The Penn State wrestling program is once again making headlines as the season approaches, and notable storylines are emerging from the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex. With the significant achievement of adding women’s wrestling as the 91st NCAA championship sport, the wrestling community is brimming with anticipation for both men’s and women’s competition.
Several Penn State wrestlers have shifted their focus to international competition over the summer. Levi Haines made a remarkable showing at the 2025 men’s freestyle world championships, returning home with a silver medal in the 74 kg weight class as part of Team USA, which also included PJ Duke. Meanwhile, at the U23 men’s freestyle world championships, several Nittany Lions excelled, with Haines, Lilledahl, and Mesenbrink all earning gold medals, while Duke secured a bronze. On the U20 level, Blaze and Duke topped their weight classes in Bulgaria, contributing to a strong showing for the younger athletes.
As the season begins, it’s clear that many Penn State wrestlers are already in peak form. However, managing the roster effectively will be crucial, especially with Josh Barr nursing a rib injury. While some might feel disappointed about the team’s decision to forego the National Duals tournament—seen as a rigorous start to the season—this strategy could serve the athletes well in the long run.
This year’s roster presents an intriguing scenario regarding redshirts. Coach Cael Sanderson announced that several talented individuals, including Ono, Davis, and Kasak, will be redshirting, hinting at a robust future lineup for the 2025/26 season.
On the national landscape, all eyes are on Stillwater, Oklahoma, where David Taylor is gearing up to enhance Oklahoma State’s competitive edge. With key transfers from Penn State, including Zach Ryder and Alex Facundo, the team is poised to challenge the dominance of Penn State, which continues to be a top contender in the Big Ten Conference. Nebraska’s second-place finish in last year’s NCAA Championships and their formidable squad, bolstered by the addition of Anthony Ferrari, has added another layer of competition. The ever-pressured Iowa Hawkeyes are also in contention, ranked fourth but looking to regain their previous glory.
Iowa State is coming into the season with a strong roster, featuring eight wrestlers ranked in Intermat’s top ten, promising to elevate the competition further. The upcoming National Duals Invitational, which features 16 teams including top competitors like Nebraska and Iowa, is highly anticipated and promises to reignite interest in collegiate wrestling after a dip in attendance at traditional tournaments.
Among individual storylines, Jesse Mendez stands out as a returning multiple-time national champion and a frontrunner in Hodge Trophy discussions. However, contenders like Levi Haines and Mitchell Mesenbrink are also expected to make a significant impact. The 184-pound weight class will be particularly exciting, showcasing Rocco Welsh, a transfer from Ohio State, competing against formidable athletes including Iowa’s Angelo Ferrari and Oklahoma State’s Zack Ryder.
As the season unfolds, expect to see an array of storylines develop, particularly with a talented freshman class eager to leave their mark. With the stage set for an exhilarating season, both the Penn State wrestling program and the wrestling community as a whole can look forward to a thrilling competition ahead.