As the highly anticipated 2025 NCAA Division I wrestling season approaches, Penn State University unveils an exceptionally promising lineup poised to make a formidable impact on the national stage. Guided by the astute leadership of head coach Cael Sanderson, the Nittany Lions have assembled a roster teeming with elite grapplers, each possessing the potential to challenge for individual titles and contribute to the team’s championship aspirations.
Anchoring the lightweight categories is the dynamic duo of Gary Steen and Robert Howard. Steen, a two-time NCAA champion at 125 pounds, returns with unwavering determination to defend his crown. Howard, a highly touted recruit from Wyoming Seminary, brings an explosive and aggressive style to the 133-pound weight class. Together, they form a formidable force that will be difficult for opponents to overcome.
Moving up the lineup, Penn State boasts a trio of returning All-Americans: Roman Bravo-Young, Carter Starocci, and Aaron Brooks. Bravo-Young, a two-time NCAA champion at 133 pounds, possesses an uncanny ability to control the pace of his matches and rack up bonus points. Starocci, a dynamic 174-pounder, combines athleticism with brute strength to overwhelm his opponents. Brooks, a veteran at 184 pounds, brings experience and leadership to the lineup, providing a crucial presence both on and off the mat.
The Future of Penn State Wrestling: Key Recruits and Projected Starters
Key Recruits
Penn State has secured commitments from several top recruits for the 2025 season. These grapplers will provide immediate depth and potential future stars.
Headlining the recruiting class is two-time Cadet World champion Nick Facundo. The New York native will wrestle at 133 pounds and is known for his lightning-fast attacks and technical prowess.
Projected Starters
The Nittany Lions’ lineup for 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most formidable in the nation. Here are the projected starters for each weight class:
| Weight Class |
Projected Starter |
| 125 |
Robert Howard |
| 133 |
Nick Facundo |
| 141 |
Beau Bartlett |
| 149 |
Levi Haines |
| 157 |
Drew Hildebrandt |
| 165 |
Max Dean |
| 174 |
Carter Starocci |
| 184 |
Aaron Brooks |
| 197 |
Lucas Godinez |
| 285 |
Greg Kerkvliet |
This lineup boasts a mix of returning All-Americans, talented recruits, and future potential.
Breaking Down the Nittany Lions’ Weight-by-Weight Prospects
125: Drew Hildebrandt
Drew Hildebrandt, a true freshman in 2023, has the potential to be Penn State’s long-term answer at 125 pounds. Hildebrandt won a silver medal at the 2022 Fargo Nationals in the Junior division and was a Pennsylvania state champion in 2022.
133: Brody Teske
Brody Teske, a redshirt sophomore in 2023, is a returning NCAA qualifier. Teske finished last season with an 18-6 record and placed fifth at the Big Ten Championships. He will look to make a run at All-American honors in 2024.
141: Beau Bartlett
Beau Bartlett, a redshirt sophomore in 2023, is a two-time NCAA qualifier and a returning All-American. Bartlett finished last season with a 26-6 record and placed third at the NCAA Championships. He is a key piece to Penn State’s national title hopes in 2024.
149: Levi Haines
Levi Haines, a redshirt sophomore in 2023, is a 2022 NCAA qualifier. Haines finished last season with a 22-8 record and placed seventh at the Big Ten Championships. He will look to make a jump into the top 10 in 2024.
157: Shayne Van Ness
Shayne Van Ness, a redshirt junior in 2023, is a three-time NCAA qualifier and a two-time All-American. Van Ness finished last season with a 25-6 record and placed fourth at the NCAA Championships. He is one of Penn State’s most experienced wrestlers and will be a key leader in 2024.
165: Alex Facundo
Alex Facundo, a redshirt junior in 2023, is a three-time NCAA qualifier and a 2022 All-American. Facundo finished last season with a 28-6 record and placed fifth at the NCAA Championships. He is one of Penn State’s top wrestlers and will be a key contributor in 2024.
174: Carter Starocci
Carter Starocci, a redshirt sophomore in 2023, is a two-time NCAA champion. Starocci finished last season with a 27-0 record and won the NCAA title at 174 pounds. He is one of the best wrestlers in the country and will be a key part of Penn State’s national title hopes in 2024.
