đ„ U20 Domination: PJâŻDuke & Marcus Blaze Signal Penn State Wrestlingâs Next Great Era
Penn State wrestlingâs future just got supercharged. At the 2025 U20 World Team Trials in Geneva, Ohio, incoming Nittany Lions PJ Duke and MarcusâŻBlaze delivered breathtaking performances, securing spots on the U20 World Team and announcing themselves as cornerstone pieces of Cael Sandersonâs legendary program.
PJ Duke, the 2025 Junior Hodge Trophy winner, stormed the 70âŻkg bracket with confidence. He swept Oklahoma State recruit Landon Robideau 7â0 and 9â4 to claim goldâa title he already backed up with a victory at the Senior World Team Trials and an active bid at FinalâŻX .
Just as dominant at 61âŻkg, MarcusâŻBlaze powered past opponents with two 10â0 technical falls and a 4â1 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 winnersâtheyâre signals that Penn Stateâs tradition of excellence will continue. Theyâre joined by heavyweights Connor and Cole Mirasola at 92âŻkg and 125âŻkg, respectively, and freshman William Henckel at 79âŻkgâmeaning 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 Dukeâon the brink of another senior-level world teamâand Blazeâalready stacked with age-group accomplishmentsâare 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 isnât just a previewâitâs a declaration. The future of Penn State wrestling has arrived, and it’s already wearing gold.
