The winners of Final X − a 2025 World Wrestling Championships qualifier − make the U.S. senior world team and will compete in Croatia in September.
Seven of the 10 weight classes at Final X in Newark, New Jersey include wrestlers with Penn State ties: Luke Lilledahl (57 kilograms), Duke (70 kg), Mitchell Mesenbrink (74 kg), Levi Haines (79 kg), Kyle Dake, Nittany Lion Wrestling Club (86 kg) and Josh Barr (92 kg).
Kyle Snyder, another NLWC member, is qualified at 97 kg, but his status is uncertain following a recent arrest.
Duke may be the most intriguing, considering his age, recent success and dynamic future. Here’s three things to know about the Penn State recruit:
Penn State wrestling: What did PJ Duke accomplish in high school?
Duke is finishing his senior year at Minisink Valley High in Slate Hill, New York. He recently won his fourth state title with an undefeated season.
He also has been a rising freestyle star. He earned bronze at last year’s Under-20 World Championships and won gold at the U20 Pan-AM Games.
