Penn State wrestling’s Levi Haines is officially headed to Final X 2026 after accepting his automatic berth into the 79-kilogram championship series that will determine the 2026 U.S. Senior World Team.

The two-time NCAA champion from Penn State earned direct entry into the Final X finals after finishing as the runner-up at the 2025 Senior World Championships. He will now await the winner of the 79 kg bracket at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, which takes place April 24-25. That challenger will meet Haines in the best-of-three series at Final X on June 19 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

A 2025 World silver medalist, Haines put together a breakout international campaign last season, also capturing gold at both the U23 World Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia, and the Pan American Championships in Queretaro, Mexico.

Haines plans to remain in State College to continue training with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club as he turns his attention to defending his place among the world’s elite at 79 kg. Haines recently concluded his collegiate career, winning his second NCAA championship title and becoming a four-time NCAA All-American.

After wrapping up his collegiate career, Haines now turns his attention to senior-level freestyle competition, where he looks to build on his international success with the long-term goal of competing for Olympic gold on the sport’s biggest stage.