Shortly after Penn State wrestling took home its fourth straight national championship, Carter Starocci and Mitchell Mesenbrink earned tournament and season awards.

Carter Starocci was named the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championship Outstanding Wrestler at the tournament’s end after he defeated Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen 4-3 for his unprecedented fifth national championship. In his final season as Nittany Lion, Starocci finished with a perfect 26-0 record. In his career, Starocci went 107-4 with three Big Ten titles and five All-American distinctions.

Mesenbrink was presented with the NCAA’s season-long Most Technical Falls Award. The Nittany Lion finished with 16 regular season technical falls adding two more in the first couple of rounds in the NCAA tournament. As one of the most dominant wrestlers in the country, Mesenbrink finished with a 27-0 record, earning himself a national championship and second straight All-American distinction in his sophomore year.

Penn State won the NCAA Championships in dominant fashion, beating its own team scoring record from last season with 177 and crowning 10 All-Americans. Second place Nebraska finished 60 points behind. The Penn State wrestling team closes yet another chapter of excellence as the team goes unblemished in the regular season, wining the Big Ten title and the national championship.

About the Author

Cooper Cazares

Cooper was a member of Onward State from 2023 to 2026, serving on the Penn State wrestling and football beats. He can be found frowning on most Sunday afternoons, for he is a lifelong Washington Commanders fan. When he isn't watching sports, Cooper is usually tearing up at "Rudy" or taking a well-deserved nap. To reach him, follow him on Instagram (@cooper_cax) or Twitter (@CooperCazares).

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