Penn State wrestling fans were caught in a whirlwind of confusion last Friday after a premature announcement mistakenly reported that Landon Sidun, one of the nation’s top high school wrestling prospects for the Class of 2027, had officially committed to Penn State. The report, which originated from The Daily Collegian, was quickly removed, but not before it sent shockwaves through the wrestling community.
Sidun, a highly-touted recruit from Pennsylvania and ranked No. 4 overall in his class by MatScouts, addressed the situation shortly afterward. In an interview on the *Locked on Lions* podcast, the rising high school junior made it clear that he has not yet made a final decision regarding his college future.
“I’m not rushing into anything,” Sidun said during the interview. “My plan is to take time, meet with all the programs that are interested, and really evaluate where I feel the most at home. Once I’ve gone through that process with my family, and we’ve weighed the pros and cons of each option, then I’ll be ready to make my commitment.”
To clear up any lingering confusion, Sidun later reiterated his stance to *Blue White Illustrated* (BWI), confirming that his recruitment remains wide open. While Penn State is certainly in serious contention to land the top prospect, several other powerhouse wrestling programs—namely Iowa and Oklahoma State—are also actively pursuing him. The premature reporting served as a reminder that until an athlete publicly confirms a decision, speculation should be taken with a grain of salt.
While Sidun continues to navigate his recruitment journey, Penn State’s current and future wrestlers are making waves on the international stage this summer.
Penn State Wrestlers Headed to U20 Pan-American Championships
This weekend, the spotlight shifts to the U20 Pan-American Championships in Lima, Peru, where three Penn State athletes will represent Team USA in the men’s freestyle division. The event serves as an important stepping stone on the road to the U20 World Championships, which will be held later this summer in Bulgaria.
Representing the Nittany Lions in Peru are incoming freshman William Henckel and redshirt freshmen Connor and Cole Mirasola. All three have already secured their spots on the U20 World Team, and the Pan-Am competition will offer them an opportunity to gain valuable experience before the global tournament.
Henckel, a standout from New Jersey, will compete at 79 kilograms (174.1 pounds). Known for his aggressive wrestling style and endurance, Henckel is expected to make an immediate impact when he arrives in State College this fall.
Twin brothers Connor and Cole Mirasola, who redshirted last season, will compete at 92 kilograms (202.8 pounds) and 125 kilograms (275.5 pounds), respectively. The Mirasolas, originally from Wisconsin, have been gaining attention for their strength, technical skills, and potential to become key contributors to the Penn State lineup in future seasons.
The tournament itself is a one-day event. Action kicks off Saturday with qualification and repechage rounds beginning at 11 a.m. ET, followed by the championship matches at 6 p.m. ET. Friday night will determine the final bracket placements for each weight class. This condensed competition format demands that athletes be sharp and resilient, both mentally and physically, as they face the top young talent from across the Americas.
Team USA Lineup for U20 Pan-Ams
In addition to Penn State’s trio, several other elite American wrestlers will compete in Peru, forming a strong U.S. squad aiming for dominance. The full men’s freestyle team includes:
* 57 kg: Nate Jesuroga
* 61 kg: Joey Sealey
* 65 kg: Ryder Block
* 70 kg: Meyer Shapiro
* 74 kg: Joe Sealey
* 79 kg: William Henckel (Penn State)
* 86 kg: Jax Forrest
* 92 kg: Connor Mirasola (Penn State)
* 97 kg: Christian Carroll
* 125 kg: Cole Mirasola (Penn State)
Each member of the team is expected to contend for medals, and many are favorites in their respective weight classes. The competition will not only serve as a proving ground for these athletes but also as a showcase for the strength of U.S. wrestling development, particularly the collegiate programs feeding into the national pipeline.
Eyes on Fargo
Beyond the international scene, attention is also shifting to one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the U.S.—the Fargo National Championships, officially known as the USMC/USA Wrestling Junior and 16U Nationals. This event, held annually in Fargo, North Dakota, brings together the best high school talent in the nation and plays a pivotal role in the recruiting process.
Several Penn State commits and targets are expected to compete at Fargo, making it an essential stop for coaches and analysts keeping tabs on the next wave of elite collegiate wrestlers. Performances in Fargo often signal which athletes are ready to make the jump to the next level.
Although specific names from the Penn State radar heading to Fargo haven’t been fully confirmed, past tournaments have seen Nittany Lion recruits dominate the podium. It’s also another opportunity for the coaching staff to scout talent, evaluate progress, and continue building relationships with potential future Lions—Sidun included.
Wrapping Up
In summary, while the false report of Landon Sidun’s commitment briefly stirred excitement and confusion, his recruiting process remains active and open-ended. Penn State is still firmly in the mix but must compete with other top programs for his services.
Meanwhile, on the competition front, three Nittany Lions—Henckel and the Mirasola twins—are heading to Lima for the U20 Pan-Ams, where they’ll test their skills against the continent’s best. With Fargo also on the horizon, July promises to be a key month for Penn State Wrestling both in terms of future recruiting and current competition results.
The program’s blend of top-tier talent, development opportunities, and international exposure continues to strengthen its position as a powerhouse in collegiate wrestling.
