Penn State Wrestling 2025-26 Lineup Projection, Part 1: Luke Lilledahl Leads Deep Group of Returners

Even though the wrestling room is losing multiple National Champions, they are returning seven All-Americans across the team, and the 2025 Recruiting class coming in has some strength.

So, where do they land for next season? Who is going to be the No. 1 option at each weight class? Let’s take a look

Penn State Wrestling 2025-2026 Lineup Projection 1 Part 1

125lbs – Luke Lilledahl

Luke Lilledhal had an outstanding freshman season winning the Big Ten Championship and placing third at the NCAAs.

Lightning Luke looks to return and continue to impress in the same weight class. There are other wrestlers that could challenge Lilledhal, but he was too impressive as a freshman to keep on the sidelines. Also, the competition in the wrestling room will only help to improve Luke as he enters his sophomore season.

133lbs – Masanosuke Ono

Cael Sanderson has been able to reload the roster with a world champion in Masanosuke Ono, who will likely be the starter at 133 in the upcoming season.

Ono won the Japanese National Championship, U20 World Championship, and 2024 World Championship. His transition from freestyle to folk style wont reduce his effectiveness. Look for Ono to add to his accomplishments next season.

141lbs – Braeden Davis

Here we have our first look at a weight class where there will be some competition for an open starting role.

With Ono taking the 133 starting role All-American Braeden Davis will likely move up to 141lbs. But incoming recruit Marcus Blaze is also a powerhouse, so I can see Blaze and Davis battling all season. Ultimately, I think Braeden Davis will take the majority of the season because he has the experience and accolades.

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149lbs – Shayne Van Ness

Shayne Van Ness is returning and will take his spot at 149 pounds. He had an amazing season and was the No. 3 seed at the NCAA tournament, where he ended up taking 3rd place. No doubt with another year of experience and training in the best wrestling room in DI Van Ness is looking for an NCAA Championship next season.

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157lbs – Tyle Kasak

Tyler Kasak took third in the NCAAs and is a returning All-American. He will most likely be in the same role at 149lbs going into next season.

Kasak had a dominant regular season and entered the NCAAs as the 1 seed, tough losses happen, but he came back to take 3rd and will want to make himself a champion next season.

Coming up in Part two of our preview, who will fill the shoes of the only 5x DI Champion Carter Starocci, and what does the heavy loss of Greg Kerkvliet mean for the heavyweight division?