Penn State wrestling has set the standard this season, not just in the Big Ten, but across all college wrestling. 

Coach Cael Sanderson and his team have been rolling through opponents, earning two shutout victories over Indiana and Maryland in just 24 hours this past weekend. These wins mark a new program record, with the Nittany Lions recording seven shutouts this season. Their dominance will be put to the test this Friday as they prepare to face No. 6 Nebraska in another Big Ten dual. 

“Nebraska is a great team. Obviously, they are really well coached, and they are tough in all positions,” Cael Sanderson said. “They are hard to finish on and have very experienced wrestlers, so we need to be ready to roll.”  

Nebraska is coming off a tough weekend, falling in close matches to No. 4 Iowa and No. 2 Ohio State. Despite these losses, they remain one of the most experienced and dangerous dual meet teams in the country. With a wrestler ranked in every weight class, Sanderson knows the Huskers’ lineup will pose challenges in every bout, leaving little room for error. 

“They have lost a few matches, but they are a top team in the country,” Sanderson said. “They may have started off a little slow, but they are right back where they want to be, so we need to be ready to wrestle.” 

Despite Nebraska’s depth, Sanderson made it clear that Penn State’s preparation does not change based on who is on the other side of the mat.  

“We don’t really focus on our opponents a whole lot, so it doesn’t make a big difference to us. We are really just focusing on ourselves,” Sanderson shared. “Most of the people we wrestle are competing with the same tactics against our guys. We just have to continue working on what we are doing.”  

Penn State’s duel against Nebraska this Friday kicks off a challenging stretch for the Nittany Lions, with upcoming matchups against No. 13 Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State. While most teams might shy away from this level of competition, it’s exactly the kind of competition Sanderson and his team thrive on.  

“We love it. It is part of what we look forward to. Our staff has been coaching for a long time, and these are the matches that make what we do fun,” Sanderson said. “Just being prepared and excited to compete against great competition. It is the same every year, we enjoy and look forward to the big matches.” 

What makes Penn State’s wrestling dynasty so remarkable isn’t just the dominance or the statistics; it’s that they never seem to slow down. Each year, Sanderson builds a team even more dominant than the last. When success comes so effortlessly, it’s easy to overlook the work behind it, yet Sanderson and his team never lose focus on the process.  

“I think when staying focused on the process, that means different things to different people. I think it means something different to each kid and the way they compete, but for us as a staff, we just try to focus on something more exciting than just trying to win our next match,” Sanderson said. “That is the process for us, the details that make that process. I think we don’t change because we continue to focus on what we value, and that is just being a part of a program that stands for something a little different.”  

Many factors contribute to the team’s success, but Sanderson consistently emphasizes the value of mindset and perspective. On the mat, however, he underscores the importance of showing rather than telling as a coach. 

“Different people learn in different ways. Anyone can tell somebody what they are doing wrong. But getting someone to make a change or an adjustment, that is a challenge,” Sanderson said. “As coaches, if you can get on the mat with them and keep putting them in that position over and over again, whether they know it or not, they are going to get better there.” 

Friday night will feature several high-stakes matchups, especially at 157 pounds, where PJ Duke is expected to take on defending national champion Antrell Taylor.  

“PJ is an incredible competitor and has the opportunity to wrestle the defending champion in his weight, so I think it is a great opportunity for PJ to see where he is,” Sanderson said.  

Another highly anticipated match comes at heavyweight, where Cole Mirasola will take on No. 4 AJ Ferrari. This will be Mirasola’s toughest match yet, but Sanderson is confident that Mirasola can capitalize on this opportunity.  

“Cole is continuing to get better as he competes and increases his confidence,” Sanderson said. “Ferrari is very tactical in the way he wrestles, so he is very tricky. It will be a fun challenge for Cole. Obviously, he needs to wrestle wisely, but also do what he does if he wants to give himself a chance at success there.” 

Heading into this Friday’s match, Sanderson and his team will focus on the same fundamentals that have driven their success all season.  

“I think it’s just the same as every week. Obviously, these dual meets are a lot of fun, and every match counts,” Sanderson said. “From an individual perspective, I think it is pretty similar; the guys are just trying to be the best they can be on Friday, regardless of the opponent.”   

The Nittany Lions will take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday, January 30, at 8 p.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center. You can also stream the match live on the Big Ten Network.