Their team of seasoned writers dives deep into all aspects of Penn State sports, and their recent focus on wrestling reveals a bright and competitive outlook for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
A Historic Year for Penn State Wrestling
Under legendary head coach Cael Sanderson, the Penn State Wrestling program had another record-breaking year during the 2024-2025 season. Not only did the team claim the NCAA Championship, but they shattered their own previous record for most team points scored at the event. Making history, the Nittany Lions also became just the second program ever to produce 10 All-Americans in a single season.
The year was further highlighted by a monumental personal achievement — Carter Starocci etched his name in NCAA lore by becoming the first-ever five-time Division I national champion. These milestones have raised the bar even higher for Penn State, a program that continues to dominate collegiate wrestling.
Although several national titleholders have either graduated or moved on, the team’s depth remains formidable. Seven All-Americans are returning for the 2025-26 season, and the incoming recruiting class adds more firepower. The coaching staff and fanbase now turn their attention to how the lineup may shake out for the next campaign.
Projected 2025-2026 Lineup: A Weight-by-Weight Breakdown
125 Pounds – Luke Lilledahl
Fresh off a brilliant freshman campaign, Luke Lilledahl is poised to return at 125 pounds. In his debut season, he captured the Big Ten title and secured a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships. Dubbed “Lightning Luke,” Lilledahl’s freshman dominance and high wrestling IQ make him a clear frontrunner for the starting role once again. Though there are talented wrestlers in the room who might compete for the spot, Lilledahl’s proven track record gives him the edge.
133 Pounds – Masanosuke Ono
The Nittany Lions continue to attract top-tier global talent, and Masanosuke Ono is a shining example. A reigning Japanese National Champion, U20 World Champion, and 2024 World Champion, Ono brings an elite freestyle pedigree into Penn State’s folkstyle lineup. Despite the transition in styles, Ono’s technical skills and competitive pedigree suggest he’ll make an immediate impact. He’s a heavy favorite to take over at 133 pounds.
141 Pounds – Braeden Davis
With Ono expected to lock down the 133-pound position, All-American Braeden Davis is likely to bump up to 141 pounds. Davis has already proven himself on the national stage, but he’ll face stiff competition from top recruit Marcus Blaze. Blaze, a highly-touted newcomer, has the tools to challenge Davis for the starting role. Still, Davis’s experience gives him the inside track to start most of the season.
149 Pounds – Shayne Van Ness
Returning at 149 pounds is Shayne Van Ness, who is coming off a strong year. He entered the NCAA tournament as the third seed and ultimately placed third. With another year of development and training under Sanderson, Van Ness is likely to be a serious contender for a national title. His explosive style and resilience make him a linchpin for the Nittany Lions in the middle of the lineup.
157 Pounds – Tyler Kasak
All-American Tyler Kasak is expected to reprise his role at 157 pounds. Kasak had an outstanding regular season, earning the No. 1 seed heading into the NCAA Championships. Although he suffered an unexpected setback, he rallied to claim third place. With that experience under his belt, Kasak will be even more motivated in the upcoming season to secure the top spot on the podium.
What’s Ahead: Big Shoes to Fill
In the next part of the lineup preview, attention turns to the daunting task of replacing Carter Starocci, arguably the most accomplished wrestler in NCAA history. Starocci’s departure leaves a massive void, and all eyes will be on who steps up to fill his shoes. In addition, the heavyweight division will look very different without Greg Kerkvliet anchoring the spot. These are critical questions for Sanderson and his staff as they shape a roster full of young stars and promising recruits.
Additional Storylines and Talent Additions
Penn State fans are also buzzing about what new names could bring to the program. For instance, Rocco Welsh is among the names mentioned as a potential heir to Starocci’s legacy. Another incoming talent, Jayden James, could also be a game-changer in terms of roster depth. These newcomers, combined with the returning core, position the Nittany Lions to remain among the top programs in college wrestling.
As the program continues to grow stronger each year, it’s becoming clear that Cael Sanderson has built more than just a team — he’s established a dynasty. The competitive culture inside the Penn State wrestling room fosters excellence, and the relentless pursuit of greatness seems to elevate every wrestler who steps on the mat.
About the Writer
Kolin Hurlbut, the author behind this detailed analysis, is a passionate sportswriter covering Penn State Wrestling for NittanyCentral. Although he’s relatively new to the scene, Kolin has already carved out a space for himself in the wrestling community. His personal blog, The Casual Fan, showcases his unique voice and enthusiasm for Big Ten athletics. A native of the Midwest and a fan of AFC North football, Kolin brings both passion and professionalism to his work. He is a proud alumnus of both The Ohio State University and Purdue University, holding degrees in Communication and IT Project Management. In addition to sportswriting, he enjoys crafting short stories inspired by his 12-year career in the U.S. Army.
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