PJ Duke Shocks Wrestling World, Earns USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week Following Final X Heroics
By Patrick Sweda | June 21, 2025
The future of Penn State wrestling just got even brighter, as incoming freshman PJ Duke has captured national attention after delivering a jaw-dropping performance at Final X. In a stunning upset, Duke defeated four-time NCAA champion Yianni Diakomihalis, earning a coveted spot on the Senior National Team at 70 kg and being named USA Wrestling’s Athlete of the Week for his effort.
At just 18 years old, Duke’s meteoric rise is turning heads across the wrestling world. Heading into Final X as a significant underdog, few gave the young Nittany Lion recruit a real shot at knocking off a veteran like Diakomihalis. But what unfolded at the event was nothing short of extraordinary.
The best-of-three series between Duke and Diakomihalis was full of drama and momentum shifts. The series started rough for Duke, who was thoroughly dominated in the opening bout. Diakomihalis rolled to a 10-0 technical fall, seemingly putting himself in the driver’s seat for another national team berth.
However, Duke showed resilience beyond his years in match two. Trailing 9-2, he mounted a stunning comeback. With a relentless offensive push, Duke flipped the script, storming back to win 17-10, forcing a deciding third match. That victory ignited a spark, and Duke didn’t let it go to waste.
In the final bout, Duke capitalized on the momentum and shocked the wrestling world by putting Diakomihalis on his back and securing a pin at the 4:07 mark, punching his ticket to the 2025 Senior World Championships. The takedown and pin sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and sealed one of the most memorable upsets in recent U.S. wrestling history.
With the win, Duke now sets his sights on the global stage. He’ll represent the United States in the Senior World Championships taking place September 13–21 in Zagreb, Croatia. Duke turns 19 in July, and if he competes in Zagreb, he’ll become the youngest U.S. men’s freestyle wrestler to wrestle at the Senior World Championships in more than 50 years—since 1974, to be exact.
However, there’s a slight caveat. Duke’s status as the youngest may hinge on the outcome of another important series. Oklahoma State commit Jax Forrest is set to face Vito Arujau next month in a best-of-three showdown. If Forrest wins that series and earns a spot on the final Senior roster, he would narrowly edge Duke for the “youngest” distinction.
Still, Duke’s accomplishment stands tall. As if making the Senior team wasn’t impressive enough, the rising star has also qualified for the U20 World Championships, which will take place August 17–24 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It’s a rare feat to make both junior and senior world teams in the same year—another indicator of Duke’s extraordinary talent and maturity on the mat.
His success is already fueling buzz about his future role at Penn State. When Duke officially joins Cael Sanderson’s Nittany Lion program this fall, many believe he’s ready to contribute immediately. Slated to compete at 157 pounds, Duke enters a highly competitive lineup that already includes top-tier talent.
At 157, Penn State currently boasts two-time All-American Tyler Kasak, a proven competitor who’s expected to return for his third season. The program also features Mitchell Mesenbrink at 165 pounds, another All-American, making for a fierce battle for lineup spots.
That level of depth speaks volumes about the dynasty Cael Sanderson has built in Happy Valley. With Duke entering the fold, the Nittany Lions are as deep and dangerous as ever. Whether or not he earns a starting spot as a true freshman remains to be seen, but his presence in the room will elevate an already elite squad.
Duke’s high school and freestyle credentials have long marked him as one of the sport’s top prospects, but his victory at Final X and national team selection have officially pushed him into the spotlight. Coaches, analysts, and fans alike are now paying closer attention, not just to Duke’s ability, but to the possibility that Penn State could dominate the college scene for years to come with him in their corner.
While Penn State’s wrestling room is no stranger to producing champions, Duke’s immediate impact at the senior level has even the most seasoned observers raising eyebrows. His composure under pressure, ability to adjust mid-match, and fearless style suggest he could be a generational talent.
For Duke, the coming months offer both immense opportunity and challenge. Juggling preparation for two World Championships—the U20s and the Seniors—while adjusting to the college lifestyle and training demands at Penn State will test his endurance and discipline. Yet, based on what fans just witnessed at Final X, Duke appears more than ready for the challenge.
In the meantime, his upset over Diakomihalis will remain one of the sport’s most talked-about moments of 2025. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. A bold announcement that a new contender has arrived on the national stage. And at just 18, PJ Duke is only getting started.
