Because the extremely anticipated 2025 NCAA Division I wrestling season approaches, Penn State College unveils an exceptionally promising lineup poised to make a formidable affect on the nationwide stage. Guided by the astute management of head coach Cael Sanderson, the Nittany Lions have assembled a roster teeming with elite grapplers, every possessing the potential to problem for particular person titles and contribute to the group’s championship aspirations.
Anchoring the light-weight classes is the dynamic duo of Gary Steen and Robert Howard. Steen, a two-time NCAA champion at 125 kilos, returns with unwavering willpower to defend his crown. Howard, a extremely touted recruit from Wyoming Seminary, brings an explosive and aggressive type to the 133-pound weight class. Collectively, they kind a formidable drive that will likely be tough for opponents to beat.
Shifting up the lineup, Penn State boasts a trio of returning All-People: Roman Bravo-Younger, Carter Starocci, and Aaron Brooks. Bravo-Younger, a two-time NCAA champion at 133 kilos, possesses an uncanny capacity to manage the tempo of his matches and rack up bonus factors. Starocci, a dynamic 174-pounder, combines athleticism with brute energy to overwhelm his opponents. Brooks, a veteran at 184 kilos, brings expertise and management to the lineup, offering a vital presence each on and off the mat.
The Way forward for Penn State Wrestling: Key Recruits and Projected Starters
Key Recruits
Penn State has secured commitments from a number of prime recruits for the 2025 season. These grapplers will present fast depth and potential future stars.
Headlining the recruiting class is two-time Cadet World champion Nick Facundo. The New York native will wrestle at 133 kilos and is thought for his lightning-fast assaults and technical prowess.
Projected Starters
The Nittany Lions’ lineup for 2025 is shaping as much as be one of the vital formidable within the nation. Listed here are the projected starters for every weight class:
| Weight Class | Projected Starter |
|---|---|
| 125 | Robert Howard |
| 133 | Nick Facundo |
| 141 | Beau Bartlett |
| 149 | Levi Haines |
| 157 | Drew Hildebrandt |
| 165 | Max Dean |
| 174 | Carter Starocci |
| 184 | Aaron Brooks |
| 197 | Lucas Godinez |
| 285 | Greg Kerkvliet |
This lineup boasts a mixture of returning All-People, proficient recruits, and future potential.
Breaking Down the Nittany Lions’ Weight-by-Weight Prospects
125: Drew Hildebrandt
Drew Hildebrandt, a real freshman in 2023, has the potential to be Penn State’s long-term reply at 125 kilos. Hildebrandt gained a silver medal on the 2022 Fargo Nationals within the Junior division and was a Pennsylvania state champion in 2022.
133: Brody Teske
Brody Teske, a redshirt sophomore in 2023, is a returning NCAA qualifier. Teske completed final season with an 18-6 document and positioned fifth on the Massive Ten Championships. He’ll look to make a run at All-American honors in 2024.
141: Beau Bartlett
Beau Bartlett, a redshirt sophomore in 2023, is a two-time NCAA qualifier and a returning All-American. Bartlett completed final season with a 26-6 document and positioned third on the NCAA Championships. He’s a key piece to Penn State’s nationwide title hopes in 2024.
149: Levi Haines
Levi Haines, a redshirt sophomore in 2023, is a 2022 NCAA qualifier. Haines completed final season with a 22-8 document and positioned seventh on the Massive Ten Championships. He’ll look to make a leap into the highest 10 in 2024.
157: Shayne Van Ness
Shayne Van Ness, a redshirt junior in 2023, is a three-time NCAA qualifier and a two-time All-American. Van Ness completed final season with a 25-6 document and positioned fourth on the NCAA Championships. He’s one among Penn State’s most skilled wrestlers and will likely be a key chief in 2024.
165: Alex Facundo
Alex Facundo, a redshirt junior in 2023, is a three-time NCAA qualifier and a 2022 All-American. Facundo completed final season with a 28-6 document and positioned fifth on the NCAA Championships. He’s one among Penn State’s prime wrestlers and will likely be a key contributor in 2024.
174: Carter Starocci
Carter Starocci, a redshirt sophomore in 2023, is a two-time NCAA champion. Starocci completed final season with a 27-0 document and gained the NCAA title at 174 kilos. He is likely one of the greatest wrestlers within the nation and will likely be a key a part of Penn State’s nationwide title hopes in 2024.