184: Aaron Brooks
Aaron Brooks, a redshirt junior in 2023, is a two-time NCAA qualifier and a 2022 All-American. Brooks finished last season with a 31-5 record and placed third at the NCAA Championships. He is one of Penn State’s most consistent wrestlers and will be a key contributor in 2024.
197: Max Dean
Max Dean, a redshirt junior in 2023, is a three-time NCAA qualifier and a 2022 NCAA champion. Dean finished last season with a 31-1 record and won the NCAA title at 184 pounds. He is one of Penn State’s top wrestlers and will be a key part of Penn State’s national title hopes in 2024.
285: Greg Kerkvliet
Greg Kerkvliet, a redshirt senior in 2023, is a two-time NCAA champion. Kerkvliet finished last season with a 28-0 record and won the NCAA title at 285 pounds. He is one of the best wrestlers in the country and will be a key part of Penn State’s national title hopes in 2024.
| Weight |
Wrestler |
| 125 |
Drew Hildebrandt |
| 133 |
Brody Teske |
| 141 |
Beau Bartlett |
| 149 |
Levi Haines |
| 157 |
Shayne Van Ness |
| 165 |
Alex Facundo |
| 174 |
Carter Starocci |
| 184 |
Aaron Brooks |
| 197 |
Max Dean |
| 285 |
Greg Kerkvliet |
Potential All-Americans and NCAA Title Contenders
1. Roman Bravo-Young (133 lbs)
The reigning NCAA champion and three-time All-American is poised to make another run at the title. He boasts an impressive 136-5 career record and an unmatched technique in the sport.
2. Nick Suriano (125 lbs)
A two-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American, Suriano is one of the most decorated wrestlers in the program’s history. His lightning-fast speed and relentless pace make him a formidable opponent.
3. Carter Starocci (165 lbs)
A rising star with an undefeated 16-0 record as a true freshman, Starocci has showcased tremendous potential. His aggressive style and strong top game make him a threat to win championships in the near future.
4. Hypothetical Line-Up
Here’s a hypothetical look at Penn State’s wrestling lineup for 2025, featuring a mix of potential All-Americans and NCAA title contenders:
| Weight Class |
Wrestler |
| 125 lbs |
Nick Suriano |
| 133 lbs |
Roman Bravo-Young |
| 141 lbs |
Drew Hildebrandt |
| 149 lbs |
Beau Bartlett |
| 157 lbs |
Carter Starocci |
| 165 lbs |
Shayne Van Ness |
| 174 lbs |
Max Dean |
| 184 lbs |
Aaron Brooks |
| 197 lbs |
Greg Kerkvliet |
| 285 lbs |
Seth Nevills |
Transitioning from the Carter Starocci Era
The Carter Starocci Legacy
Carter Starocci’s dominance at 174 pounds comes to an end in 2023, leaving a gaping hole in the Nittany Lion lineup. Starocci, a three-time NCAA champion and part of Penn State’s historic “Lineup of Death,” will be a tough act to follow.
Filling the Void at 174
Replacing Starocci’s production will be a daunting task for Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson. Several wrestlers are in contention for the starting spot, including:
- Max Dean
- Beau Bartlett
- Chase Horne
The Road Ahead
While the transition from the Starocci era will be challenging, Penn State has a strong tradition of excellence in wrestling. The Nittany Lions have won 11 national championship banners since 2011, and they have a talented roster that can continue their success in the years to come.
2025 Lineup Projection
Here is a possible lineup projection for Penn State in 2025:
| Weight |
Wrestler |
| 125 |
Levi Haines |
| 133 |
Roman Bravo-Young |
| 141 |
Nick Lee |
| 149 |
Aaron Brooks |
| 157 |
Alex Facundo |
| 165 |
Shayne Van Ness |
| 174 |
Max Dean |
| 184 |
AJ Ferrari |
| 197 |
Greg Kerkvliet |
| 285 |
Seth Nevills |
Penn State’s Legacy in College Wrestling and the Evolution of the Team
The Rise of Penn State in College Wrestling
Beginning in the 1980s, Penn State emerged as a dominant force in college wrestling under the legendary coach, John Fritz. Under his leadership, the team captured seven national championships and numerous individual titles.
