Penn State Wrestling is poised to continue its dominance in the 2025-26 season, aiming for a fifth consecutive NCAA team title and its 13th in 15 years. Under the leadership of head coach Cael Sanderson, the Nittany Lions return a formidable lineup, blending seasoned All-Americans with promising newcomers.
Projected 2025-26 Lineup
125 lbs – Luke Lilledahl: After a stellar freshman year, Lilledahl secured a Big Ten title and a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships. His 26-3 record and U23 Pan American gold medal underscore his readiness to lead the lightweight division.
133 lbs – Masanosuke Ono: A world champion in freestyle, Ono is anticipated to transition smoothly into collegiate folkstyle, bringing international experience to the lineup.
141 lbs – Braeden Davis: An All-American, Davis is expected to move up from 133 lbs, providing depth and experience. He may face competition from top recruit Marcus Blaze, though a redshirt year for Blaze is possible.
149 lbs – Shayne Van Ness: Returning after a third-place NCAA finish, Van Ness aims to capture a national title, building on his impressive performance last season.
157 lbs – Tyler Kasak: A third-place NCAA finisher, Kasak’s consistency and resilience make him a strong contender for the top spot in his weight class.
165 lbs – Mitchell Mesenbrink: The reigning NCAA champion at this weight, Mesenbrink’s undefeated season and Big Ten title highlight his dominance.
174 lbs – Levi Haines: A two-time All-American, Haines is expected to continue his upward trajectory, aiming for national championship contention.
184 lbs – Rocco Welsh: A projected transfer from Ohio State, Welsh brings a national runner-up finish at 174 lbs and is anticipated to fill the void left by the departure of Carter Starocci.
197 lbs – Josh Barr or Connor Mirasola: Both wrestlers are strong candidates for this weight class, with Barr’s flexibility to compete at 184 lbs if needed.
285 lbs – Cole Mirasola: Stepping in for the departed Greg Kerkvliet, Mirasola, a redshirt freshman and three-time Wisconsin state champion, is expected to anchor the heavyweight division.
Key Storylines
Transition at 184 lbs: With Carter Starocci’s historic collegiate career concluded, the anticipated addition of Rocco Welsh is crucial to maintain strength in this weight class.
Depth and Competition: The 133 and 141 lbs categories showcase Penn State’s depth, with multiple high-caliber wrestlers vying for starting positions, reflecting the program’s robust recruiting and development.
Heavyweight Prospects: The heavyweight division presents an opportunity for emerging talent like Cole Mirasola to establish themselves, filling the significant shoes of former All-American Greg Kerkvliet.
As the Nittany Lions prepare for the upcoming season, the blend of returning champions and new talent positions them as strong contenders for continued national success.
For a visual breakdown of the projected lineup and further analysis, you
