It’s a little early to talk about next year’s Penn State wrestling lineup.
But I don’t care.
Penn State just landed a world champ in Japan’s Masanosuke Ono, so he’ll obviously be part of the projection.
It’s Official: World Champ Masanosuke Ono Will Compete for Penn State Wrestling
But where will he fit? Who will replace five-time champ Carter Starocci at 184, or five-time All-American and 2024 national Greg Kerkvliet at heavyweight? Will any true freshman become Day 1 starters the way Luke Lilledahl did at 125 this year (he ended up finishing third at NCAAs).
In any case, Penn State is almost certainly going to win its 13th national title in 15 seasons next year. But who will be the 10 that compete in Cleveland?
Let’s get into it.
125
Luke Lilledahl
Photo by Penn State wrestling: Luke Lilledahl
It’s hard to keep weight at 125 but it’s also hard to imagine Lilledahl going anywhere else. He came into this year’s NCAA Championships as the No. 1 seed and finished third, so one would think he’d be one of, if not the favorite at the weight class next season. Braeden Davis did move from 125 to 133 after last season but a big part of that was the fact that Lilledahl, the top-ranked recruit at 125, was coming in. There isn’t somebody on that level coming in at that weight class for Penn State this season, so Lilledahl will be back.
133
Braeden Davis
Photo by Penn State Athletics: Braeden Davis
If Ono isn’t at 133– which is his current weight class— Davis, who just took fifth at the national championships— should be the guy. He had an up-and-down sophomore season, dealing with injuries throughout the year but ended up becoming an All-American for the first time. We can’t forget about Aaron Nagao, who missed all of this season with an injury and was a national semifinalist just two seasons ago, or true freshman Marcus Blaze, who is in that weight range. But it’s hard to see anybody unseating Davis at 133, unless it’s the world champ himself.
141
Masanosuke Ono
The question isn’t if Ono will start, it’s where he will. There really isn’t a wrong answer. His competitive weight is closer to 133, so 133 and 141 are the only realistic options. But because Penn State doesn’t have a locked on 141-pounder right now, that seems to be the best option. But it can change.
149
Shayne Van Ness
Van Ness, like Lilledahl at 125, is right on the brink of a national title at 149, having finished third at NCAAs. There’s no reason to think his status will change.
157
Tyler Kasak
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Photo by Penn State Wrestling: Tyler Kasak
See Van Ness and Lilledahl. Kasak also finished third and is on the brink of a national title.
165
Mitchell Mesenbrink
Photo by Penn State Wrestling: Mitchell Mesenbrink
The defending champ is the best in the world at his class. Why would that change?
174
Levi Haines
Photo by Penn State Athletics: Levi Haines
Many thought Haines— who won it all at 157 in 2024– would do the same at 174 this year. It wasn’t to be, and he finished third. So like with several of his teammates, Haines has unfinished business at his weight class.
184
Zack Ryder
Nobody is going to be Carter Starocci at 184. There’s only one Starocci and only one five-time champ. But Penn State should be just fine with Ryder. He was a four-time champ in high school, an U20 World Silver medalist and the No. 5 overall recruit in the Class of 2024. Yeah, Penn State will be ok.
197
Josh Barr
Photo by Penn State Wrestling: Josh Barr
He came one win away from taking it all this year. Barr, who started his career at 184, more than held his own at 197. He’s not moving to heavyweight, so he’s right where he needs to be.
Heavyweight
Cole Mirasola
This might be the biggest question mark Penn State has. Replacing a five-time All-American and 2024 national champ in Greg Kerkvliet won’t be easy. Mirasola only has two matches under his belt— losing both— so there isn’t much of a sample to go on.
Let’s see if he’s up to the task.
