The 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships should serve as a strong precursor to the NCAA Championships, with many No. 1 seeds expected to compete in both events.
While Penn State Wrestling brings heavy hitters to nearly every weight class, the Big Ten as a whole is dangerous. Last year’s runner-up Nebraska, third-place Iowa, along with Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio State and others make this the deepest conference tournament in the country.
If you want to get ready for the 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships, these matchups offer a quick way to familiarize yourself with the top pre-seeds and key contenders.
Watch these featured bouts to get ready for the 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships, and follow along as the road to the NCAA Wrestling Championships runs through the Big Ten Conference.
Jesse Mendez (Ohio State) Vs. Brock Hardy (Nebraska) (141lbs)
This is a straightforward preview of how the 141-pound title could unfold, as Mendez and Hardy faced each other earlier this season at National Duals.
Every Mitchell Mesenbrink Match On FloWrestling (165lbs) | Penn State Wrestling
If 165 runs through one guy, it’s Mitchell Mesenbrink. Here are all of his matches broadcast on FloWrestling this season.
Lucas Byrd (Illinois) Vs. Drake Ayala (Iowa) (133lbs)
There’s plenty of history here as both contenders enter the final stretch of their college careers at Big Tens, and Byrd and Ayala most recently squared off at National Duals earlier this season.
Taye Ghadiali (Michigan) Vs. AJ Ferrari (Nebraska) (285lbs)
A heavyweight headliner featuring the No. 1 and No. 2 pre-seeds, and a look at what the top of 285 could resemble at Big Tens and potentially the NCAA Championships.
Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) Vs. PJ Duke (Penn State) (157lbs)
The No. 1 and No. 2 pre-seeds at 157 met last year at World Team Trials, and even in eight minutes, the match delivers plenty of action, including late drama.
Every Marcus Blaze Match On FloWrestling (133lbs) | Penn State Wrestling
Penn State Wrestling freshman Marcus Blaze is likely a name you know well, and he earned the No. 1 pre-seed at 133 for a reason. Here are all of his matches broadcast on FloWrestling this season.
Luke Lilledahl Wins U23 World Title (125lbs) | Penn State Wrestling
Luke Lilledahl is aiming for back-to-back Big Ten titles at 125 after winning the conference crown last season as a true freshman. He also added a U23 World title during the college offseason.
Angelo Ferrari (Iowa Wrestling) Vs. Zack Ryder (Oklahoma State) (184lbs)
Though Angelo Ferrari comes in as the No. 8 pre-seed at 184, it’s very possible he could shake up the early rounds if he gets on a roll.
FloWrestling Pound-For-Pound College Wrestling Rankings
- Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State), 165lbs, JR (Prev: 1)
- Jesse Mendez (Ohio State), 141lbs, SR (Prev: 2)
- Levi Haines (Penn State), 174lbs, SR (Prev: 3)
- Lucas Byrd (Illinois), 133lbs, SR (Prev: 4)
- Shayne Van Ness (Penn State), 149lbs, JR (Prev: 5)
- Rocky Elam (Iowa State), 197lbs, SR (Prev: 6)
- Josh Barr (Penn State), 197lbs, SO (Prev: 7)
- Yonger Bastida (Iowa State), 285lbs, SR (Prev: 8)
- Joey Blaze (Purdue), 165lbs, JR (Prev: 9)
- Michael Caliendo (Iowa), 165lbs, SR (Prev: 11)
- LaDarion Lockett (Oklahoma State), 165lbs, FR (Prev: 10)
- Sergio Vega (Oklahoma State), 141lbs, FR (Prev: 12)
- Brock Hardy (Nebraska), 141lbs, SR (Prev: 13)
- Rocco Welsh (Penn State), 184lbs, SO (Prev: 14)
- Angelo Ferrari (Iowa), 184lbs, FR (Prev: 15)
- Aeoden Sinclair (Missouri), 184lbs, FR (Prev: 16)
- Max McEnelly (Minnesota), 184lbs, SO (Prev: 17)
- Luke Lilledahl (Penn State), 125lbs, SO (Prev: 18)
- Isaac Trumble (NC State), 285lbs, SR (Prev: 19)
- Antrell Taylor (Nebraska), 157lbs, JR (Prev: 20)
Trackwrestling Has Joined The New FloWrestling
Trackwrestling officially has merged with FloWrestling, bringing its powerful tournament tracking tools and live data into a modern, all-in-one platform.
Fans can follow every bout with pro-grade brackets, mat schedules, team rosters and detailed wrestler profiles—all seamlessly integrated within FloWrestling.
This move delivers a faster, smarter and more connected experience for the wrestling community. Through the updated FloSports app, users can track live results, explore brackets and even sign up for free alerts so they never miss a match.
FloWrestling Archived Footage
Video footage from all events on FloWrestling will be archived and stored in a video library for FloWrestling subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.
