Penn State wrestling has landed a commitment from the top-rated Class of 2025 prospect.
Marcus Blaze, a 132-pounder in high school who projects to move to 141 by the time he gets to college, announced his commitment to PSU at his his school, Perrysburg, during its Signing Day Ceremony.
Even in a program that frequently lands the best high school talent in the landโ and develops that talent into national champions and Olympic medalistsโ Blazeโs commitment stands out. Heโs the second straight No. 1 overall prospect to commit to Penn State, with Luke Lilledahl proceeding him in the Class of 2024. Lilledahl is projected to start at 125 as a true freshman, and Blaze could do the same at 141.
WHAT BLAZE BRINGS
So what is Penn State getting in Marcus Blaze? Well, itโs getting a guy who, at this point in his career, has been a superstar. In 2023, U17 world title in 2023. This year, he won a U20 world silver medal. Heโs been pretty good on the senior level as well. He took third at the Olympic Trials at 57 kg and second at the World Team Trials at 61. Still a high school senior, Blaze has beaten Daton Fix, Nahshon Garrett, and Seth Gross, all accomplished college wrestlers.
WHO DID PENN STATE BEAT OUT?
The other finalists for Blaze were Ohio State and Purdue, two Big Ten foes. Had Blaze picked Ohio State, heโd have been wrestling against Penn State every season. Matchups with Purdue are less frequent. In any case, Blaze will have plenty of chances to go against Big Ten competition, both in the dual meet season and in the conference and national championships.
Penn State opens its dual meet season Sunday Nov. 17, at Lehigh. The meet is scheduled to begin at 2.
