Jim Knowles’ defense is not static and is certainly malleable to suggestions, but even a veteran coach has a breaking point with directives.
The coordinator reached his limit after three years at Ohio State, where he successfully revamped and revitalized a struggling unit into a championship caliber group in short order — but not without interference and pressures from head coach Ryan Day, who inserted himself in defensive meetings more often this season and asked for changes to be made midway through the season, sources told CBS Sports. Last week, their short marriage ended with Knowles bolting for rival Penn State. A bigger payday and more autonomy to run his scheme awaits him in State College, where he will be introduced Tuesday in a press conference.
Chip Kelly leaves Ohio State for Raiders: Buckeyes facing significant staff overhaul after national title win
Will Backus
The departure was not a surprise for Ohio State staffers. Knowles also fielded discussions with Oklahoma and Notre Dame, and rumors of a departure for the Sooners hit a fever pitch as the Buckeyes prepared for the national championship game against the Irish. It never distracted Ohio State, particularly because Knowles, lovingly referred to as a hermit with a coach’s whistle, never relented from his habits: locking himself in his office, studying opponents’ film and developing concise game plans before emerging from behind closed doors with a plan that always seemed to wow his players.
“I always called him Batman,” Buckeyes defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau said before Ohio State’s win against the Irish in the national championship. “He is in his cave, and he comes out and you never know what he has in store, but you’ve got to get to know him. Once you get to know him, that’s one guy you’ll have on your side. To be able to play for him as a DC, it’s a blessing.”
The Buckeyes won the national championship and Knowles polished the “Silver Bullets” into the nation’s best defense (12.9 points per game), but did so rebuilding the unit over three years with the understanding that mixing his three-man front schemes would never be a hallmark in Columbus, sources told CBS Sports. The crux was longtime defensive line coach Larry Johnson, whose four-man front philosophies are ingrained in the Buckeyes’ culture. It was Knowles, not the Buckeyes, who had to adjust philosophically. That didn’t necessarily eliminate Knowles’ three-man looks and mixing coverages, but his love of utilizing a “Jack” hybrid on and off the line was never the touchstone it was previously at Oklahoma State and Duke.
Meanwhile, Day’s appearances in the defensive meeting room increased after the Buckeyes’ 32-31 loss at Oregon in Week 7. They allowed nearly 500 yards of offense, including 341 yards passing, as superstars like cornerback Denzel Burke struggled in coverage.
It’s not unusual for a head coach to take an added interest in a particular unit after a loss, but what made this development more personal and political was Day’s background as an offensive coordinator. As Day left mentor Chip Kelly on his own to develop game plans and call games, it was the veteran defensive coordinator who instead had to deal with his boss breathing down his neck.
That didn’t mix well with Knowles’ lone ranger attitude. The Cornell graduate, who also got his coaching start in the Ivy League, is not your typical play-caller. He enjoys cigars and sushi, and is quite the reflective intellectual.
“He’s smart, and he just so happens to like football,” an Ohio State source said. “He’s a guy you could see being a curator of art or maybe a professor discussing World War II history.”
Still, Knowles and Day worked well together. The defense allowed only 9.7 points per game for the remainder of the regular season, including the 13-10 loss to Michigan in the finale, before the offense exploded in the playoffs with double-digit wins in all four rounds, including the 34-23 capper against Notre Dame for the national title.
“When he was at Oklahoma State, they didn’t have four down D-linemen, and then certainly no depth behind it,” Day said of Knowles in late October. “So, he had to be creative about what he was doing there. Decision was made a long time ago that we have the D-linemen here at Ohio State that can play with four down linemen.”
Shortly after the national championship game on Jan. 20, Knowles, 59, began fielding phone calls from suitors, sources told CBS Sports. The flirtations led to counter offers from Ohio State, and though their pitches were in the same pay-day ranges discussed with Oklahoma and Penn State, there was a caveat: if you don’t commit now to the Buckeyes, you will be barred from the team’s championship celebration inside Ohio Stadium on Jan. 26. At that point, negotiations broke down and Knowles, who already had one foot out the door, made up his mind, and subsequently agreed to join Penn State. Not long after Day told 30,000 fans celebrating inside Ohio Stadium that Knowles was “the defensive coordinator of the best defense in the country,” the play-caller wrapped up a deal with the Nittany Lions. Penn State announced Knowles as DC less than 24 hours later.
Penn State poaching Jim Knowles sends clear message: James Franklin, Nittany Lions ready to take next step
Tom Fornelli
Interestingly, Knowles leaves Ohio State for a similar ready-made situation to win a title that he had with the Buckeyes a year ago. It was in late January 2024, shortly after Ross Bjork was hired as Ohio State’s athletics director, that the school committed to go full speed with a $20 million NIL treasure chest, and attacked the transfer portal with relentlessness, effectively transforming a championship-worthy roster into unquestionably the most talented team in the sport.
Penn State has money to spend, and isn’t afraid to show it. They made Knowles the highest-paid assistant coach in college football with a deal averaging $3.1 million, with a bonus structure that could push that annual total over $4 million, according to CBS Sports sources. Head coach James Franklin has received three contract extensions and raises since last winning a Big Ten title in 2016, and is paid an average of $8.5 million annually, according to a 10-year deal he signed in November 2021.
Penn State’s total revenue jumped nearly $18 million to a record $220.8 million in its most recent annual fiscal report released last month. Where that stands nationally is not entirely clear as the NCAA releases financial reports this month, but it’s behind goliaths Texas ($331.9 million) and Ohio State ($254.9 million), according to documents obtained by USA TODAY last week. Penn State has usually ranked third in the Big Ten in operating revenue behind the Buckeyes and Michigan.
How Penn State plans to attack the spring portal window remains to be seen, but it stands to return one of the nation’s more talented rosters. The Nittany Lions lose future first-round pass rusher Abdul Carter but returns a plethora of stars, including Dani Dennis-Sutton, who accounted for 8.5 sacks last season. The offense is loaded, again, with running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton returning, too.
Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles hopes to light victory cigar, add CFP title to lengthy resume
Brandon Marcello
Meanwhile, Ohio State loses eight starters on defense, including its entire defensive front, led by Ohio State legend Jack Sawyer, whose fumble return against Texas in the CFP semifinals will forever be remembered as the biggest play of the Buckeyes’ title run.
Also tugging at Knowles? Returning home for the first time in his 37-year coaching career. “Penn State was everything. It was everything. That’s what we aspired to be and I couldn’t get there as a player, but through a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of really good players, that allowed me to reach that point in my career where I could really pick wherever I wanted to be,” Knowles told Penn State players during a team meeting last week.
Knowles grew up in north Philadelphia, the son of a police officer, which he often refers to as the framework for his coaching style. “Raised by a Philly cop,” he said two days before the national championship. “So there’s an intensity that goes with that.”
Dennis Dodd contributed to this report
After a successful tenure as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, Jim Knowles shocked the college football world by announcing his departure for Penn State. Many fans and analysts were left scratching their heads, wondering why Knowles would leave a top program like Ohio State for a conference rival like Penn State.
