Keeping Jayden James out of the lineup as a true freshman is going to be a challenge for Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson and company, but it’s a good problem to have.
James, the No. 3 pound for pond wrestler in the country from the Class of 2026 per FloWrestling, took on Iowa star and two-time NCAA finalist Michael Caliendo at the U.S. World Team Trials in Louisville Thursday.
James not only held his own, he beat Caliendo, 8-3, continuing what’s already been a dominant freestyle season, having won the U20 U.S. Championship last month.
It will be a challenge for James to break into the best lineup in the country, but it might be equally difficult for Sanderson to keep him out.
James’ best path to the lineup would be at 174 pounds, where Penn State has a vacancy due to two-time national champ Levi Haines running out of eligibility. To make it at 174, James would e have to beat out William Henckel, fresh off his redshirt freshman season.
The worst scenario for James would be if reigning Hodge Trophy winner Mitchell Mesenbrink decides to move up to 174, since it’s hard to imagine Penn State’s lineup without the best pound for pound wrestler in the country.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.It’s fitting that an article about a Michael Caliendo match had Mitchell Mesenbrink’s name in it.
Both of Mesenbrink’s national championship wins have come against Caliendo, and he’s 9-0 against him overall.
One of James’ best friends is Penn State star PJ Duke, who trains with James at KD Training Center.
Duke made a name for himself at the World Team Trials last year, and it appears James is on his way to doing the same.
