Some of the best wrestlers throughout the NCAA will convene at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania this weekend for theBig Ten wrestling tournament.
This year, the Big Ten has introduced a new preliminary seeding system that ranks 14 starters in all 10 weight classes. Penn State, which has won the last three Big Ten wrestling tournament championships, leads all schools with six No. 1 seeds, though four different schools feature a No. 1 seed.
REQUIRED READING:Why Penn State wrestling's Cael Sanderson faults Big Ten seeding
Penn State's Luke Lilledahl (125 pounds), Marcus Blaze (133), Shayne Van Ness (149), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165), Rocco Welsh (184) and Josh Barr (197) all enter as No. 1 seeds in their respective classes. Elsewhere, Nebraska's Antrell Taylor (157) and Christopher Minto (174) are No. 1 seeds, while Ohio State's Jesse Mendez (141) and Michigan's Taye Ghadiali (285) round out top seeds.
The seeding system isnot without its criticisms, however, as undefeated 174-pounder Levi Haines of Penn State is the No. 2 wrestler behind Nebraska's Minto, whom he defeated in February. Elsewhere, No. 1-ranked senior Lucas Byrd of Illinois, the defending national champ, is the No. 2 seed behind Blaze, an undefeated freshman.
Follow along as USA TODAY Sports provides live updates, results and highlights from the Big Ten wrestling tournament:
Big Ten wrestling tournament standings
This section will be updated.
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Here are theBig Ten wrestling tournament seedings.
Big Ten wrestling bracket
Here are the officialBig Ten tournament wrestling brackets, courtesy of the Big Ten.
Big Ten wrestling tournament results
This section will be updated.
Big Ten wrestling tournament highlights
This section will be updated.
What channel is Big Ten wrestling tournament today?
Channel: Big Ten Network
Streaming: Fox Sports app | BIG+ | Fubo (free trial)
Day 1 of the Big Ten wrestling tournament will feature multiple sessions that air across the Big Ten Network andBIG+, which serves as BTN's direct-to-consumer streaming service.
Session I will air on the Big Ten Network, while Session II (consolation matches, wrestlebacks) will air exclusively on BIG+. Session II (semifinals) will air on the Big Ten Network. Other potential streaming options include the Fox Sports app (with a valid cable login) andFubo, which carries the Big Ten Network and offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
Big Ten wrestling tournament start time today
Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 10 a.m. ET (Session I) | 5 p.m. ET (Session II) | 7 p.m. (Session II)
Location: Bryce Jordan Center (University Park, Pennsylvania)
Day 1 of the Big Ten wrestling tournament will have multiple sessions that start at different parts of the day. Session I opens at 10 a.m. ET, while Session II (consolation matches, wrestlebacks) begins at 5 p.m. and Session II (semifinals) begins at 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Big 10 wrestling tournament bracket results, standings, highlights Day 1