The answer, it seems, lies in a philosophical clash at Ohio State that ultimately led Knowles to seek a fresh start and a historic payday at Penn State. Knowles, known for his aggressive and attacking defensive schemes, reportedly clashed with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day over the direction of the defense. Day, a more conservative coach, reportedly wanted a more traditional and conservative defensive approach, while Knowles wanted to continue his aggressive style.
Ultimately, the two could not see eye to eye, leading Knowles to make the difficult decision to leave Ohio State and seek a new opportunity at Penn State. The move was not only a chance for Knowles to start fresh and implement his preferred defensive schemes, but also a chance to make history with a historic payday at Penn State.
Knowles’ decision to walk away from a top program like Ohio State may have been surprising to many, but for Knowles, it was a necessary step to stay true to his coaching philosophy and continue to grow as a coach. And with a new challenge and a historic payday awaiting him at Penn State, Knowles is ready to make his mark on the college football landscape once again.
Pennsylvania’s most sought-after wrestling recruit since Spencer Lee in 2016 will make his college choice on Tuesday night.
Bishop McCort star wrestler Bo Bassett will announce his selection from among Penn State, Oklahoma State, Iowa and Virginia Tech after the Crushers face either Corry or McGuffey in the quarterfinal round of the PIAA Team Wrestling Championships at the Johnstown-based school.
The Corry-McGuffey match begins at 5 p.m. and that winner faces McCort at 7. Bassett’s announcement will be streamed live on Flowrestling. There is no official starting time but the 8:30-9 p.m. range is likely safe.
Bassett said Monday morning on Flo Radio Live that this is a huge week for him, with his college choice and the likelihood that McCort, ranked No. 2 nationally, will face No. 1-ranked Faith Christian in the PIAA team finals at Altoona Area High School on Saturday.
Bassett, who is 109-0 in his career, is a junior who won a PIAA individual crown last season as a sophomore. McCort was not eligible for PIAA events during Bassett’s freshman season. He’ll be a heavy favorite to win three PIAA titles prior to entering the college ranks. Bassett, who turned 18 in January, will be 19 years and nine months old when he enters college during the fall of 2026.
“The recruiting process has been incredible,” Bassett said on the live Flo show. “I’ve loved every second of it. It’s been more challenging than I thought it would ever be, but it was fun. It was something I’ve worked for my whole life.
“As far as the season, I’ve got a lot of big things coming up, and I want to focus more on training right and kind of be set in stone with where I’m going to go all in on that place, and then go all in on my training as well, rather than having to balance them all.”
Bassett ruled out Rutgers, Michigan and Ohio State with his final four announcement on Monday. He took visits to each of the seven schools and he and his family were in attendance for the Penn State-Iowa match, the Penn State-Rutgers match and a recent Oklahoma State match, among many others.
Bassett has competed at a few lineup spots depending on McCort’s needs during a particular match, but he projects at 149 in college, and perhaps a weight higher.
His view on NIL money was interesting, with him saying that he knows wrestling will never compare to college football in terms of financial offers, but that the offers from his four finalists were similar.
“Obviously, NIL is a piece of it. But I’m more focused on the wrestling,” Bassett said. “I want to achieve all my goals and do this and that, but I can tell you that all the offers have been very comparable. I’m just excited to again get this out there and start working.”
Star high school wrestler Bo Bassett, a standout athlete from Western Pennsylvania, has announced that he will be making his college decision on Tuesday night. The highly sought-after recruit has narrowed down his choices to four schools, with Penn State being among the finalists.
Bassett, who is a two-time state champion and nationally ranked wrestler, is considered one of the top prospects in the country. His decision has generated a lot of buzz within the wrestling community, as many are eager to see where the talented athlete will choose to continue his athletic and academic career.
Penn State, known for its powerhouse wrestling program and track record of producing top-tier athletes, is seen as a strong contender for Bassett’s commitment. However, the other three schools in the running have also made compelling cases for why he should choose them.
Fans and recruiters alike will be tuning in on Tuesday night to see where Bo Bassett will ultimately decide to take his talents. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting announcement!
Bo Bassett — the top wrestling prospect in the country, a Penn State target and a star at Bishop McCort — is close to a final decision in his high-profile recruitment.
Bassett announced on Sunday that he will be revealing his commitment this week. FloWrestling Radio Live posted that the Johnstown native will call in with a “major update” at 11 a.m. Monday.
Bassett, a 2021 U17 gold medalist, is the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class and is one of the most sought after prospects in recent memory.
After fielding interest from every major program in the country, Bassett’s seven finalists are Penn State, Oklahoma State, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, Rutgers and Virginia Tech.
“After an amazing recruiting process, lots of great conversations, miles, weekends, texts and prayers, I have my mind made up and this week I will be making my commitment live on Flo Wrestling,” Bassett wrote on social media. “When I narrowed it down to the final 7, I feel like I couldn’t make a bad choice.”
Penn State target, top wrestling recruit Bo Bassett nearing commitment
Bo Bassett, one of the top wrestling recruits in the country, is nearing his college commitment decision and all signs point to Penn State as the frontrunner. The 17-year-old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has garnered attention from top wrestling programs across the country, but it appears that the Nittany Lions have made a strong impression on him.
Bassett, who is a two-time national champion and has a perfect record in high school competition, has visited Penn State multiple times and has formed strong relationships with the coaching staff. Head coach Cael Sanderson and his team have a track record of developing top talent and winning national championships, which is attractive to Bassett as he looks to continue his wrestling career at the collegiate level.
While nothing is official yet, sources close to the situation indicate that Bassett is close to making his decision and that Penn State is the likely destination. Fans of the Nittany Lions wrestling program are eagerly awaiting the news, as adding a talent like Bassett to their roster would be a major boost for the team’s future success.
Stay tuned for updates on Bo Bassett’s commitment decision and the impact it will have on the Penn State wrestling program.
Dallas Cowboys star and Penn State alum Micah Parsons made his pitch to No. 1 wrestling recruit Bo Bassett Sunday.
With news that Bassett will announce his decision early this week, Parsons made a last ditch effort to try and convince Bassett to come wrestle for the Nittany Lions. Basically, Bassett would add generational talent to the already No. 1 Penn State wrestling team.
Parsons, a noted college wrestling fans especially of his alma mater, clearly wants Bassett to don the classic PSU singlet.
“After seeing Penn state domination it can’t be any other choice!!! We have the best environment and wrestling room in the country! That’s facts! Come join the greatest legacy ever created!!,” Parsons wrote on Twitter.
Bassett is MatScouts’ No. 1 overall prospect in the Class of 2026 and one of the most sought after prospects in recent memory. Recently, Bassett won his third Ironman title, this time at 144 pounds and had tech falls over six straight opponents.
As a reminder, here was the schedule of visits for Bassett throughout his recruitment:
Sep 20-22: Michigan Oct 25-27: Iowa Nov 1-3: Penn State Nov 8-10: Ohio State Nov 15-17: Virginia Tech Nov 22-24: Oklahoma State Jan 24-26: Rutgers
The top prospect’s visits have been watched with close eyes as Bassett could be seen as a program changer, along with younger brothers Keegan Bassett (2028) and Melvin Miller (2027). All of them wrestle for Bishop McCort (Pa.), which is considered one of, if not the top high school wrestling team in the country this year.
