The University of Michigan wrestling team, ranked No. 10 nationally, suffered a 38-3 loss to top-ranked Penn State in its final home match at Crisler Center on Friday night. The event drew an audience of 6,131 fans and marked Michigan’s first home defeat of the season.
Graduate student Taye Ghadiali, who is ranked fifth at heavyweight according to the latest InterMat poll, secured Michigan’s only win with a 5-1 decision over Cole Mirasola. After a scoreless opening period, Ghadiali gained riding-time advantage and executed a late single-leg takedown to seal the victory. This marks his eighth win against a ranked opponent this season and his third in Big Ten competition.
Penn State established an early lead by winning back-to-back technical falls at 125 and 133 pounds. The Nittany Lions’ lineup included six wrestlers currently holding No. 1 national rankings.
Michigan had close contests before the intermission break but came up short. Graduate student Dylan Ragusin lost an overtime bout at 141 pounds to Nate Desmond with a score of 8-5. Redshirt freshman Cameron Catrabone led late in his match at 157 pounds but ultimately fell to PJ Duke, ranked fourth nationally, by a score of 12-10.
At 184 pounds, redshirt freshman Brock Mantanona faced top-ranked Rocco Welsh and was defeated 8-1 after early attempts failed to yield points.
Following this dual meet, Michigan’s record stands at 8-4 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten Conference matches. The Wolverines will conclude their Big Ten schedule with away matches against Iowa on February 13 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Wisconsin on February 15 at UW Field House.