Levi Haines Emerges as Penn State Wrestling’s Rising Star
Penn State wrestling has long been known for producing champions and icons—and in Levi Haines, the Nittany Lions have found their next great talent. The sophomore sensation turned heads this season with a dominant run at 157 pounds, establishing himself as one of the nation’s top wrestlers and a future leader of the program.
Haines entered the 2024–25 season with high expectations after an impressive freshman campaign. He exceeded them all. With an aggressive style, elite scrambling ability, and remarkable poise for his age, Haines racked up wins over ranked opponents and remained a consistent point scorer for Penn State in dual meets and tournaments alike.
At the Big Ten Championships, he reached the finals and showcased the grit and composure that define the program’s best athletes. While he narrowly missed out on a conference title, his performance earned him a top seed at the NCAA Championships—where he advanced deep into the bracket and earned All-American honors for the second straight year.
“Levi has the makings of something special,” said head coach Cael Sanderson. “He’s coachable, tough, and always hungry to improve. He’s got that spark you look for.”
Off the mat, Haines has embraced the Penn State culture with humility and work ethic. Teammates praise his attitude and leadership, even as one of the younger members of the roster. With the graduation of veterans like Beau Bartlett and Carter Starocci, Haines is poised to take on a more prominent role both competitively and in the locker room.
Fans and analysts alike now view Haines as a potential multi-time national champion. If his trajectory holds, he may soon join the ranks of Penn State’s elite—carrying the torch for the next generation of Nittany Lion wrestling greatness.