“Some wrestlers don’t like this process, but I can honestly say I am really enjoying it,” Bassett said in a previous newsletter. “My view is, I only get to do the recruiting process once, so I am going to enjoy it and have fun with it. I sometimes like to do things different and hope everyone likes these updates.
“When I was in elementary school, I would have done anything to follow along with Spencer Lee, Jason Nolf or Zain Retherford recruiting process.”
Bo Bassett, the top wrestling prospect in the nation, is receiving some high praise from a fellow Penn State standout. Micah Parsons, a star linebacker for the Nittany Lions football team, recently gave his pitch to Bassett about joining the Penn State wrestling program.
In a recent interview, Parsons spoke highly of the wrestling program at Penn State and the opportunities it provides for student-athletes. He highlighted the strong coaching staff, the winning tradition, and the supportive community at Penn State.
Parsons also emphasized the benefits of being a student-athlete at Penn State, pointing to the world-class facilities, academic support, and networking opportunities available to student-athletes.
With Bassett being one of the most sought-after wrestling recruits in the country, it’s no surprise that Penn State is making a strong push to land him. And with Parsons’ endorsement, it’s clear that the Nittany Lions have a compelling pitch to offer the talented young wrestler.
It remains to be seen where Bassett will ultimately decide to take his talents, but with the backing of Micah Parsons and the Penn State wrestling program, the Nittany Lions are certainly in a strong position to land the standout prospect. Stay tuned for more updates on Bo Bassett’s recruitment process.
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Bo Bassett, wrestling recruit, Micah Parsons, Penn State, wrestling prospect, college recruitment, wrestling recruiting update, NCAA wrestling, top wrestling prospect, wrestling news
The Titans select edge defender Abdul Carter: The explosive junior pass rusher delivered another dominant season in 2024, earning a 92.3 pass-rush grade — his second straight year eclipsing the 90.0 mark.
The Giants get their quarterback of the future:Shedeur Sanders has a strong foundation as a passer, with fundamentally sound throwing mechanics that give him the tools to develop at the next level.
Estimated reading time: 17 minutes
With the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl officially in the books, the pre-draft evaluation process shifts into high gear. After the week of practices, drills and game action in Mobile, scouts and analysts have gathered valuable insights into this year’s top prospects.
Now, it’s time to break down how these players stack up and project where they may fit in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
All eyes are on the Titans at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft, as the franchise faces several glaring roster needs and could take multiple paths to address them. Their decision will have a cascading effect on how the rest of the draft unfolds.
One player who has gained momentum in recent weeks is Abdul Carter, whose betting odds to be the No. 1 overall pick have shortened significantly.
The explosive junior pass rusher delivered another dominant season in 2024, earning a 92.3 pass-rush grade — his second straight year eclipsing the 90.0 mark. Over the past two seasons, he has ranked in the 99th percentile in several of PFF’s most stable pass-rushing metrics, including pass-rush grade against true pass sets and pass-rush win rate.
If selected by the Titans, Carter would provide an immediate boost to a pass rush that ranked bottom five in team pass-rush grade, pass-rush win rate, and pressure rate in 2024.
After reinjuring his Achilles, Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the entire 2025 season. And even if he had stayed on track in his recovery, his limited availability (he’s made just 22 starts since signing his deal in 2022) and lack of consistent production (he earned an 80.0-plus passing grade in only one game) make a strong case for the Browns to seek his replacement.
Ward, who led the FBS with a 91.7 passing grade in 2024, could provide the fresh start Cleveland desperately needs at quarterback.
With two-way star Travis Hunter still on the board, the Giants would face a difficult decision: add one of the most talented skill players to enter the draft in decades or prioritize the game’s most valuable position.
Ultimately, investing in a quarterback would be the logical move for a front office under pressure in 2025, especially with limited proven options available through other avenues.
Sanders has a strong foundation as a passer, with fundamentally sound throwing mechanics that give him the tools to develop at the next level. However, his most impressive trait may be his ability to limit mistakes. Since moving to the FBS, he has produced a negatively graded throw on just 10.9% of his dropbacks, a 97th-percentile mark.
Landing the greatest two-way threat in college football history would be a massive win for Mike Vrabel as he looks to rebuild a Patriots roster with plenty of holes to fill. While New England has significant cap space to address its needs in free agency, adding a uniquely versatile talent like Travis Hunter would provide an instant impact on both sides of the ball.
Hunter, who earned 89.0-plus PFF grades as both a receiver and coverage defender in 2024, would allow the Patriots to allocate resources elsewhere, particularly toward protecting their young quarterback, Drake Maye.
Despite having quality edge rushers in Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, the Jaguars struggled to generate pressure in 2024, posting the seventh-lowest pressure rate (30.8%) in the NFL. The primary issue was the interior, where Jacksonville’s defensive tackles recorded a league-worst 8.9% pass-rush win rate.
Graham would provide an immediate impact. Since the start of 2023, he has posted elite marks in the stable metrics for interior defenders, ranking in the 96th percentile or better in pass-rush grade against true pass sets and run-stop percentage.
Whether it’s Russell Wilson, as some reports suggest, or another quarterback under center, the Raiders would be wise to set up their next signal-caller for success by adding a true X receiver with difference-making size.
McMillan pairs impressive acceleration for his stature with strong play at the catch point, making him one of the nation’s most dangerous deep threats. Since the start of 2023, he has secured 25 receptions of 20 or more yards—the most in the Power Five.
With Aaron Glenn now leading the Jets, Gang Green’s defensive identity isn’t going anywhere. In Detroit, Glenn deployed the highest rate of Cover 1 in 2024, emphasizing cornerbacks who excel in man coverage.
Johnson’s combination of size and understanding of leverage made him highly effective in those situations. He earned a 90.8 PFF grade in man coverage in 2022 and 2023 before battling injuries in 2024.
With D.J. Reed set to hit free agency, finding a cornerback to pair with Sauce Gardner will be a top priority for New York.
Although this defense desperately needs pass rushers, the 2025 draft class is loaded with talent at the position, making it likely that a quality option could fall to them on Day 2. However, high-end safety prospects are far less common in this year’s class — with the exception of Starks, who stands well above the rest as the premier talent at the position.
Carolina ranked 31st in EPA allowed per dropback in 2024, struggling particularly against the deep ball. The Panthers allowed a 48% completion rate on passes targeted 20 or more yards downfield, the second-highest mark in the NFL.
Starks’ fluid hips and top-end speed would be a pivotal addition to Carolina’s secondary, providing the range and coverage ability needed to help shore up their deep-passing vulnerabilities.
With Taysom Hill suffering a serious knee injury at age 34 and Juwan Johnson set to enter free agency, the Saints could use a physical, game-changing receiving threat like Tyler Warren at tight end.
The Penn State standout delivered in a big way in his senior season, hauling in 34 receptions of 15 or more yards and averaging 2.71 yards per route run. His dominance in the passing game earned him a 93.3 PFF receiving grade, the highest among Power Five tight ends in 2024.
Warren would be a natural fit in a Saints offense that utilized 12-personnel at a top-eight rate last season.
Ben Johnson’s first priority as Chicago’s head coach must be fixing the offensive line, particularly in pass protection for Caleb Williams. The Bears allowed the highest sack rate in the NFL (9.9%) in 2024, making it critical to provide their young quarterback with better protection.