The Era of Cael Sanderson
In 2009, Cael Sanderson took over the helm at Penn State, ushering in a new era of unprecedented success. As a wrestler, Sanderson had won two Olympic gold medals and was considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Under his guidance, the Nittany Lions have won nine NCAA team championships, the most in consecutive fashion.
10. Individual Success and Dominant Performances
Penn State boasts a remarkable record of individual success. The Nittany Lions have produced an astounding 68 individual national champions, the most by any program in NCAA history.
In addition to individual accolades, Penn State has consistently showcased dominant performances at the team level. Under Sanderson, the Nittany Lions have compiled an incredible 227-5 record over 15 seasons, an unparalleled level of dominance in collegiate wrestling.
| Year |
NCAA Team Championship |
| 2011 |
Yes |
| 2012 |
Yes |
| 2013 |
Yes |
| 2014 |
Yes |
| 2015 |
Yes |
| 2016 |
Yes |
| 2017 |
Yes |
| 2018 |
No |
| 2019 |
Yes |
| 2020 |
No |
| 2021 |
Yes |
| 2022 |
Yes |
| 2023 |
Yes |
Penn State Wrestling Lineup 2025: A Preview
The Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling team is one of the most successful programs in the country. They have won eight national championships since 2011, and they are always a contender for the title. The 2025 season is shaping up to be another strong one for the Nittany Lions. They have a number of talented wrestlers returning, and they have added some key recruits to the roster. Here is a preview of the Penn State wrestling lineup for 2025:
125 pounds: Roman Bravo-Young
Bravo-Young is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the best wrestlers in the country. He is a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will be looking to lead the team to another national title.
133 pounds: Nick Lee
Lee is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the most exciting wrestlers to watch in the country. He is a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will be looking to continue his dominance at the college level.
141 pounds: Zain Retherford
Retherford is a three-time NCAA champion and one of the most decorated wrestlers in Penn State history. He is a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will be looking to add to his legacy before he graduates.
149 pounds: Jason Nolf
Nolf is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the most physical wrestlers in the country. He is a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will be looking to continue his dominance at the college level.
157 pounds: Mark Hall
Hall is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the most talented wrestlers in the country. He is a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will be looking to continue his success at the college level.
165 pounds: Shakur Rasheed
Rasheed is a redshirt freshman who is expected to be a major contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2025. He is a highly touted recruit, and he has the potential to be a national champion.
174 pounds: Bo Nickal
Nickal is a two-time NCAA champion and one of the most dominant wrestlers in the country. He is a returning starter for the Nittany Lions, and he will be looking to add to his legacy before he graduates.
184 pounds: Aaron Brooks
Brooks is a redshirt junior who is expected to be a major contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2025. He is a highly touted recruit, and he has the potential to be a national champion.
197 pounds: Max Dean
Dean is a redshirt sophomore who is expected to be a major contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2025. He is a highly touted recruit, and he has the potential to be a national champion.
285 pounds: Greg Kerkvliet
Kerkvliet is a redshirt freshman who is expected to be a major contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2025. He is a highly touted recruit, and he has the potential to be a national champion.
People Also Ask About Penn State Wrestling Lineup 2025
Will Penn State win the national championship in 2025?
Penn State is always a contender for the national championship, and the 2025 season is no different. They have a number of talented wrestlers returning, and they have added some key recruits to the roster. If they can stay healthy and wrestle to their potential, they have a good chance of winning the national title.
Who is the best wrestler on the Penn State lineup?
Penn State has a number of talented wrestlers on their roster, but Roman Bravo-Young is the best of the bunch. He is a two-time NCAA champion, and he is one of the most dominant wrestlers in the country. He will be looking to lead the Nittany Lions to another national title in 2025.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Penn State wrestling team in 2025?
The biggest challenge facing the Penn State wrestling team in 2025 is staying healthy. They have a number of talented wrestlers, but they have also had some injury problems in the past. If they can stay healthy, they will be a major contender for the national championship. Another challenge for the Nittany Lions will be replacing some of their key seniors. They will need some of their younger wrestlers to step up and fill those roles.
