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Will a Penn State wrestler win the Hodge Trophy today?: Newsstand

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•03/31/25•

GregPickel

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(Photos: Mark Selders/Penn State Athletics; Pickel/BWI)

Penn State news, notes, and updates for March 31 include a preview of Monday’s Hodge Trophy announcement, headlines of the day, and more. It’s time to dive into the top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.

Penn State tweets of the day

The winner of college wrestler’s version of the Heisman Trophy will be announced today. Two Nittany Lions are in the running to win it. Penn State NCAA champs Mitchell Mesenbrink, who won the 165 pound title, and Carter Starocci, who clinched his record-setting fifth national title by scoring a late takedown to win the 184-pound championship, are battling Oklahoma State heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson, who bat Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, for the Hodge. The most recent fan voting update showed the Cowboy leading that part of the formula used to pick a winner. But, former winners and media members have a say, too.

“I think just a guy that always led by example, always showed up, no matter the day, if you’re hurt, injured, sad, no matter what, always putting your best foot forward,” Starocci said when asked what he wants his legacy to be. “That’s something I want the younger guys on the team to keep pushing for more and more and more and just keep that Penn State dynasty going.

“I’m not sure how much longer these coaches got, but I know Coach Cael pretty well. If there’s some kind of coaching record or record out there, you guys figure it out. I’m sure when he breaks that, he’ll be done.”

The Hodge Trophy winner comes out at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Headlines of the day

Safety Jonathan Galette recaps Penn State visit and what it means to pick up an offer from the Nittany Lions: Snyder, BWI

Three Nittany Lions Who Made Money at Penn State’s Pro Day: Wogenrich, SI

Penn State wrestling offseason reset: Wild first week sees Ono commit, transfer portal changes: Pickel, BWI

Kevin Winston Jr. Runs 40-Yard Dash at Pro Day After Tearing ACL Months Earlier: Engle, Statecollege.com

Penn State running back commit Messiah Mickens shuts down his recruitment: Snyder, BWI

Inside 5-star OT Immanuel Iheanacho’s top schools: Simmons, On3

Penn State releases plan for Blue-White game seating with Beaver Stadium construction ongoing: Pickel, BWI

Quote of the day

“I enjoyed talking to Coach Terry and Coach [James] Franklin,” Galette said. “What stands out about Coach Terry are definitely his stats, what he’s done already as a coach and the defensive backs that he’s produced. Coach Franklin stands out most because it seems like he really cares about his players’ academics and their lives outside of football.”

Class of 2027 safety Jonathan Galette.

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