While the tackle spots are more secure, finding the best five-man combination up front will be essential to the team’s future success.
The 49ers are preparing to invest heavily in Brock Purdy, with a massive extension on the horizon. That deal will likely limit their spending in free agency, making protecting their franchise quarterback an even greater priority.
With Aaron Banks’ contract expiring and Trent Williams entering his age-37 season while coming off an injury, selecting the Texas tackle would address both an immediate need on the interior and provide a long-term solution at tackle.
Sometimes, the simplest answer is the right one. It’s rare for a prospect of this caliber and fit to fall outside the top 10, making this an easy decision.
Ashton Jeanty is ranked No. 5 on PFF’s big board for a reason. His 96.6 rushing grade in 2024 is the highest ever recorded by an FBS running back with at least 100 carries in PFF’s college football grading history.
Given the massive investment in Tua Tagovailoa—and his injury history—premium pass protection will always be a priority for Miami.
Although he is coming off a knee injury that ended his season, Simmons is expected to fully recover by training camp. His pass-blocking ability is undeniable. Before going down in Week 7, he posted an 88.4 pass-blocking grade and allowed zero pressures on 148 pass-blocking snaps.
Although the Colts’ defensive front dealt with injury misfortune in 2024, even at full strength, the unit lacked the explosive pass-rushing presence needed to change a game.
Enter Pearce, a twitchy edge rusher with fast hands and an impressive speed-to-power transition for his size. His 89.9 pass-rush grade reflects his disruptive ability, which could immediately boost a Colts defense that ranked 28th in pressure rate last season.
With Michael Penix Jr. set to take over as the starter in 2025, surrounding him with more offensive firepower would be a smart way to set him up for early success.
Luther Burden is a natural playmaker out of the slot, excelling with the ball in his hands. Over the past two seasons, he has ranked in the 87th percentile in yards after catch per reception, showcasing his dynamic ability in the open field. Pairing Burden with Darnell Mooney and Drake London, who is coming off his best season as a pro, would give Penix one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL.
While Walker played both on the edge and off-ball at Georgia, he has quickly emerged as a promising edge defender, where he’s shown the most upside. He also thrives in big moments, recording all four of his sacks in 2024 against College Football Playoff teams (Clemson, Texas and Tennessee).
With Jonathan Gannon looking to revamp a pass rush that ranked 29th in pass-rush win rate, Walker would be a natural fit on the edge for this Cardinals defense.
With B.J. Hill’s contract expiring, the Bengals face a significant void on the interior defensive line. Even with Hill, Cincinnati struggled mightily up front in 2024, ranking 31st in pass-rush win rate from the interior and featuring just one defensive tackle — Hill himself — who earned a run-defense grade above 54.0.
Adding Grant to the interior would be a much-needed solution, immediately upgrading both the pass rush and run defense for a unit needing reinforcements.
Senior Bowl week may be just the first phase of the pre-draft process, but no player elevated their stock more than the Texas A&M edge rusher. Stewart dominated throughout Senior Bowl practices, firmly thrusting his name into the first-round conversation.
Mike Macdonald’s defense generated pressure at a top-three rate in 2024, but much of that success may have been driven by scheme and circumstance. The unit ranked inside the top six in both unblocked and clean-up pressures, suggesting some potential variance in sustainable pass-rush production.
Adding an explosive edge rusher like Stewart would make a true difference off the edge, helping to stabilize and elevate the pass rush beyond scheme-driven opportunities.
Even among a deep group of Power Five prospects, Mike Green has risen up the ranks. After a standout season at Marshall, where he finished as the highest-graded edge defender in the nation, Green validated his talent at the Senior Bowl, flashing against NFL-caliber competition.
With the Buccaneers holding just one proven edge rusher — Yaya Diaby — under contract and limited cap space, Green could step in and make an immediate impact on Tampa Bay’s defense.
The Broncos’ top priority this offseason must be surrounding Bo Nix with more weapons as he enters Year 2.
Emeka Egbuka would give Sean Payton’s offense a dynamic slot threat who uses his elite body control, speed and football IQ to create separation consistently. While an injury in 2023 limited his production, he proved his playmaking ability in 2022 and 2024, earning an 82.0-plus receiving grade while surpassing 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in both seasons.
With reports suggesting that Pittsburgh will likely bring back Justin Fields as its starting quarterback in 2025, adding young talent to the receiver room would be a logical next step.
Golden showed steady improvement throughout his college career, culminating in a breakout 2024 season. He delivered his best performances under pressure, excelling in Texas’ three postseason games, where he posted an 84.2 receiving grade and averaged 3.58 yards per route run.
Like their division rivals in Denver, the Chargers need more playmakers—beyond Ladd McConkey—to step up and provide Justin Herbert with reliable targets.
Colston Loveland took his game to another level in 2024, earning a career-best 90.6 receiving grade, highlighting his natural pass-catching ability and refined route-running. Having already won a national championship together at Michigan, a Loveland-Jim Harbaugh reunion in Los Angeles would be a low-risk, high-upside move for the Chargers offense.
Although the Packers finished top-five in sacks during the regular season, they led the NFL in unblocked sacks, raising concerns about the sustainability of their pass rush. Among Green Bay’s four edge rushers with 150 or more pass-rush snaps in 2024, only Rashan Gary posted a double-digit pass-rush win rate.
That wouldn’t be an issue for Nic Scourton, who has exceeded a 19.1% win rate in each of the past two seasons. The former Aggie and Boilermaker brings versatility, capable of rushing with his hand up or down from either side, giving the Packers defense a much-needed disruptive presence off the edge.
With multiple expiring contracts in the secondary, the Vikings must prioritize addressing the position early in the draft.
Barron brings a highly sought-after skill set for Brian Flores’ scheme, excelling in spot zone coverage with strong instincts and anticipation across multiple alignments. His Power Five-leading 90.2 coverage grade further highlights his ability to impact the game, making him a good fit for Minnesota’s defense.
While Houston would love to add a receiving threat, with the top options off the board, this pick can be used to revitalize a struggling defensive interior. In 2024, Texans defensive tackles combined for a 38.6 run-defense grade, ranking 28th in the NFL.
Enter Walter Nolen, whose 90.4 run-defense grade ranked second among FBS interior defenders, trailing only projected top-10 pick Mason Graham. His presence would provide an immediate boost to a Texans front in need of reinforcement.
With Alaric Jackson set to test free agency and Rob Havenstein entering his age-33 season in the final year of his contract, the Rams will undoubtedly prioritize offensive tackle in this draft.
Membou, who earned a 90.4 overall grade in 2024, graded in the 87th percentile or better as both a run and pass blocker. His athleticism and versatility would provide the Rams with a flexible, high-upside option on the outside.
Filling the void at left tackle left by Ronnie Stanley’s impending free agency will be a top priority for the Ravens’ offense.
Josh Conerly Jr. would be a natural fit on the left side after posting an 83.0 pass-blocking grade in 2024. He also allowed just a 0.6% knockdown rate across 1,000-plus pass-blocking snaps.
With Detroit promoting Kelvin Sheppard to replace Aaron Glenn as defensive coordinator, the Lions are expected to continue deploying one of the heaviest Cover 1 rates in the NFL.
