CHAMPAIGN — The Penn State wrestling team secured a 29-9 victory over Illinois in a conference dual meet held at Huff Hall on February 16, 2025. The event drew 2136 spectators. The dual featured several bonus-point victories across multiple weight classes.

Early Nittany Lions Momentum

The action began at 125 pounds where Luke Lilledahl (Penn State) won by technical fall in 4:19 (19-4) to give the visitors an early lead at Illinois 0, Penn State 5. The 133-pound bout saw Lucas Byrd (Illinois) secured a decision victory (7-1), narrowing the gap at Illinois 3, Penn State 5. At 141 pounds, Beau Bartlett (Penn State) won by decision (9-2), extending the visitors' advantage at Illinois 3, Penn State 8.

Key Middle Bouts

The momentum firmly shifted to Nittany Lions beginning at 165 pounds, as the visitors put together a crucial streak of 4 consecutive victories. At 165 pounds, Mitchell Mesenbrink earned a major decision, followed by Levi Haines with a decision at 174 pounds, followed by Carter Starocci with a disqualification at 184 pounds, and at 197 pounds, Josh Barr capped the run with a major decision, pushing the score to Illinois 6, Penn State 29.

Sealing the Victory

at 184 pounds, Carter Starocci (Penn State) won by disqualification, making the final score Illinois 6, Penn State 25. followed by Josh Barr at 197 pounds who earned a major decision (15-4), In the final bout at 285 pounds, Luke Luffman earned a decision (4-0), making the final score Illinois 9, Penn State 29.

Takedown Statistics

In the takedown battle, Penn State led with a 20 takedown advantage. Overall, Illinois finished with 3 takedowns to Penn State's 23. Luke Lilledahl (Penn State) led all wrestlers with 6 takedowns, followed by Shayne Van Ness (Penn State) with 4 takedowns and Carter Starocci (Penn State) with 4 takedowns.

Bout-by-Bout Analysis