Penn State wrestler Josh Barr has been named the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week for the week ending January 4, 2026. This recognition marks the fourth time a Penn State athlete has received this award during the current season.
Barr competed in Chattanooga, where he secured the 197-pound title with five consecutive wins, each resulting in bonus points. His victories included a major decision, two technical falls, and two pins. In the finals, Barr defeated Stephen Little of Little Rock, ranked third nationally, with a 9-1 major decision. He also pinned Branson John of Maryland, who was ranked fifteenth, in the semifinals. Earlier rounds saw Barr achieve technical falls over Adam Ortega of The Citadel (18-2 in 4:10) and Payton Thomas of Navy (20-5 in 2:46), as well as a pin against Kendric Curtiss of Chattanooga (1:25). With these results, Barr’s record stands at 7-0 for the season, all wins coming with bonus points.
Penn State will return to competition on Saturday, January 10, 2026, hosting Rutgers at Rec Hall to start its Big Ten schedule. The match is set for 4 p.m.
Fans can follow updates about Penn State wrestling on X/twitter at @pennstateWREST, Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling and Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennstatewrest. The Family Clothesline is serving as the presenting sponsor for the Nittany Lion wrestling season.
“Barr stormed into Chattanooga and bonused his way to the 197 pound title. He won Penn State’s fifth championship of the day. Barr rolled to a 5-0 record, all for bonus points with a major, two tech falls and two pins. He dominated No. 3 Stephen Little of Little Rock in the finals, posting a dominant 9-1 major decision. Barr also pinned No. 15 Branson John of Maryland in the semifinals. He also teched Adam Ortega of The Citadel 18-2 (4:10), pinned Kendric Curtiss of Chattanooga (1:25) and teched Payton Thomas of Navy 20-5 (2:46). Barr is now 7-0 on the year, all for bonus (two pins, four techs, one major).”