The Invitational: A Lucrative Opportunity

Oklahoma State University is set too host the National Duals invitational at the BOK Centre in tulsa, oklahoma, Nov. 15-16.The event boasts a significant $1 million prize pool, with the winning team slated to receive $200,000.

Penn State is among 12 college wrestling teams with an automatic entry into this year’s National Duals Invitational, should they choose to participate. Though, the decision to attend remains uncertain.

Penn State’s Winning Streak and Potential Record

The Nittany Lions are currently riding a 71-match winning streak. By securing victories in their initial five dual meets, they could equal Oklahoma State’s record of 76 consecutive wins. A sixth victory would break the record in the 2025-2026 season.

Sanderson’s Skepticism Towards National Duals

Despite the potential financial and competitive benefits, head coach Cael Sanderson has historically expressed reservations about the concept of a national dual meet championship. A news release indicates that Sanderson and his staff have until April 15 to decide on participation.

I saw that coming around again. I think that’s just kind of always been what people think the answer is, the National Duals. Don’t really feel any differently now than I [did] about it 10 years ago, right? I mean, I think you can create a big event without including every team in the contry.
Cael Sanderson, Penn State Head Wrestling Coach

Sanderson’s comments suggest a long-standing opposition to the idea, questioning the necessity of a National Duals event to create significant interest in college wrestling.

It’s sad that we think we have to have the National Duals to create a big event. I mean, we have a lot of really exciting teams, a lot of programs.So does that have to be at the National Duals? That just seems to be the mentality that they’re coming back [to] and it resurfaces all the time.I think there’s obviously some merit to the idea, but it’s just kind of like a broken record.
Cael Sanderson, Penn State Head Wrestling Coach

His perspective highlights a belief that compelling wrestling events can be organized without relying on a thorough national dual meet format.

Featured Content: Penn State Wrestling Show

Stay updated with the latest insights and analysis on Penn State wrestling. Watch the latest episode of the Penn State Wrestling Show for expert commentary and team updates.

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Automatic Qualifiers and Lottery Teams

Along with Penn State, 11 other universities have automatic entries into the National Duals Invitational. These teams have the option to accept or decline their invitation.

• Nebraska
• Oklahoma State
• Iowa
• Minnesota
• Ohio State
• Cornell
• NC State
• Northern Iowa
• Illinois
• Virginia Tech
• Michigan

Following the decision deadline for automatic qualifiers, a random draw on April 24 will determine the remaining participants. Several schools are in contention for these lottery spots.

Teams in contention for lottery spots:

• purdue
• Missouri
• Lehigh
• Penn
• Arkansas-Little Rock
• Arizona State
• Stanford
• West Virginia
• Navy
• Wyoming
• South Dakota State
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Oregon State

Looking Ahead

The wrestling community awaits Penn State’s final decision regarding their participation in the National Duals Invitational. Further details are expected later this month.