That makes Benjamin Morrison an ideal fit. The Notre Dame cornerback is at home in man coverage, having played a high volume of Cover 1 while ranking above the 87th percentile in both single-coverage grade and coverage grade when no pressure is generated.
Adding more firepower to Dan Quinn’s defense is always a wise investment, especially with Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell set to hit free agency. That makes Williams a compelling replacement—an explosive, high-ceiling pass rusher with the violent playing style Quinn covets.
Williams’ exceptional length allows him to use leverage effectively as a pass rusher and run defender. While he is still developing as a pass rusher—he will turn 21 this summer—he has already excelled against the run, ranking in the 97th percentile in run-defense grade at his position, giving him a solid floor early in his career.
Outside of Christian Benford, no player in Buffalo’s secondary earned a coverage grade above 70.0 in 2024. Without Benford on the field in the AFC Championship Game, the unit was picked apart, ultimately finishing the season with a 31.8 team coverage grade — 31st in the NFL.
Amos would bring much-needed athleticism and playmaking ability to Buffalo’s secondary. A multi-sport athlete with strong instincts in coverage, he has posted a 22%-plus forced incompletion rate since 2021, ranking in the 98th percentile at his position.
Philadelphia’s core philosophy is to generate pressure without blitzing, making high-end pass rushers a constant priority. With Josh Sweat likely to test free agency, the Eagles will almost certainly be in the market for an edge rusher this offseason.
Sawyer joins a franchise with a championship pedigree, though he brings a title-winning resume of his own after helping lead Ohio State to a national championship. Over the past two seasons, he has posted an 89.0-plus overall grade each year, positioning him for early success in the NFL.
One of the biggest risers at the Senior Bowl, Zabel has catapulted himself into first-round consideration. While he played tackle at NDSU, he took extensive snaps on the interior during Senior Bowl practices, where he excelled in pass protection — a performance emblematic of his 93.1 pass-blocking grade in 2024.
With Trey Smith likely to land a lucrative contract in free agency, the Chiefs can find a high-upside replacement in Zabel. A key piece in North Dakota State’s championship run, he brings a winning mentality to an offense that thrives on elite interior play.
In a surprising turn of events, Penn State’s Abdul Carter has been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. Carter, a standout defensive lineman, is set to make a huge impact for the Browns’ defense.
With the No. 2 pick, the Browns have also selected quarterback Cam Ward from an unnamed college. Ward is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position and bring a new level of talent to the Browns’ offense.
Fans are buzzing with excitement over these two top picks and can’t wait to see how they will perform in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on the NFL draft and how these players will fare in their new roles.
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Penn State, Abdul Carter, Browns, No. 1 pick, Cam Ward, QB, NFL draft, top picks
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; January 29, 2025 – The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team (9-0, 3-0 B1G) hosts Iowa (9-0, 3-0 B1G) in the first of two straight B1G Duals. The Nittany Lions and Hawkeyes battle at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, in a B1G Network national telecast. All rankings listed are InterMat/InterMat Tournament Power Index (TPI).
The Nittany Lions are coming off a rousing 35-3 win at Rutgers last Friday night in sold out Jersey Mike’s Arena. Penn State won nine of ten bouts, including four technical falls to improve to 9-0 on the year, 3-0 in Big Ten action.
Iowa is coming off a 24-13 home win over Ohio State last Saturday. The Hawkeyes improved to 9-0 as well, 3-0 in conference action. Iowa’s line-up features nine ranked wrestlers as well. Joey Cruz is No. 26 at 125. Drake Ayala is No. 3 at 133. Kyle Parco is No. 2 at 149. Jacori Teemer is No. 1 at 157. Mikey Caliendo is No. 2 at 165. Patrick Kennedy is No. 6 at 174. Gabe Arnold is No. 5 at 184. Stephen Buchanan is No. 1 at 197. Ben Kueter is No. 11 at 285. Iowa leads the all-time series with Penn State 28-13-2. The Nittany Lions have won three straight, including a 29-6 win at Iowa last year on Feb. 9, 2024, and a 23-14 win in the BJC two years ago on Jan. 27, 2023).
Penn State will host Michigan on Feb. 7 in the second BJC Dual. The Nittany Lions and Wolverines meet at 6 p.m. in another B1G Network national telecast. Two days later, Penn State hosts Maryland at 1 p.m. in Rec Hall on Feb. 9.
The 2024-25 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by the Family Clothesline. Penn State Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via X at @pennstateWREST, on Penn State Wrestling’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennstatewrest. This is PENN STATE. WRESTLING lives here.
#1 PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (9-0, 3-0 B1G)
125 #7 Luke Lilledahl Fr. Weldon Spring, Mo./Wyoming Seminary 10-1
133 #7 Braeden Davis So. Belleville, Mich./Dundee 7-2
285 #2 Greg Kerkvliet Sr.+ Inver Grove Heights, Min../Simley 12-0
#2 IOWA HAWKEYES (9-0, 3-0 B1G)
125 #26 Joey Cruz So. Fresno, Calif./Bullard 11-6
133 #3 Drake Ayala Jr. Ford Dodge, Iowa/Fort Dodge 11-1
141 Ryder Block Fr. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock 2-4
149 #2 Kyle Parco Sr. Danville, Calif./De La Salle 13-0
157 #1 Jacori Teemer Gr. Long Beach, N.Y./Long Beach 3-1
165 #2 Mikey Caliendo Jr. Geneva, Ill./Batavia 13-0
174 #6 Patrick Kennedy Sr. Kasson-Mantorville, Minn. 8-1
184 #5 Gabe Arnold Fr. Albany, Ga./Iowa City 11-1
197 #1 Stephen Buchanan Gr. Loyal, Wis./Loyal 13-0
285 #11 Ben Kueter Fr. Iowa City, Iowa 10-2
Individual rankings listed are InterMat as of 1-28-25 // Team ranking InterMat TPI
THIS WEEK The Penn State Nittany Lions (9-0, 3-0 B1G) hosts Iowa (9-0, 3-0 B1G) on Friday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. in the first of two straight BJC Duals. The event is a B1G Network national telecast.
UP NEXT Penn State hosts Michigan on Friday, Feb. 7, in a second straight BJC Dual, this one at 6 p.m., also on the B1G Network. Two days later, the Nittany Lions host Maryland at 1 p.m. in Rec Hall on Feb. 9.
ON THE AIR Television – B1G Network Streamed TV – Fox Sports App Radio online – Free all year via Lionvision at GoPSUsports.com
NOTES:
PENN STATE ROARS AT RUTGERS The Penn State Nittany Lions roared in front of a sold out Jersey Mike’s Arena crowd at Rutgers on Friday, Jan. 24 in Piscataway, N.J. Penn State won nine of ten matches, including four tech falls, to roll to a 35-3 win over #25 Rutgers. Shayne Van Ness (149), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165), Carter Starocci (184) and Josh Barr (197) all posted tech falls. Barr’s tech fall, of note, featured 22 unanswered points in less than 3:00 in the third period. He turned a 0-0 tie heading into the third into a 22-6 tech fall over #16 Josh Poznanski, a returning All-American, at 6:19. Carter Starocci teched #18 Shane Cartagena-Walsh 17-2, a bout that saw Starocci force the Knight into four stall warnings.
