How long will Cael Sanderson and the Nittany Lions dynasty last? Are they truly unbeatable?  

Those questions have hovered over college wrestling for years as Sanderson and Penn State continue to extend their undefeated dual meet streak. But this Friday, wrestling fans may get closer to an answer. No. 1 Penn State is set to face No. 2 Ohio State in what is being regarded as the most anticipated dual meet of the season.  

Both Big Ten powers will enter the matchup undefeated after dominant wins this past weekend. Penn State extended its dominance with a win over No. 10 Michigan, while Ohio State knocked off No. 8. The victory over Michigan marked the Nittany Lions 84^th consecutive dual meet win. Their toughest test came against No. 6 Nebraska, where Penn State earned a 26-12 win in one of its most competitive duals of the season. 

Friday’s showdown with Ohio State presents an even greater challenge, as nine of the Buckeyes’ 10 starters are ranked inside the top 10 in their respective weight classes, including two at No. 1, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown between the nation’s top two programs.  

“We are excited. We love big matches. Our guys love big matches. Ohio State is always a great program. Coach Ryan does a phenomenal job, just very consistent,” Sanderson said. “Very similar to a couple of these other dual meets we have had, where everyone has to just go be the best they can be, and let’s have some fun.” 

The early bouts could set the tone for the entire dual, with two of the most competitive matchups coming at the lightest weights. At 125 pounds, No. 1 Luke Lilledahl is set to face No. 2 Nic Bouzakis in a clash of speed versus power, followed by a 133-pound matchup between No. 4 Marcus Blaze and No. 2 Ben Davino.   

“We like our lightweights quite a bit; we wouldn’t trade them for anybody,” Sanderson said. “We have a lot of confidence in them, and we are just excited to compete against very good competition.” 

This season, Marcus Blaze has quickly become one of college wrestling’s most exciting talents. The true freshman is 17-0 this season with an impressive 88 bonus point percentage. While Davino will be a difficult opponent, Blaze’s biggest challenge may still be surpassing his own standards on the mat. 

“Marcus is his own greatest critic, so he is coming off the mat even when he is winning dominantly, and he is self-reflecting and trying to figure out what he can do better and how he can score more points,” Sanderson shared. “Marcus is going to do what he does, obviously, and just compete with discipline and enthusiasm. Ultimately, it comes down to what he wants, and he wants to keep getting better, so that’s what he is going to do.” 

In last weekend’s dual against Michigan, Penn State fans got a rare glimpse at Nate Desmond after Breaden Davis was sidelined with a skin issue. Despite Desmond’s impressive showing, Davis is expected to return to the lineup this week, taking on No. 1 Jesse Mendez at 141 pounds.  

“Davis is a competitor, but we have a team of competitors, and that is why this year has been a lot of fun. But he is going to give his best effort and go compete hard,” Sanderson said. “He has shown what he is capable of, and we just have to keep inching along.” 

The 157-pound matchup could be unpredictable for Penn State, as Ohio State’s top-ranked Brandon Cannon has not competed since he suffered a knee injury in a match against Minnesota’s Charlie Millard. While Cannon’s return for Friday is unlikely, Sanderson emphasized that PJ Duke will be ready for whoever steps on the mat.  

“We don’t know who they are going to wrestle, so that is why we just do what we do. PJ is working on himself, getting to and finishing his shots, and just all the little things that he is doing to get ready,” Sanderson said.  

At heavyweight, Cole Mirasola could see No. 3 Nick Feldman, providing another benchmark for the freshman. Mirasola has faced a challenging stretch in recent weeks against several highly ranked opponents, and Friday’s matchup will be another chance to show he belongs among the top competitors.  

“It has been the same story, Cole is in that match, and he just has to trust in his game plan and what he does really well. He is already really tough to beat, but he can be right there with anybody,” Sanderson said. “He has done a great job, and as a freshman getting these matches back to back to back is great preparation for him and a confidence booster because he realizes he is really close.” 

A lot of questions will be answered on Friday as all eyes remain on Sanderson and his team. Even with a challenging lineup ahead, he is confident in how his wrestlers will perform. 

“We believe in our guys, and we know they are going to be great,” Sanderson said. “From match one all the way through to the end.” 

The Nittany Lions will take on the Buckeyes on Friday, February 13,  at 7 p.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center. The match will be streamed live on the Big Ten Network.