Is Penn State Wrestling Poised To Dominate the NCAA Championship With a Full Roster of Qualified Wrestlers?

As the NCAA wrestling championship draws near, all eyes are turning towards Penn State University’s wrestling team with anticipation and intrigue. With a tough lineup of skilled and qualified wrestlers, the Penn State wrestling program has sparked discussions and debates across the collegiate wrestling community.

The team is poised for dominance this year, boasting a full roster of highly talented athletes ready to showcase their prowess on the mat. Amidst mounting speculation and excitement, let’s dive into their names in the annals of wrestling history.

Unprecedented depth: A full roster heads to Nationals

A few months until the Olympic wrestling trial, USA Wrestling updated their X-post with news of the continuing opportunities to secure a spot. According to the Flowrestling post, 181 competitors have made it to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, scheduled at Penn State on April 19th and 20th. Athletes have a limited amount of time left to qualify for the Trials.

1. 125 lbs – Braeden Davis, #1 Seed

Penn State’s freshman, Braeden Davis, seeded first at 125 lbs, faces a challenging path despite his Big Ten title win from the 6th seed. Potential matchups with Peterson and Ungar pose early challenges. While he defeated McKee, facing Figueroa in the semifinals presented another hurdle. 

2. 125 lbs – Luke Stanich, #1 Seed

Luke Stanich, representing Lehigh, has secured the coveted #1 seed in the 125-pound weight class for the 2024 NCAA Championships. His impressive performance includes wins over ranked opponents, such as Eric Barnett and Drake Ayala. Stanich’s journey from the 6th seed to the top spot showcases his resilience and determination.

3. 133 lbs – Aaron Nagao, #10 Seed

Aaron Nagao, last year’s 5th place finisher, enters as the #10 seed in the 133-pound category. His journey starts with a match against Virginia’s Marlon Yarbrough, followed by a potential clash with dynamic newcomer Nasir Bailey. Nagao may face #2 seed Ryan Crookham in the quarters, who previously defeated him.

4. 141 lbs – Beau Bartlett, #2 Seed

Beau Bartlett, the Big Ten runner-up, holds the second seed in this weight class. His journey begins with a match against Columbia’s Kai Owen, followed by a potential matchup with either Pitt’s Cole Matthews or Rutgers’ Mitch Moore. 

5. 149 lbs – Tyler Kasak, #7 Seed

Penn State’s freshman Kasak, seeded 7th, faces Stanford’s Jaden Abas in the first round, known for his occasional inconsistency. Potential matchups against Chance Lamer and Kyle Parco loom if Kasak advances. 

6. 157 lbs – Levi Haines, #1 Seed

Levi Haines, the top seed with an undefeated record, faces tough competition ahead. Potential matchups against seasoned wrestlers like Mauller and Lewan await him in the early rounds. 

7. 165 lbs – Mitchell Mesenbrink, #2 Seed

Mesenbrink, unbeaten and second-seeded, confronts a challenging bracket. He aims to maintain dominance against initial opponents and potentially faces formidable All-Americans Olejnik or Amine. 

8. 174 lbs – Carter Starocci, #9 Seed

Starocci, despite his impressive record, enters as the #9 seed due to injury defaults. His health remains uncertain. He faces #24 seed Sparks initially and potentially Kemp and Lewis. In the semis, he could meet Griffith, Conigliaro, or Kennedy, with Griffith posing the greatest threat if healthy. 

9. 184 lbs – Bernie Truax, #6 Seed

Cal Poly transfer Bernie Truax, seeded 6th, aims for NCAA success after three 4th place finishes. He faces Pine in the first round and potentially Hawks or Kane in the second. In the quarters, he could meet Plott, with their first encounter posing a challenge. 

10. 197 lbs – Aaron Brooks, #1 Seed

Brooks aims for his 4th NCAA title with a dominant 94.12% bonus rate this season. Expected to cruise through his matches, including a potential quarterfinal with Buchanan. A highly anticipated final matchup could see him against #2 seed Hidlay, whom he has previously defeated three times.

Read More: Penn State Wrestling Star Carter Starocci Teases Epic NCAA Comeback Following Big10 Championship Forfeit

As the NCAA wrestling championship approaches, the anticipation surrounding Penn State University’s wrestling team escalates. With a full roster of qualified wrestlers and a legacy of excellence, the stage is set for the Nittany Lions to make a formidable impact on the tournament.

Penn State Wrestling’s presence at the NCAA championship will be a spectacle, captivating fans and enthusiasts with the passion and intensity of collegiate wrestling at its finest.

Continue to read: Is Carter Starocci’s Injury a Roadblock on His Path to Making History in Penn State Wrestling?