NITTANY LIONS ROUT #4 NEBRASKA IN LINCOLN, LIONS WIN 8 OF 10 IN FRONT OF NEARLY 7K FANS Penn State routed homestanding Nebraska 31-7 in Lincoln, Neb., on Friday, Jan. 17, winning eight of ten bouts in front of a Nebraska record crowd of over 6,600 fans. Penn State used three tech falls and a major, as well as a number of impressive regular decisions, to grab the win. True freshman Luke Lilledahl downed #6 Caleb Smith 4-2 at 125 and sophomore Mitchell Mesenbrink posted a 20-3 tech fall (5:39) over #7 Bubba Wilson as well.
NITTANY LIONS TIE ALL-TIME MARGIN OF VICTORY RECORD WITH 55-0 SHUTOUT WIN OVER MICHIGAN STATE The Penn State Nittany Lions opened up Big Ten dual action on Friday, Jan. 10, by shutting out visiting Michigan State 55-0 in Rec Hall. Penn State tied its all-time record for margin of victory with the effort (Buffalo, 55-0, Feb. 18, 2018). The Nittany Lions had six pins (Greg Kerkvliet, Shayne Van Ness, Tyler Kasak, Levi Haines, Carter Starocci, Josh Barr), three technical falls (Luke Lilledahl, Braeden Davis, Mitchell Mesenbrink) and a major (Beau Bartlett).
BECKETT RUNNER-UP AT F&M, 5 LIONS COMPETE Senior Sam Beckett went 4-1 with three majors to take second place at 174 in the Franklin & Marshall Open on Friday, Jan. 10. Four other Lions competed as well: Cael Nasdeo picked up two wins at 141, Brock Weiss grabbed two wins at 149 and Ty Watson won twice at 157. Tim Levine picked up a victory at 141.
ZACK RYDER NAMED B1G FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK (1/8) Freshman Zack Ryder was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the week ending Jan. 5, 2025. Ryder was one of nine Penn State Nittany Lion wrestlers to head to the 2025 Southern Scuffle in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Jan. 4-5. He rolled through a strong field at 184 to claim the 184-pound title as a true freshman. Ryder went 5-0 overall with a pin and a tech fall. He posted a dominant 9-2 win over No. 22 DJ Parker of Oklahoma in the quarterfinals and then pinned No. 25 TJ Stewart of Virginia Tech in the semifinals. He downed Northern Colorado’s Al Heeg 6-1 (sv) in the finals.
THREE LIONS WIN SCUFFLE TITLES, FIVE PLACE AT UTC Penn State sent nine individuals to Chattanooga for the 2025 Southern Scuffle on Jan. 4-5 and three true freshmen won titles. Five Penn Staters placed overall. Zack Ryder went 5-0 with a pin and a tech to win the crown at 184. He beat #22 DJ Parker of Oklahoma 9-2 in the quarters and pinned #25 TJ Stewart of Virginia Tech in the semis on his way to the championship. Connor Mirasola went 5-0 with a pin, two techs and a major to win at 197, downing #30 Patrick Brophy of The Citadel 7-3 in the finals. Cole Mirasola went 4-0 with two techs and a major to win at 285. He downed #29 Connor Barkett of Duke in the quarters and majored #25 Lucas Stoddard of Army in the finals. Sophomore Connor Pierce went 4-1 to place second at 149 and senior+ Kurt McHenry went 6-2 to take fifth at 125.
NASDEO WINS EDINBORO OPEN CROWN; BECKETT SECOND True freshman Cael Nasdeo went 3-0 with a tech and a major (plus a non-collegiate win) to claim the 141 pound title at the Edinboro Open on Jan. 4. Redshirt freshman Sam Beckett went 2-1 at 174 and took second place.
PENN STATE NEARLY PERFECT IN NASHVILLE The Penn State Nittany Lions went 3-0 at the 2024 Journeymen Collegiate Duals in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in dominant fashion. The Nittany Lions notched two shutout wins and went 29-1 overall in their three duals. Penn State shutout Binghamton 52-0 and #15 Little Rock 44-0 and downed #8 Missouri 41-3. The Nittany Lions had 29 wins, 22 for bonus (four majors, eight technical falls, eight pins and two forfeits) and outscored its three opponents 135-3.
PENN STATE ROARS TO 41-3 WIN OVER #8 MISSOURI TO CLOSE OUT COLLEGIATE DUALS IN NASHVILLE Penn State roared to a 41-3 win over #8 Missouri on Sunday, Dec. 22, to close out the 2024 Journeymen Collegiate Duals in Nashville. Beau Bartlett posted a 4-1 win over #16 Josh Edmond at 141 and Carter Starocci majored #10 Colton Hawks 10-1 at 184 to lead Penn State. Levi Haines, ranked #2 at 174, lost a thrilling 4-1 sudden victory decision to #1 Keegan O’Toole in the dual’s marquee match up.
NITTANY LIONS POST THIRD STRAIGHT SHUTOUT, BLANKING #15 LITTLE ROCK AT JOURNEYMEN Josh Barr posted a 4-1 (sv) win over #5 Stephen Little at 197 and Braeden Davis downed #5 Nassir Bailey 1-0 at 133 to spark Penn State to a 44-0 shutout win over #15 Little Rock in its second dual at the Journeymen Collegiate Duals on Dec. 22. The shutout was Penn State’s third straight. The Lions also got ranked wins from Shayne Van Ness, who pinned #16 Jordan Williams at 149; Tyler Kasak, a 4-2 winner over #20 Matty Bianchi at 157; and Mitchell Mesenbrink, who roared to a 17-1 tech over #21 Joey Bianchi at 165.
PENN STATE SHUTS OUT BINGHAMTON in Nashville The Nittany Lions opened up the 2024 Journeymen Collegiate Duals with a 52-0 shutout win over Binghamton. Luke Lilledahl posted a 19-4 tech over #33 Carson Wagner and Carter Starocci pinned #23 Will Ebert to spark Penn State.
BARR EARNS SECOND B1G FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK AWARD (12/25) Redshirt freshman Josh Barr was named Big Ten Freshman of the week for the week ending Dec. 22, 2024, his second honor of the season. Barr went 3-0 at the Journeymen Collegiate Duals in Nashville on Sunday, Dec. 22. He had a tech fall in PSU’s win over Binghamton and a pin in the Lion win over Missouri. Barr also used a takedown in extra time to post a thrilling 4-1 (sv) win over #5 Stephen Little in the Nittany Lions’ victory over Little Rock.
BARTLETT AND LILLEDAHL EARN B1G WEEKLY HONORS (12/18) Senior+ Beau Bartlett was named B1G Wrestler of the week and true freshman Luke Lilledahl was named B1G Freshman of the Week for the week ending Dec. 18, 2024. Bartlett pinned No. 28 Cole Brooks and Lilledahl posted a 20-5 tech fall at 4:25 over Jack Braman in Penn State’s 54-0 shutout win over visiting Wyoming in the Bryce Jordan Center.
