Thrilling NCAA Wrestling Championships Conclude in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The 2025 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships culminated on March 22, showcasing top-tier collegiate grapplers at the Wells Fargo Center. Among the standout performances were Ridge Lovett of Nebraska, who claimed the 149-pound title, and Jesse Mendez of Ohio State, who secured victory in the 141-pound category.

In a tightly contested match for the 149-pound championship, Lovett faced off against the reigning champion Caleb Henson from Virginia Tech. After a strategic battle, Lovett emerged victorious with a 1-0 decision, earning his first national title. “This has been a long journey, and I couldn’t have done it without my team and coaches,” Lovett said after the match.

The 141-pound final featured an impressive display from Mendez, who edged out Brock Hardy from Nebraska, winning 12-9. Mendez’s victory marked his second consecutive national title. “It feels amazing to come back and defend my title successfully. I trained hard for this moment,” Mendez expressed in his post-match interview.

Meanwhile, Lucas Byrd from Illinois triumphed over Drake Ayala of Iowa in the 133-pound finals. Byrd’s win, decided in the second tie-breaker by riding time, showcased his resilience and skill. Byrd noted, “I prepared for this moment, and I am grateful for the support from my coaches and teammates. It’s a dream come true to be a national champion.”

In addition to the champions, the tournament featured a parade of All-Americans, celebrating 80 wrestlers who achieved this prestigious honor in various weight classes. The showing exemplified the rich talent and competitive spirit present in collegiate wrestling today.

As for the team standings, Penn State took first place overall with 135.5 points, followed closely by Nebraska and Oklahoma State. The championship concluded with a sense of excitement and anticipation for future seasons as many wrestlers leave their mark in the history of NCAA wrestling.