Wrestling, Waffles, and Wild Moments: NCAA Week 6 Recap

Ah, the holiday season—a time for festive lights, questionable eggnog decisions, and, most importantly, wrestling action. After a light Thanksgiving week spent carb-loading on stuffing, the collegiate wrestling world came roaring back, delivering thrills, takedowns, and just enough drama to spice up your post-turkey haze. Let’s dig in.

Lions Roar Loud in Allentown

Penn State rolled into Lehigh’s backyard, bringing the heat and a hefty fanbase to the PPL Center. This wasn’t just a wrestling meet; it was a spectacle. With over 9,700 fans in attendance, the Lions mauled the Mountain Hawks, taking 9 of 10 bouts and a decisive 36-3 victory.

Lehigh’s lone bright spot? Ryan Crookham’s gritty win at 133 pounds, securing the Mountain Hawks’ only takedown of the night. Penn State, however, flexed its depth and dominance, with Josh Barr delivering a show-stopping major decision over two-time All-American Michael Beard. And while we’re already dreaming of the massive Levi Haines vs. Keegan O’Toole clash later this month, let’s take a moment to appreciate Penn State’s juggernaut status.

Fun fact: The Mountain Hawks wrestle in Bethlehem, the very town that inspired Billy Joel’s “Allentown.” Who knew wrestling and ‘80s pop hits had so much synergy?

Vegas, Baby: The CKLV Showdown

The Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational was pure wrestling decadence. Thirty teams, over 100 ranked wrestlers, and a convention center just steps from a trade show for cannabis enthusiasts—only in Vegas.

Oklahoma State stole the spotlight, claiming the team title under first-year head coach David Taylor. With five finalists and two champs, the Cowboys made it clear they’re a force to be reckoned with. Notable mentions include Wyatt Hendrickson, who snagged Outstanding Wrestler honors with pins so ferocious they probably triggered hotel fire alarms.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s Daniel Cardenas absolutely destroyed the 157-pound bracket, pinning his finals opponent with moves so clean you could eat off them. On the other hand, Virginia Tech’s Caleb Henson brought home glory at 149 pounds, solidifying his commitment to stick with the Hokies through the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. That’s a future we can all get behind.

Big Matches, Bigger Vibes

Elsewhere, dual meets took center stage, proving once again that nothing brings out the wrestling diehards like a good ol’ rivalry. Rutgers took home the Big Ivy Trophy after trouncing Princeton, and Lock Haven pulled off a thrilling upset against Wisconsin. Over in Missouri, Iowa kept things spicy with two “Uncivil War” wins against Princeton and Army, marking Tom Brands’ 300th victory as Hawkeyes head coach.

And let’s not overlook Minnesota, which casually dominated the Cougar Clash without Gable Steveson. Who needs a gold medalist when you’re already cruising to eight individual wins?

Heavy Metal Matness: Missouri = Rush

Let’s get niche for a second. If Missouri wrestling were a heavy metal band, they’d be Rush—Canada’s finest export. Why? Both are consistently excellent yet criminally underappreciated. Missouri’s coach Brian Smith has been leading the Tigers since 1998, making him the Neil Peart of collegiate wrestling: steady, legendary, and deserving of more hype.

Missouri continues to crank out stars like Keegan O’Toole and J’den Cox, much like Rush churns out bangers like “Tom Sawyer” and “Freewill.” Wrestling fans, do yourself a favor: Watch Missouri wrestle and queue up some Rush. You’re welcome.

What’s Next?

Week 6 gave us plenty of action, but there’s more on the horizon. As dual season heats up and tournaments start to shape rankings, the stage is set for even more drama. Will Penn State maintain its dominance? Can Oklahoma State build on its Vegas momentum? And will Billy Joel ever write a sequel to “Allentown” titled “Bethlehem (Wrestling Edition)”? Probably not, but hey, one can dream.

This season is only getting started, and whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual observer, there’s never been a better time to jump on the wrestling hype train. Just remember: What happens on the mat rarely stays on the mat. See you next week for more suplexes, stunners, and stories that make college wrestling the best show in town.