184: Aaron Brooks
Aaron Brooks, a redshirt junior in 2023, is a two-time NCAA qualifier and a 2022 All-American. Brooks completed final season with a 31-5 document and positioned third on the NCAA Championships. He’s one among Penn State’s most constant wrestlers and will likely be a key contributor in 2024.
197: Max Dean
Max Dean, a redshirt junior in 2023, is a three-time NCAA qualifier and a 2022 NCAA champion. Dean completed final season with a 31-1 document and gained the NCAA title at 184 kilos. He’s one among Penn State’s prime wrestlers and will likely be a key a part of Penn State’s nationwide title hopes in 2024.
285: Greg Kerkvliet
Greg Kerkvliet, a redshirt senior in 2023, is a two-time NCAA champion. Kerkvliet completed final season with a 28-0 document and gained the NCAA title at 285 kilos. He is likely one of the greatest wrestlers within the nation and will likely be a key a part of Penn State’s nationwide title hopes in 2024.
| Weight | Wrestler |
|---|---|
| 125 | Drew Hildebrandt |
| 133 | Brody Teske |
| 141 | Beau Bartlett |
| 149 | Levi Haines |
| 157 | Shayne Van Ness |
| 165 | Alex Facundo |
| 174 | Carter Starocci |
| 184 | Aaron Brooks |
| 197 | Max Dean |
| 285 | Greg Kerkvliet |
Potential All-People and NCAA Title Contenders
1. Roman Bravo-Younger (133 lbs)
The reigning NCAA champion and three-time All-American is poised to make one other run on the title. He boasts a formidable 136-5 profession document and an unmatched approach within the sport.
2. Nick Suriano (125 lbs)
A two-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American, Suriano is likely one of the most embellished wrestlers in this system’s historical past. His lightning-fast pace and relentless tempo make him a formidable opponent.
3. Carter Starocci (165 lbs)
A rising star with an undefeated 16-0 document as a real freshman, Starocci has showcased large potential. His aggressive type and robust prime recreation make him a risk to win championships within the close to future.
4. Hypothetical Line-Up
Here is a hypothetical take a look at Penn State’s wrestling lineup for 2025, that includes a mixture of potential All-People and NCAA title contenders:
| Weight Class | Wrestler |
|---|---|
| 125 lbs | Nick Suriano |
| 133 lbs | Roman Bravo-Younger |
| 141 lbs | Drew Hildebrandt |
| 149 lbs | Beau Bartlett |
| 157 lbs | Carter Starocci |
| 165 lbs | Shayne Van Ness |
| 174 lbs | Max Dean |
| 184 lbs | Aaron Brooks |
| 197 lbs | Greg Kerkvliet |
| 285 lbs | Seth Nevills |
Transitioning from the Carter Starocci Period
The Carter Starocci Legacy
Carter Starocci’s dominance at 174 kilos involves an finish in 2023, leaving a gaping gap within the Nittany Lion lineup. Starocci, a three-time NCAA champion and a part of Penn State’s historic “Lineup of Demise,” will likely be a troublesome act to observe.
Filling the Void at 174
Changing Starocci’s manufacturing will likely be a frightening activity for Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson. A number of wrestlers are in rivalry for the beginning spot, together with:
- Max Dean
- Beau Bartlett
- Chase Horne
The Highway Forward
Whereas the transition from the Starocci period will likely be difficult, Penn State has a powerful custom of excellence in wrestling. The Nittany Lions have gained 11 nationwide championship banners since 2011, they usually have a proficient roster that may proceed their success within the years to return.
2025 Lineup Projection
Here’s a doable lineup projection for Penn State in 2025:
| Weight | Wrestler |
|---|---|
| 125 | Levi Haines |
| 133 | Roman Bravo-Younger |
| 141 | Nick Lee |
| 149 | Aaron Brooks |
| 157 | Alex Facundo |
| 165 | Shayne Van Ness |
| 174 | Max Dean |
| 184 | AJ Ferrari |
| 197 | Greg Kerkvliet |
| 285 | Seth Nevills |
Penn State’s Legacy in Faculty Wrestling and the Evolution of the Group
The Rise of Penn State in Faculty Wrestling
Starting within the Nineteen Eighties, Penn State emerged as a dominant drive in school wrestling beneath the legendary coach, John Fritz. Below his management, the group captured seven nationwide championships and quite a few particular person titles.
