Penn State wrestling stars enter high-stakes grappling tournament as heavy underdogs

Penn State wrestling is still a few months away, but one former and one current Nittany Lion will take the mat this weekend at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational. Jason Nolf and Greg Kerkvliet are set to compete in the historic grappling tournament that will take place on Friday and Saturday in Las Vegas. 

With a $1 million prize awarded to the winner of each of the tournament’s two weight classes (above and below 80 kg), the Craig Jones Invitational is the highest-paying grappling event in history. Kerkvliet and Nolf will each get $10,000 for participating. 

Penn State wrestling stars enter Craig Jones Invitational as heavy underdogs

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Not typically the case when they wrestled for Cael Sanderson, both Jason Nolf and Greg Kerkvliet will be heavy underdogs in this weekend’s tournament.

Former three-time NCAA Champion Jason Nolf enters his first-round matchup with Tye Ruotolo in the under 80 kg bracket at +700.

Ruotolo is the 2022 Gold Medalist in Jiu-Jitsu at 76 kg and the 2023 Bronze Medalist at 82 kg. He also secured a third-place finish in the 2022 ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship. The bout will be a strong test for Nolf, who is fresh off his grappling debut win over Andrew Simmons on June 9.

Wrestlers are all big underdogs at the CJI tomorrow in the opening round. Downey +220, Kerkvliet +350, Nolf +700.

Odds courtesy @BetOnline_ag. pic.twitter.com/fJMVUcVnRb

— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) August 15, 2024

Last year’s National Championship-winning heavyweight Greg Kerkvliet has better odds, but is still a solid underdog at +350 in his over 80 kg match against Felipe Andrew from Brazil. 

Andrew is the 2021 World Champion in the absolute division and the 2023 World Champion in the 94 kg division. He also is the Euros Champion in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Andrew poses a tough challenge for the current Penn State wrestling standout, who will look to gauge exactly where he stands in the sport of grappling moving forward. 

Where to watch Kervliet and Nolf battle for the $1 million prize?

The entire Craig Jones Invitational will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook Live. The event will start at 3:00 p.m. on Friday and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. 

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