Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez, Ben Davino Capture Big Ten Wrestling Titles

Emerson Raymont

Published: March 8, 2026 11:14 PM ET

Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez, Ben Davino Capture Big Ten Wrestling Titles

Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez and Ben Davino emerged triumphant at the Big Ten Wrestling Championships held recently, claiming titles in their respective weight classes. Their victories contributed significantly to the Buckeyes’ efforts against the top-ranked Penn State team.

Davino’s Dramatic Victory

In the 133-pound division, Ben Davino showcased his skills by defeating Penn State’s Marcus Blaze in a closely contested tiebreaker match. Blaze entered the match with an impressive 19-0 record for the regular season and had not lost in dual competition. However, Davino’s strategic approach led him to victory through riding time in the second tiebreaker period.

Mendez Secures Another Title

Jesse Mendez, a two-time NCAA champion, added another accolade to his career by winning the 141-pound title. He faced off against Nebraska’s Brock Hardy, securing a convincing 7-2 decision. Mendez dominated the match from start to finish, completing both takedowns effectively.

Looking Ahead to NCAA Championships

With the Big Ten title in hand, Mendez now sets his sights on the upcoming NCAA Championships. The goal is to emulate Ohio State legends like Logan Stieber and Kyle Snyder by securing a third national title. Achieving this would position him as a serious contender for the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy, awarded to the top competitor in college wrestling.

Additional Championship Matches

In the 149-pound division, Ethan Stiles competed against Penn State’s Shayne Van Ness. Stiles faced a challenging match and ultimately succumbed to Van Ness, who managed to pin him after a strong start in the second period.
Other Ohio State wrestlers, including Nic Bouzakis (125), Brandon Cannon (157), Carson Kharchla (174), Luke Geog (197), and Nick Feldman (HWT), were also in action, striving for bronze medals.

Team Standings

Penn State dominated the Big Ten Championships with a total of 184.5 team points, securing the top position. Ohio State followed in second place with 148.5 points, while Nebraska (116.5), Iowa (87), and Michigan (86.5) rounded out the top five teams.