PENN STATE SHUTS OUT WYOMING 54-0 IN JORDAN CENTER The Penn State Nittany Lions rolled to a 54-0 shut out win over visiting Wyoming on Sunday, Dec. 15. The dual, moved to the Bryce Jordan Center earlier in the week due to scheduling conflicts with the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament in Rec Hall, was wrestled in front of over 7,300 fans, turning a Rec Hall sellout into an even bigger crowd for the Cowboy dual. Penn State had five pins, four technical falls and a major in posting its second most lopsided win ever (55-0 over Buffalo on Feb. 18, 2018).
JOSH BARR MAJORS #6 BEARD TO LEAD PENN STATE IN 36-3 WIN OVER LEHIGH IN ALLENTOWN’S PPL CENTER; named B1G freshman of the week Red shirt freshman Josh Barr tallied three takedowns (one in the second and two in a dominant third) to roll to an 11-3 major decision over #6 Michael Beard at 197, leading Penn State to a 36-3 win over the Mountain Hawks. The dual was wrestled in Allentown’s PPL Center in front of a sold out crowd of nearly 10,000 fans. Penn State won nine of ten bouts, also picking up a win from true freshman Luke Lilledahl over #15 Sheldon Seymour at 125. Barr was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week (12/12) for his efforts.
KELLY WINS MAT-TOWN I TITLE, LEVINE RUNNER-UP Jack Kelly went 3-0 with two pins (in 0:13 and 0:46 seconds) to win the 174 pound title at the Mat-Town Invitational on Dec. 1 in Lock Haven, Pa. Tim Levine went 1-1 plus a non-collegiate victory to earn a runner-up finish at 133 while Sam Beckett went 2-1 to place third at 174.
MITCHELL MESENBRINK EARNS B1G W.O.W. HONORS (11/27) Sophomore Mitchell Mesenbrink went 4-0 with four technical falls at the Black Knight Invitational on Sunday, Nov. 24, to earn the 165 pound title at West Point, N.Y., earning tournament Outstanding Wrestler honors. He was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week for the week ending Nov. 24, 2024, for his efforts.
NITTANY LIONS DOMINATE BLACK KNIGHT INVITATIONAL The Penn State Nittany Lions dominated the 2024 Black Knight Invitational at Army West Point on Nov. 24. The Nittany Lions won nine of the 10 individual titles, 18 of their 22 competitors placed in the top six and every Penn Stater garnered at least one win. With results against teammates not counting as official NCAA bouts, three of Penn State’s titles included shared crowns with teammates not wrestling each other in the title bouts. Luke Lilledahl (125), Beau Bartlett (141), Shayne Van Ness (149), Tyler Kasak (157), Mitchell Mesenbrink 165), Levi Haines/Matt Lee (174), Carter Starocci/Zack Ryder (184), Lucas Cochran (197) and Greg Kerkvliet/Cole Mirasola (285) were champs. Alex Facundo (157) and Lucas Cochran (197) were runners-up. Kurt McHenry (125) and Connor Mirasola (197) placed third. Penn State rolled up a 55-9 overall record at the event, including seven majors, 24 tech falls and 15 pins (46 of its 55 wins were for bonus). Various matches that pitted Nittany Lions against each other are not included in those totals.
NITTANY LIONS ROLL OVER DREXEL 41-3 IN SEASON OPENER The Penn State Nittany Lions opened up the regular season with a 41-3 victory over visiting Drexel on Sunday, Nov. 17, in Rec Hall. True freshman Luke Lilledahl received a forfeit win at 125 in his collegiate debut and Greg Kerkvliet closed out the dual with a pin at 285. In between, the Nittany Lions picked up three decisions and four straight tech falls in the second half to roll to the win. Levis Haines (174) and Carter Starocci (184) competed the night before in the NWCA All-Star Classic Exhibition and posted tech falls the next day in the win over the Dragons. Also grabbing victories were Braeden Davis (133), Connor Pierce (149), Alex Facundo (157), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165) and Lucas Cochran (197).
PSU SHINES AT ALL-STAR CLASSIC EXHIBITION While Penn State’s official season began on Sunday, Nov. 17, in Rec Hall when the Nittany Lions beat Drexel, five Nittany Lions took part in the NWCA All-Star Classic exhibition the night before. The exhibition, not an official NCAA event and does not count towards wins, losses or RPI, featured Beau Bartlett (141), Shayne Van Ness (149), Tyler Kasak (157), Levi Haines (174) and Carter Starocci (184). Bartlett dropped a hard-fought 4-1 decision to No. 2 Jesse Mendez of Ohio State, Van Ness rolled to a 16-4 major over No. 3 Ty Watters of West Virginia, Kasak posted a 4-2 win over No. 3 Peyten Keller of Ohio, Haines notched a 7-0 win over No. 3 Cade DeVos of South Dakota State and Starocci grabbed a hard-fought 4-1 (sv) win over No. 2 Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa.
#FUNSTATS AFTER THE 2024 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS // Most Individual NCAA Titles Since 2011 — PENN STATE 38, Cornell 14, Oklahoma State 10, Ohio State 10, Iowa 7 // Penn State National Finalists Since 2011 — 56 // Penn State in NCAA Finals Since 2011 — 38-18 (Since 2011, winning percentage in NCAA finals is .679) // Penn State in NCAA Semifinals Since 2011 — 56-8 (Since 2011, winning percentage in NCAA semis is .875) // Penn State Team Championships Since 2011 — 11 (of 13, no NCAA tournament in 2020) // Penn State Percentage of Team Titles Won Since 2011 – .846 (no NCAA tournament in 2020) // Penn State has 12 NCAA Championships (11 under Sanderson), third most in NCAA history // Penn State is the only team in the nation to win at least one individual title at EACH WEIGHT in the last decade // Penn State is one of only two teams in NCAA history to have five individual champions in one year TWICE. // Penn State’s Cael Sanderson has won 11 NCAA titles as a coach, second most in NCAA history (tied).
Penn State Nittany Lions are gearing up to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in a highly anticipated Big Ten wrestling battle this Friday. Both teams have had strong seasons so far, with Penn State currently ranked No. 2 and Iowa ranked No. 3 in the nation.
The Nittany Lions have been dominant on the mat this season, with standout performances from wrestlers like Roman Bravo-Young, Carter Starocci, and Aaron Brooks. They will be looking to continue their winning streak and secure a victory against their tough Big Ten rival.
Iowa, on the other hand, has a strong lineup led by wrestlers like Spencer Lee, Alex Marinelli, and Michael Kemerer. The Hawkeyes will be looking to make a statement and knock off the No. 2 ranked team in the country.
This matchup is sure to be a thrilling and intense battle between two powerhouse wrestling programs. Fans can expect to see some top-notch wrestling action as these two teams go head-to-head on the mat.
Be sure to tune in this Friday to see Penn State take on Iowa in what promises to be an exciting Big Ten wrestling showdown. Let’s go Nittany Lions! #WeArePennState.
Tags:
Notes, Penn State, Iowa, B1G Wrestling, Battle, College Wrestling, NCAA, Big Ten Conference, Matchup, Penn State Wrestling, Iowa Wrestling, Wrestling Showdown, College Sports, Sports Rivalry, Wrestling Match, NCAA Wrestling
Watch Iowa wrestling vs Penn State dual today: Channel, time, streaming
The No. 2 Iowa wrestling team has its biggest dual of the season, taking on top-ranked Penn State on Friday night. Things are slated to get rolling at 6 p.m. CT.
