The Penn State Wrestling train isn’t stopping or even slowing down anytime soon.
A big reason for that is the programs ability to recruit.
Here’s where the 2024 Class members finished in the final MatScouts rankings.
LUKE LILLEDAHL
Ranking: No. 1
In late May, Win Magazine, which covers all levels of wrestling, named Lilledahl its Junior Hodge Trophy Winner, which is awarded to the top high school wrestler.
It was a well-deserved honor.
Lilledahl, the top-rated pound-for-pound recruit in his class, ended his senior season at PA’s Wyoming Seminary with a 22-0 record, winning state and national titles at the 126-pound weight class.
Through three seasons at Wyoming Seminary, Lilledahl went 68-3 with three state titles and two national titles, winning Gold twice at 120 before moving to 126. Before Wyoming Seminary, Lilledahl, a Missouri native, wrestled at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis and won a state title as a true freshman.
He committed to Penn State in April 2023.
Lilledahl is a beast, and that’s a big reason why many feel he’s the front runner to start at 125 for Penn State right away.
CONNOR MIRASOLA
Ranking: No. 5
David Taylor didn’t take Aaron Brooks down at the Olympic Trials this past April.
Connor Mirasola did.
Although Mirasola didn’t beat Brooks, who ultimately ended up becoming the U.S.’s qualifier at 86 KG, he showed what he could do at the trials, and further showed that less than two weeks later with a dominant win at the U20 U.S. Open championships at 92 KG.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.If Carter Starocci doesn’t end up moving up to 197, Mirasola could well start for Penn State Day 1.
ZACK RYDER
Ranking: No. 6
Ryder decided to take what would have been his last high school season off.
It seems that decision is paying off thus far.
On the first weekend of June, Ryder punched his ticket to the U20 World Team, doing so with two wins over Iowa’s Gabe Arnold, who was the No. 5 wrestler in the 2023 class.
It remains to be seen at what weight will compete or if he’ll get match reps right away.
But if he keeps improving, it’s hard to imagine Penn State not finding a spot for him.
JOE SEALEY
Ranking: No. 8
Sealey, a three-time national champion at Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Seminary, had a solid showing at the World Team trials, taking third at 74 KG. Sealey has also been U17 World Champion in 2022, so it’s safe to say Penn State wrestling is getting a good one.
COLE MIRASOLA
Ranking: No. 14
Cole Mirasola doesn’t get quite as much attention as his twin brother but he’s a star in his own right. Cole was a three-time heavyweight champ in Wisconsin, and is was one the best anywhere at the high school level. With Penn State’s reigning national champion heavyweight, Greg Kerkvliet, out of eligibility following this coming season, the door could soon be open for Mirasola to start at 285.
BROCK WEISS
Ranking: No. 91
Weiss had a big year for Jersey Shore this season, going 31-2 and winning district and regional championships. At one point, he had a 59-match win-streak.
