Penn State’s Braeden Davis concluded his sophomore season with a remarkable fifth-place finish in the 133-pound category at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, securing his first All-American honor. The championships took place at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center from March 20 to 22.
Entering the tournament as the No. 3 seed, Davis began his campaign with a decisive victory over Bucknell’s Kurt Phipps. He continued his momentum by defeating Nebraska’s Jacob Van Dee with a 4-2 decision in the fifth round. Although Davis faced a setback in the consolation semifinals against Wisconsin’s Zan Fugitt, losing 8-5, he rebounded impressively in the fifth-place match. Davis secured a pin against Virginia Tech’s Connor McGonagle in just 2 minutes and 33 seconds, clinching the fifth spot on the podium.
This achievement contributed significantly to Penn State’s dominant performance at the championships. The Nittany Lions amassed a record-breaking 177 points, surpassing their previous record of 172.5 points set the prior year. Remarkably, all ten of Penn State’s wrestlers earned All-American honors, a feat only accomplished once before in the sport’s history by Minnesota in 2001.
Reflecting on his performance, Davis expressed pride in his resilience and determination throughout the tournament. His fifth-place finish marks a significant milestone in his collegiate wrestling career, setting a strong foundation for future successes.
As the Nittany Lions celebrate their collective achievements, Davis’s individual accomplishment stands out as a testament to his hard work and the strength of Penn State’s wrestling program. With two years of eligibility remaining, Davis is poised to build upon this success in the coming seasons.
