Nebraska Shines as NCAA Wrestling Tournament Runner-Up

The Nebraska wrestling team made a resounding statement at the 2025 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, held from March 21–22 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. With a total of 117 points, Nebraska finished as the runner-up, trailing only the dominant Penn State, which secured its fourth consecutive team title with 177 points. Oklahoma State claimed third place with 102.5 points.

Nebraska’s performance was highlighted by standout achievements from two individual national champions. Ridge Lovett, competing in the 149-pound category, delivered a stellar campaign, capping it off with a decisive victory in the final. Meanwhile, Stephen Buchanan of Iowa won the 197-pound title, cementing his reputation as one of the top wrestlers in the nation.

The tournament featured powerhouse programs such as Iowa, Michigan, Arizona State, Cornell, and Minnesota, which competed fiercely across ten weight classes. The competition also included headline performances from other champions, including Carter Starocci of Penn State, who claimed his fifth NCAA title at 184 pounds, and Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State, who shocked the wrestling world by defeating Gable Steveson in the 285-pound final.

The Cornhuskers’ depth and resilience were on full display, with multiple athletes advancing to the later rounds. Their ability to contend with some of the best wrestlers in the nation demonstrated the strength of the program under head coach Mark Manning. Nebraska’s runner-up finish marks a significant milestone and reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence in collegiate wrestling.

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Tags: Wrestling, Combat Sports