Another international competition, another feather in the cap for the Penn State wrestling squad. Bolstering the NLWC’s reputation once again, Mitchell Mesenbrink has bagged bronze at the U23 World Championships in Albania. But he’s got no time to revel in his latest milestone. Instead, the 21-year-old has now set his gaze on the 2024/25 season and is looking forward to the new challenge, and he’s pumped.

The upcoming wrestling season will be a thrilling affair to watch for multiple reasons. But under the able leadership of Cael Sanderson, the Nittany Lions are expected to continue their dominant run in the NCAA circuit, and Mesenbrink will undoubtedly be the one to lead the charge. Fresh off his international triumph, he’s justifiably brimming with energy.

Mitchell Mesenbrink wants to keep the momentum going

FloWrestling caught up with the 163-pounder to talk about what went down in Tirana, Albania. During their conversation, Mesenbrink also noted his excitement to face his opponents from the collegiate scene now that his U23 run is over. He also talked about how he’s had to switch to and fro between folkstyle and freestyle and how that helps to keep things interesting. But obviously, it’s representing the NLWC once again that’s got Mesenbrink grinning. “I’m pumped to be able to put on the Penn State singlet again,” he told the interviewer.

“It’s gonna be exciting,” he expressed, confessing that returning to collegiate wrestling isn’t too shabby compared to international competitions. The interviewer then pondered whether Mitchell would take some time off and miss some events after his return to ease into things. However, Mitchell Mesenbrink said that this might not be the case because he considers the season to be always on, and the aim to be the best wrestler is the only thought on his mind all the time. And he sneaked in a subtle boast.

“When it’s time to bring the heat, I’m going to bring it,” said the 2023 U20 World Championships gold medalist with a beaming smile. However, considering the tectonic shifts the NCAA circuit has been undergoing in recent months, it would be safe to say that Mitchell would need to pull up his socks and fast if he wants to wave the flag of the NLWC high above the rest.

Not a hall pass waiting for the Penn State star

This year, the Penn State wrestling camp will have to face one of its hardest challenges in recent times, posed by one of its own. After a disappointing end to his Olympic dream, “Magic Man” David Taylor set his new office at the OSU campus as the head coach of the Cowboys. Oklahoma State has been a dominant force in the NCAA wrestling scene for a long time, but their track record since 2006 hasn’t been the best. To turn things around, the Cowboys have resorted to the 2020 Olympic gold medalist to spearhead their attack. However, the move has irked a lot of people over at Penn State. Some staff at the Pennsylvania campus believe while their alum’s intentions are noble, he would still need to ultimately concede defeat to his alma mater.

Moreover, Taylor broke out of retirement to compete at the 2024 Non-Olympic World Championships, which will take place in the same location where Mesenbrink just bagged his latest hardware. In Albania, Taylor is expected to make his final run as a professional wrestler before riding into the sunset. This could be the opportunity to show the world that his defeat at Aaron Brooks’ hands at the Team Trials in April was a fluke incident and that it doesn’t define his skills on the mat by any means. Do you think facing Taylor and his boys would pose any additional threat to Mitchell Mesenbrink’s NCAA campaign this year? Share your prediction for Penn State vs. OSU in the comments!