Penn State wrestling might have a World Champion in its starting lineup this season.
We don’t yet know whether Levi Haines will be eligible to compete, but we do know that he’s one of the best to ever do it for PSU.
Haines came to Kazakstan with two national titles, three national final appearances, four Big Ten titles and four All-America honors under his belt, plus a Silver Medal at last year’s Senior World Championships.
This year, he finished the job, beating Iran’s Mohammad Nokhodilarimi 4-3 at 79 KG to clinch the team title for USA. Haines is the third Penn State wrestler to win a world title, joining David Taylor, who won three, and Zain Retherford, who took gold in 2023.
Now, the question is if Penn State will have Haines avaliable for the upcoming season.
Under the old eligibility rules, Haines would have already used up his four years.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.But the “five-for-five” rule that passed over the summer makes things more interesting.
Haines would have to get a temporary restraining order approved to return to Penn State, and coach Cael Sanderson addressed the topic at the program’s annual media day earlier this month.
“He’s in class right now. He’d probably rather not be in class,” Sanderson joked. “He’s preparing just in case he gets that opportunity. “We’re just like anybody else. We’re waiting to hear the final word.”
79 KG is equal to 174 pounds, so if Haines is to compete for Penn State, that would almost certainly be his weight class with the opening dual meet only 11 days away.
Penn State opens its 2026-27 season against Bloomsburg at Rec Hall. The dual meet is scheduled to begin at 7 and will be streamed on Big Ten+.