Here’s how you can follow along with all the action:
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
Don’t miss out on the highly anticipated Iowa wrestling vs Penn State dual meet happening today! Here are the details you need to catch all the action:
Channel: The dual meet will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network
Time: The match will start at 8:00 PM EST
Streaming: If you don’t have access to the Big Ten Network, you can stream the dual meet live on the Fox Sports app or website.
Get ready for an epic showdown between two powerhouse wrestling programs. Don’t miss a minute of the excitement! #IowaWrestling #PennStateWrestling #DualMeet #BigTenWrestling
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Iowa wrestling, Penn State wrestling, dual meet, Channel, time, streaming, NCAA wrestling, collegiate wrestling, live stream, wrestling match, Hawkeyes vs Nittany Lions
Fans storm the court at Rec Hall after Penn State’s 90-89 upset of Illinois on Feb. 21. 2024. Photo by Jake Musmanno | Onward State
The bleachers were filled and were situated all the way up to the hardwood. The fans brought forth an energy, a noise unfamiliar to the Bryce Jordan Center in events other than concerts. Penn State’s return to Rec Hall last season was an invigorating experience: a packed crowd, a miraculous comeback and a last-second win over No. 12 Illinois.
It felt like a basketball game.
The Nittany Lions will again play in their former home venue on Thursday night, when Ohio State comes to town. It’s an event Mike Rhoades has had circled on his calendar since the last time he coached there. He’s a basketball purist with an admiration for the sport’s history in Pennsylvania. And he hasn’t shied away from banging his fist for more Rec Hall hostings.
“That is a basketball arena. That’s a basketball gym,” Rhoades said Wednesday. “The one thing that’s been neat going around the Big Ten is seeing basketball arenas. Not big convocation centers, basketball arenas. Even when they bring the bleachers in around the court so it gives it a basketball fan experience. That, to me, is Rec Hall, and that just brings a lot of excitement.”
Penn State has played at Rec Hall just four times since moving to the Bryce Jordan Center in 1996. And last season’s win over Illinois marked the team’s first conference game in 28 years played there. It couldn’t have gone better. An elated Rhoades spoke postgame about the momentum the win, done in such a historic venue, could have on his program.
Rhoades made it clear that night he hoped to be back. Even in the offseason, Rhoades wouldn’t stop beating the drum on the importance of Rec Hall to him and his program. He sat beside Big Ten Network’s Dave Revsine, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Oregon’s Dana Altman at Big Ten Media Day in October, and the topic was brought up.
“I try to make it an everyday discussion with our administration,” Rhoades said then. “It was a great environment, turning back the clocks for a lot of alums, a lot of fans and supporters. So we’re going to continue with our administration. We want to be outside the box, that’s what we keep talking about.”
The metrics appear to suggest that Rec Hall would make a more suitable, permanent arena for Penn State. The venue’s capacity is just over 6,500 and the Nittany Lions have averaged an attendance of 7,223 this season while playing in the Bryce Jordan Center, which can seat north of 15,200.
It’s hardly a question that the environment within Beaver Stadium has an effect on opposing football teams. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings said crowd noise had a “big impact” and “disturbed” his offense after Penn State’s 38-10 win over the Mustangs in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Dec. 21.
In college basketball, players and coaches know what they’re getting into when they travel to Indiana or Purdue, where the arenas are built for basketball games. It’s loud and the fans are close to the floor, providing a true home-court advantage, the type of edge that Rhoades and his Penn State program get just once a year in their return to Rec Hall.
“Those are the arenas we all grew up in and the gyms we all grew up in, and you see that in the Big Ten right now when we go on the road,” Rhoades said. “Michigan had people right on the court, all the way around. Michigan State brings in bleachers and goes around the court. That encompasses it and makes it a basketball arena and gives that fan experience and player fun experience a cool atmosphere.”
Penn State’s Mike Rhoades Excited for Return to Rec Hall
After a long hiatus, Penn State’s basketball team is finally returning to Rec Hall for their upcoming game. Head coach Mike Rhoades couldn’t be more thrilled for the team to play in the historic venue once again.
Rec Hall holds a special place in the hearts of Penn State basketball fans, as it has been the home of the team for decades. The intimate atmosphere and passionate crowd make it a truly unique place to play a game.
Rhoades knows the importance of playing in such a historic gym and is excited for his players to experience it firsthand. He believes that the energy of the crowd and the history of the venue will motivate his team to play their best.
As the team prepares for their upcoming game at Rec Hall, Rhoades is focused on making sure they are ready to compete at the highest level. He knows that playing in such a legendary venue comes with a lot of pressure, but he is confident that his team is up to the challenge.
So mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on the Penn State basketball team as they return to Rec Hall. It’s sure to be an exciting game that you won’t want to miss!
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Ohio State will play a familiar foe in a different place.
Thursday night, the Buckeyes will take on Penn State inside Rec Hall. It’s the former home of the Nittany Lions, one they moved out of in favor of the Bryce Jordan Center in 1996. It’s the fifth game for the men’s basketball program since it moved to newer digs, and the first time since then that the Buckeyes have visited.
Ohio State has won two straight games, while Penn State has lost two straight and six of seven.
Follow along with our Columbus Dispatch live game blog below.
The Ohio State Buckeyes, including guards Evan Mahaffey (12) and John Mobley Jr. (0), forward Aaron Bradshaw (4), and center Austin Parks (25) take on Penn State Thursday night.
Video: Ohio State’s pregame report at Penn State
Here are some in-arena thoughts as Ohio State prepares to play Penn State.
Colin White still out for Ohio State
Freshman wing Colin White will miss his second consecutive game for the Buckeyes with a right leg injury. White suffered the injury at Purdue on Jan. 21 and watched the second half of that game and all of Monday’s win against Iowa with a walking boot on his leg.
Meechie Johnson Jr. will also miss his 11th game as he remains away from the team.
Penn State will be without Puff Johnson, who is missing his third consecutive game.
Ohio State at Penn State live score updates, highlights, how to watch Big Ten game
The highly anticipated Big Ten matchup between Ohio State and Penn State is finally here. Both teams are looking to make a statement in this crucial conference showdown. Follow along for live score updates and highlights from the game.
If you want to watch the game, it will be broadcast on ABC at 7:30 PM EST. You can also stream the game on the ESPN app or on the ABC website.
Stay tuned for live updates on the game as it unfolds. Who will come out on top in this exciting Big Ten matchup? Follow along to find out.
G 5 Puff Johnson, 6-8, sr., 10.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg (has missed last four games)
The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a tough road assignment as they prepare to face off against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rec Hall. The Buckeyes will have their work cut out for them as they go up against a formidable opponent in the Nittany Lions, who are known for their strong defense and skilled players.
This matchup is sure to be a thrilling and intense battle, with both teams vying for a crucial win. The Buckeyes will need to bring their A-game and put forth a solid effort in order to come out on top against the Nittany Lions.
With both teams hungry for a victory, this game is sure to be a hard-fought contest that fans won’t want to miss. Be sure to tune in and cheer on the Buckeyes as they take on the challenge of facing Penn State at Rec Hall. It’s bound to be an exciting and competitive matchup that will keep fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer sounds. #GoBuckeyes #BeatPennState
