Max Dean is back, folks.

The Penn State wrestling star was named the Big Ten’s Wrestler of the Week, as announced by the conference Tuesday. Dean’s recognition came after his strong performance in the No. 1 Nittany Lions’ December 11 dual with Oregon State.

#B1GWrestle News: Max Dean of @pennstateWREST is the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week!

Dean defeated No. 11 Tanner Harvey of Oregon State in Penn State's 31-3 dual meet victory over the Beavers

https://t.co/39gtRkc4EE pic.twitter.com/9jqYF8cWSJ

— Big Ten Wrestling (@B1GWrestling) December 13, 2022

After falling in back-to-back bouts against Rider and Lehigh, the 197-pound senior’s win over Oregon State’s No. 11 Tanner Harvey put him back in gear as the top-ranked Nittany Lions remained undefeated.

Dean recorded two takedowns against Harvey and tallied 1:40 of riding time en route to a 6-3 win, which benefitted Penn State in a 31-3 victory against the Beavers. After Sunday’s matchup, Dean now boasts a 6-2 record on the year.

Max Dean gets the go-behind takedown!#PSUwr pic.twitter.com/5fd1J4oB6N

— Penn State WRESTLING (@pennstateWREST) December 11, 2022

The Michigan native’s honor is the first of the Nittany Lions’ season, as Cael Sanderson’s unit mounts its campaign to repeat as national champions.

Dean’s next challenge will come when No. 1 Penn State wrestling heads down to New Orleans, where it will face Central Michigan and North Carolina in the Collegiate Wrestling Duals at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 19.