Because the extremely anticipated 2025 NCAA Division I wrestling season approaches, Penn State College unveils an exceptionally promising lineup poised to make a formidable impression 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 staff’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 dedication to defend his crown. Howard, a extremely touted recruit from Wyoming Seminary, brings an explosive and aggressive fashion to the 133-pound weight class. Collectively, they kind a formidable power that shall be tough for opponents to beat.
Transferring up the lineup, Penn State boasts a trio of returning All-Individuals: Roman Bravo-Younger, Carter Starocci, and Aaron Brooks. Bravo-Younger, a two-time NCAA champion at 133 kilos, possesses an uncanny means to manage the tempo of his matches and rack up bonus factors. Starocci, a dynamic 174-pounder, combines athleticism with brute power to overwhelm his opponents. Brooks, a veteran at 184 kilos, brings expertise and management to the lineup, offering an important 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 speedy 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 understood 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 below 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-Individuals, gifted 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 received 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 file and positioned fifth on the Huge 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 file 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 file and positioned seventh on the Huge Ten Championships. He’ll look to make a bounce 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 file and positioned fourth on the NCAA Championships. He’s one in all Penn State’s most skilled wrestlers and shall 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 file and positioned fifth on the NCAA Championships. He’s one in all Penn State’s prime wrestlers and shall 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 file and received the NCAA title at 174 kilos. He is among the greatest wrestlers within the nation and shall 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 file and positioned third on the NCAA Championships. He’s one in all Penn State’s most constant wrestlers and shall 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 file and received the NCAA title at 184 kilos. He’s one in all Penn State’s prime wrestlers and shall 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 file and received the NCAA title at 285 kilos. He is among the greatest wrestlers within the nation and shall 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-Individuals 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 powerful 136-5 profession file and an unmatched approach within the sport.
2. Nick Suriano (125 lbs)
A two-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American, Suriano is among the most adorned wrestlers in this system’s historical past. His lightning-fast velocity and relentless tempo make him a formidable opponent.
3. Carter Starocci (165 lbs)
A rising star with an undefeated 16-0 file as a real freshman, Starocci has showcased large potential. His aggressive fashion and powerful prime recreation make him a risk to win championships within the close to future.
4. Hypothetical Line-Up
This is a hypothetical take a look at Penn State’s wrestling lineup for 2025, that includes a mixture of potential All-Individuals 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 Dying,” shall be a troublesome act to comply with.
Filling the Void at 174
Changing Starocci’s manufacturing shall 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 Street Forward
Whereas the transition from the Starocci period shall be difficult, Penn State has a robust custom of excellence in wrestling. The Nittany Lions have received 11 nationwide championship banners since 2011, and so they have a gifted roster that may proceed their success within the years to come back.
2025 Lineup Projection
Here’s a attainable 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 power in school wrestling beneath the legendary coach, John Fritz. Beneath his management, the staff 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 received two Olympic gold medals and was thought of one of many biggest wrestlers of all time. Beneath his steering, the Nittany Lions have received 9 NCAA staff championships, essentially the most in consecutive style.
10. Particular person Success and Dominant Performances
Penn State boasts a exceptional file of particular person success. The Nittany Lions have produced an astounding 68 particular person nationwide champions, essentially the most by any program in NCAA historical past.
Along with particular person accolades, Penn State has persistently showcased dominant performances on the staff degree. Beneath Sanderson, the Nittany Lions have compiled an unbelievable 227-5 file over 15 seasons, an unparalleled degree of dominance in collegiate wrestling.
| 12 months | 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 staff is among the most profitable packages within the nation. They’ve received eight nationwide championships since 2011, and they’re at all times a contender for the title. The 2025 season is shaping as much as be one other robust one for the Nittany Lions. They’ve a lot of gifted wrestlers returning, and so they 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 top-of-the-line wrestlers within the nation. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he shall be trying to lead the staff to a different nationwide title.
133 kilos: Nick Lee
Lee is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the vital thrilling wrestlers to observe within the nation. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he shall be trying to proceed his dominance on the school degree.
141 kilos: Zain Retherford
Retherford is a three-time NCAA champion and one of the vital adorned wrestlers in Penn State historical past. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he shall be wanting 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 shall be trying to proceed his dominance on the school degree.
157 kilos: Mark Corridor
Corridor is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the vital gifted wrestlers within the nation. He’s a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he shall be trying to proceed his success on the school degree.
165 kilos: Shakur Rasheed
Rasheed is a redshirt freshman who is predicted to be a significant 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 shall be wanting so as to add to his legacy earlier than he graduates.
184 kilos: Aaron Brooks
Brooks is a redshirt junior who is predicted to be a significant 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 predicted to be a significant 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 predicted to be a significant 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 at all times a contender for the nationwide championship, and the 2025 season isn’t any completely different. They’ve a lot of gifted wrestlers returning, and so they have added some key recruits to the roster. If they’ll keep wholesome and wrestle to their potential, they’ve an excellent likelihood of profitable the nationwide title.
Who’s the perfect wrestler on the Penn State lineup?
Penn State has a lot of gifted wrestlers on their roster, however Roman Bravo-Younger is the perfect of the bunch. He’s a two-time NCAA champion, and he is among the most dominant wrestlers within the nation. He shall be trying to lead the Nittany Lions to a different nationwide title in 2025.
What are the most important challenges dealing with the Penn State wrestling staff in 2025?
The most important problem dealing with the Penn State wrestling staff in 2025 is staying wholesome. They’ve a lot of gifted wrestlers, however they’ve additionally had some damage issues prior to now. If they’ll keep wholesome, they are going to be a significant contender for the nationwide championship. One other problem for the Nittany Lions shall be changing a few of their key seniors. They may want a few of their youthful wrestlers to step up and fill these roles.
