For most programs, a performance like Penn State’s at the NCAA Championships would be a cause for celebration. For head coach Cael Sanderson, it came with a different tone. Even after another dominant showing, there was a noticeable edge in his post-meet demeanor. Less satisfaction and more reflection. At Penn State, the standard isn’t just winning team titles, it’s reaching full potential at every weight class. Until all ten starters reach the top of the podium, there is always going to be something missing.

That mindset is what makes this program the best in the country. Sanderson and his team claimed their fifth straight national title, scoring a record-breaking 181.5 team points with eight All-Americans and four individual title winners. And yet, there is a clear sense that there is more to be accomplished. With only one wrestler in the starting lineup graduating, the Nittany Lions have all the pieces to be even better next season. Now the challenge will be finding the right combination.

125 pounds: Luke Lilledahl

After finishing third at last season’s NCAA tournament, sophomore Luke Lilledahl made it clear that third wasn’t good enough. The Nittany Lion put together an undefeated campaign, improving his overall collegiate record to 50-3 while posting a 58.3% bonus rate. While it is common for wrestlers, especially at the lighter weights, to move up a class, Lilledahl made it clear he intends to remain at 125 pounds.  

“Obviously, I wanted to win the nationals, but I wanted to put a stamp on that 125 [pounds] is my weight class for the next two years. And I feel like I’ve done that,” Lilledahl told the media just minutes after winning his first national title. It’s safe to say that Lilledahl isn’t going anywhere over the next two seasons.   

133 pounds: Masanosuke Ono

At the end of last season, Masanosuke Ono announced his commitment to Penn State after spending time training in State College. This addition generated a lot of excitement for the Nittany Lions, as Ono captured both the U20 and Senior World Championships at 61 kilograms in 2024, most notably defeating current teammate Marcus Blaze in the semifinals, who started at 133 pounds for the Nittany Lions this season.

Many expected Ono to step into the lineup right away, but the transition from freestyle to folkstyle can present challenges. Opting to take time to adjust, Ono used his redshirt this season while Blaze held down the starting role at 133 pounds. Following his redshirt year, Ono will have two seasons of eligibility remaining and is the likely starter heading into next year.   

141 pounds: Nate Desmond

Penn State’s biggest struggle this season came at 141 pounds. After the original starter, Aaron Nagao, suffered a re-injury early in the year, Braeden Davis was forced to step in. Davis finished with a 14-7 record and went 2-2 at the national tournament, falling short of All-American honors. With a roster like Penn State’s, the team could have stronger options moving forward.  

Fans also got a glimpse of true freshman Nate Desmond this season. Though he competed in just seven matches to preserve his redshirt, Desmond went undefeated, even while undersized at 141 pounds. His highlights included an impressive win over Michigan’s Dylan Ragusin and a victory over teammate Lilledahl, this year’s national champion at 125 pounds. While Desmond was listed at 125 pounds this season, head coach Cael Sanderson has previously indicated that the weight cut is too demanding for him to return there. With a full offseason ahead, Desmond should have ample time to grow into 141 pounds, where he appears to be a likely starter next season. 

149 pounds: Shayne Van Ness

It’s unlikely that anyone will challenge Shayne Van Ness for his spot this upcoming season. Van Ness was the national runner-up at 149 pounds in the NCAA tournament, losing his first match of the season in sudden victory. Entering his senior year, Van Ness will be focused on capturing the national title.

157 Pounds: Tyler Kasak

It was only a year ago that Tyler Kasak placed third at the national tournament as a sophomore. However, this season Kasak took a redshirt year, and true freshman PJ Duke stepped in. Duke matched Kasak’s performance, also finishing third at the NCAA tournament. But questions remain about how much weight Duke is cutting to compete at 157 pounds. With a redshirt still available, Duke could move up to a heavier weight class in the future, potentially taking over for Mitchell Mesenbrink at 165 pounds after he graduates. Kasak enters next season with experience and proven results, making him a strong candidate to reclaim the starting spot at 157 pounds. 

165 Pounds: Mitchell Mesenbrink

Mitchell Mesenbrink is simply too dominant at 165 pounds. With an 80-1 record and a 98.8% bonus rate, it’s hard to imagine anyone else starting at this weight. While moving up to 174 pounds could be an exciting challenge, head coach Cael Sanderson has to prioritize what is best for the team, and that means keeping the two-time national champion at 165 pounds for his final season.

174 Pounds: William Henckel

With national champion Levi Haines graduating, there are big shoes to fill at 174 pounds. This past season, Henckel gained valuable experience training alongside Haines, an important step in his development as a freshman. He also saw time on the mat, winning a title at the Southern Scuffle in January and finishing second at the Black Knight Invitational. In that tournament, Henckel faced Haines in the finals and kept the match competitive, falling 4-0. With that experience and continued development, Henckel looks like a strong fit to take over at 174 pounds next season. 

184 Pounds: Rocco Welsh

Rocco Welsh was another Nittany Lion who put together an undefeated regular season before suffering his first loss in the national title match against Minnesota’s Max McEnelly. The result made Welsh a two-time runner-up, with two seasons remaining to capture a championship. While he tends to keep his matches close, Welsh is a proven contender for Penn State and will be seeking redemption against a stacked 184-pound class next season.  

197 Pounds: Josh Barr

Penn State has a sure thing in Josh Barr at 197 pounds. After a strong freshman campaign, he took another step this season, establishing himself as one of the top wrestlers in the country. Barr went a perfect 24-0 and earned bonus points in every match leading up to the NCAA finals, where he defeated Oklahoma State’s Cody Merrill 6-3. With that level of dominance, there is little question that Barr will hold down the starting spot. 

Heavyweight: Cole Mirasola

This season, Cole Mirasola had to adjust to competing against bigger opponents as an undersized heavyweight. As the year progressed, however, his confidence grew, and he showed clear signs of improvement. Mirasola finished 19-8 in his first season as a starter, highlighted by regular-season wins over Ohio State’s Nick Feldman and Iowa’s Ben Keuter. While he fell short of All-American honors at the NCAA tournament, he has the potential to compete with the top wrestlers in the weight class. With continued development and added size, Mirasola could become a strong force at heavyweight.