As the 2025-26 wrestling season draws near its end, it’s no secret which team is leading the way as No. 1 Penn State has cruised its way into a sixth straight conference regular season title. But, as good as Penn State is, there is only one starting senior who will be saying goodbye to Rec Hall on Friday night’s season finale. That lone senior is Levi Haines.

“He’s just everybody’s friend. He’s kind, has a big heart, which is really cool,” head coach Cael Sanderson said Wednesday. “Obviously, a tremendous competitor, very consistent, just every day, very genuine, but just a caring, kind person, and then he’s a fierce competitor. What you see with him is what you get.”

With an unblemished 17-0 record this season with a team-high nine technical falls, Haines has continued to serve as one of the benchmarks for the greatest dynasty in sports. On Friday, the Nittany Lion will compete in his final collegiate dual, marking the end of an era of one of the most consistent Penn Staters in recent memory.

Listed as the No. 12 overall recruit in the Class of 2022, Haines’ journey started in Pennsylvania as the standout of Biglerville High School, where he won a state championship after two runner-up finishes and a 100-5 record. The Penn State commit decided to forgo his senior year of competition to enter college open tournaments, where he dominated, taking home titles from the Edinboro and David Lehman Opens.

“Everything we heard about him was just all the things you look for in a student athlete. He was just getting better every year, and he was also a kid who just wanted to come here,” Sanderson said.

As a true freshman, Haines quickly moved his way into the starting lineup at 157 pounds. The Nittany Lion claimed Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, his first conference championship, and finished as the NCAA runner-up with a 24-2 record.

As a sophomore, Haines rose to national prominence, becoming an undefeated Big Ten and NCAA champion and All-American. The Nittany Lion went 23-0 with a then-career best of 65.22% of his matches coming by way of bonus points.

Last season, Haines fell short of repeating his previous success after bumping up two weight classes to 174 pounds. The Nittany Lion went 25-2 and finished the season off as the Big Ten champion and All-American, but had to settle for third in the national tournament. He also proved his worth on the international circuit, earning a spot on the U.S. World Team, claiming silver at the Senior World Championships, and gold at the U23 World Championships over the summer.

Now, Haines has his sights on one more run into the postseason, this year being his most dominant self as an anchor for Penn State, cruising his way to an undefeated record with an 83.33% bonus rate, his career high.

Haines will aim to be the fourth Penn Stater ever to win four Big Ten titles, following behind only Ed Ruth, David Taylor, and Aaron Brooks. He would etch himself in the history books as the 20th wrestler in the history of the conference if he’s able pull off the feat.

Friday’s matchup against Princeton will be Haines’ final match in Rec Hall, marking the end of four straight years of consistent, world-class talent that has helped lead the Nittany Lions to three straight national titles during his time in Happy Valley.

“He just wanted to come here, and we did our best to take good care of him, and obviously he’s taken very good care of us,” Sanderson said.