Penn State wrestling’s newest star, Luke Lilledahl, is thrilled to win a Big Ten title but knows that there’s more work to do.
“I’ve been watching this on TV since I pretty much started wrestling,” Lilledahl told the Big Ten network after beating Nebraska’s Caleb Smith for the championship at 125. “To be able to compete and win, it’s just a dream come true.
Lilledahl also knows that the biggest prize is still ahead.
“It’s just a stepping stone to the national title,” he said. “So, just take what I can from my matches and prepare for the next two weeks.”
Lilledahl’s nickname is “Lightnin’ Luke,” and he showed why this weekend.
“I knew these guys can’t keep up with my pace if I stay on offense,” he said.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.In the championship bout against Smith, Lilledahl got an early takedown.
Smith hung tough after that— getting an escape point and then drawing closer with two stalling calls on Lilledahl— but the key was for Lilledahl to never let Smith return the takedown.
“I got that one takedown,” he said, “and I knew he wasn’t going to be able to get through my defense. So, just keeping a position, then, if the opportunity is there to score, I’m going to take it. But it wasn’t really there after that. So, I just take when I can get.”
Penn State TrFR, Luke Lilledahl – 125 Big Ten Champion@pennstateWREST @NittanyLionWC @Lightnin_luke20 @SemWrestling @Damoneycoach @HappyValleyUtd @missouriwrestle @B1GWrestling pic.twitter.com/YdnaLdnrZ2
— Penn State/NLWC Fan (@NlwcFan) March 9, 2025
The next thing Lilledahl has to “get” is a national title, which he’ll compete for March 20-22 in Philly.
