🔥 U20 Domination: PJ Duke & Marcus Blaze Signal Penn State Wrestling’s Next Great Era
Penn State wrestling’s future just got supercharged. At the 2025 U20 World Team Trials in Geneva, Ohio, incoming Nittany Lions PJ Duke and Marcus Blaze delivered breathtaking performances, securing spots on the U20 World Team and announcing themselves as cornerstone pieces of Cael Sanderson’s legendary program.
PJ Duke, the 2025 Junior Hodge Trophy winner, stormed the 70 kg bracket with confidence. He swept Oklahoma State recruit Landon Robideau 7–0 and 9–4 to claim gold—a title he already backed up with a victory at the Senior World Team Trials and an active bid at Final X .
Just as dominant at 61 kg, Marcus Blaze powered past opponents with two 10–0 technical falls and a 4–1 decision to claim his spot . Already a U17 world champion in 2023 and a U20 bronze medalist in 2024, Blaze showed no signs of slowing down against elite competition .
These two are more than trial winners—they’re signals that Penn State’s tradition of excellence will continue. They’re joined by heavyweights Connor and Cole Mirasola at 92 kg and 125 kg, respectively, and freshman William Henckel at 79 kg—meaning five Nittany Lions will represent Team USA in Bulgaria this August .
For Sanderson and his staff, these results are gold: recruits stepping into the program with international titles already under their belts, ready to elevate the collegiate lineup. PJ Duke—on the brink of another senior-level world team—and Blaze—already stacked with age-group accomplishments—are just the beginning.
As Penn State looks to defend its NCAA crown next season, this wave of U.S. World Team talent gives the Lions depth, experience, and momentum. Their dominance at U20 trials isn’t just a preview—it’s a declaration. The future of Penn State wrestling has arrived, and it’s already wearing gold.