The Period of Cael Sanderson
In 2009, Cael Sanderson took over the helm at Penn State, ushering in a brand new period of unprecedented success. As a wrestler, Sanderson had gained two Olympic gold medals and was thought of one of many biggest wrestlers of all time. Below his steering, the Nittany Lions have gained 9 NCAA group championships, probably the most in consecutive trend.
10. Particular person Success and Dominant Performances
Penn State boasts a exceptional document of particular person success. The Nittany Lions have produced an astounding 68 particular person nationwide champions, probably the most by any program in NCAA historical past.
Along with particular person accolades, Penn State has persistently showcased dominant performances on the group degree. Below Sanderson, the Nittany Lions have compiled an unimaginable 227-5 document over 15 seasons, an unparalleled degree of dominance in collegiate wrestling.
| Yr | NCAA Group Championship |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Sure |
| 2012 | Sure |
| 2013 | Sure |
| 2014 | Sure |
| 2015 | Sure |
| 2016 | Sure |
| 2017 | Sure |
| 2018 | No |
| 2019 | Sure |
| 2020 | No |
| 2021 | Sure |
| 2022 | Sure |
| 2023 | Sure |
Penn State Wrestling Lineup 2025: A Preview
The Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling group is likely one of the most profitable applications within the nation. They’ve gained eight nationwide championships since 2011, and they’re all the time a contender for the title. The 2025 season is shaping as much as be one other sturdy one for the Nittany Lions. They’ve quite a few proficient wrestlers returning, they usually have added some key recruits to the roster. Here’s a preview of the Penn State wrestling lineup for 2025:
125 kilos: Roman Bravo-Younger
Bravo-Younger is a two-time NCAA champion and probably the greatest wrestlers within the nation. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will likely be seeking to lead the group to a different nationwide title.
133 kilos: Nick Lee
Lee is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the vital thrilling wrestlers to look at within the nation. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will likely be seeking to proceed his dominance on the school degree.
141 kilos: Zain Retherford
Retherford is a three-time NCAA champion and one of the vital embellished wrestlers in Penn State historical past. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will likely be trying so as to add to his legacy earlier than he graduates.
149 kilos: Jason Nolf
Nolf is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the vital bodily wrestlers within the nation. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will likely be seeking to proceed his dominance on the school degree.
157 kilos: Mark Corridor
Corridor is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the vital proficient wrestlers within the nation. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will likely be seeking to proceed his success on the school degree.
165 kilos: Shakur Rasheed
Rasheed is a redshirt freshman who is anticipated to be a serious contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2025. He’s a extremely touted recruit, and he has the potential to be a nationwide champion.
174 kilos: Bo Nickal
Nickal is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the vital dominant wrestlers within the nation. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will likely be trying so as to add to his legacy earlier than he graduates.
184 kilos: Aaron Brooks
Brooks is a redshirt junior who is anticipated to be a serious contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2025. He’s a extremely touted recruit, and he has the potential to be a nationwide champion.
197 kilos: Max Dean
Dean is a redshirt sophomore who is anticipated to be a serious contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2025. He’s a extremely touted recruit, and he has the potential to be a nationwide champion.
285 kilos: Greg Kerkvliet
Kerkvliet is a redshirt freshman who is anticipated to be a serious contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2025. He’s a extremely touted recruit, and he has the potential to be a nationwide champion.
Individuals Additionally Ask About Penn State Wrestling Lineup 2025
Will Penn State win the nationwide championship in 2025?
Penn State is all the time a contender for the nationwide championship, and the 2025 season is not any completely different. They’ve quite a few proficient wrestlers returning, they usually have added some key recruits to the roster. If they’ll keep wholesome and wrestle to their potential, they’ve a great probability of successful the nationwide title.
Who’s the very best wrestler on the Penn State lineup?
Penn State has quite a few proficient wrestlers on their roster, however Roman Bravo-Younger is the very best of the bunch. He’s a two-time NCAA champion, and he is likely one of the most dominant wrestlers within the nation. He will likely be seeking to lead the Nittany Lions to a different nationwide title in 2025.
What are the largest challenges dealing with the Penn State wrestling group in 2025?
The largest problem dealing with the Penn State wrestling group in 2025 is staying wholesome. They’ve quite a few proficient wrestlers, however they’ve additionally had some harm issues previously. If they’ll keep wholesome, they are going to be a serious contender for the nationwide championship. One other problem for the Nittany Lions will likely be changing a few of their key seniors. They are going to want a few of their youthful wrestlers to step up and fill these roles.
