in a closely contested match.
197 lbs: More Penn State Dominance
Iowa had another chance to score points at 197 pounds, but Penn State’s wrestler refused to back down, securing yet another win. By this point, the dual was all but decided.
285 lbs: Iowa Ends on a High Note
The heavyweight 285-pound match gave Iowa something to celebrate, as their wrestler pulled off a solid win. But it was too little, too late—Penn State had already dominated the night.
Final Score & What It Means
Penn State won eight of the ten matches, proving why they’re the No. 1 team in the country.
- They showed depth and consistency across all weight classes.
- Their wrestlers were better conditioned and more aggressive in key moments.
- This win solidifies their path toward another national title.
For Iowa, it was a tough night. They came in as serious challengers, but Penn State simply outperformed them. However, expect the Hawkeyes to come back strong as they prepare for the Big Ten and NCAA Championships.
Final Thoughts
The Penn State vs. Iowa rivalry always delivers, and this match was no exception. While Iowa had their moments, Penn State proved they’re still the kings of college wrestling. With the NCAA Championships coming up, these two teams could meet again, and you can bet Iowa will be looking for revenge.
For now, though, the night belonged to the Nittany Lions! 🦁💪
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