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Penn State wrestling show: Early thoughts on the Lions' top 2026 targets and more

El_Jefe

El_Jefe

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GregPickel said:
www.on3.com

Penn State wrestling show: Early thoughts on the Lions' top 2026 targets and more

Penn State wrestling continues to lead the way in recruiting. BWI's latest show focusing on the Nittany Lions covers that and more.
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Nice job!

My thoughts FWIW (numbers are Willie's 2026 rankings):

1. We got massive hauls in both 2024 and 2025. Therefore 2026 will likely be smaller at starter-level.

2. We have no real needs for this class. It will be about best available, risk reduction at a few weights, and quality depth.

3. 1 Bo Bassett (Bishop McCort 149/157) is unquestionably the top target for the entire country, PSU included.

4. We'll also go hard after 2 Jax Forrest (McCort 141) but he's likely going OKST due to his relationship with Fix and others.

5. This is a very strong HWT class:
- 3 Dreshaun Ross (IA) -- probably staying in the midwest if he doesn't go football
- 6 Michael Mocco (FL) -- mentioned in the podcast for ties to Bo Nickal's gym; also U17 Trials winner and son of Steve Mocco
- 14 Coby Merrill (CA) -- Cormier product, likely joining his brother at OKST
- 20 Dean Bechtold (Owen J Roberts) -- U17 Trials fimalist to Mocco, Fargo 3rd in 2023 up 2 weights; brother goes to Bucknell

IMO Mocco could challenge Mirasola quickly if not immediately (not saying he'd win the job). Bechtold needs more time but could be a good eventual successor. Both are more of a 240-250 than a 270.

6. Unless we land Marcus Blaze (OH 2025), Dalton Perry (2025) is the only projected 141 on the roster or among recruits. Some possibilities:
- Raney twins from KY (4 Jordyn, 5 Jayden). One will be 133, the other 141. PSU did call them (though it was Nick Lee, not Cael, interpret that as you will).
- 7 Dom Munaretto (IL), if he grows, projected 133.
- 10 Antonio Mills (GA)
- 16 Keanu Dillard (Beca), if he grows, projected 133. 2x PA champ, won U17 Trials.
- 31 Tyker DeKraker (Blair, moving to Faith Christian). On the rise.
- 36 Lincoln Sledzianowski (McCort)

Another option could be 1 year of Nagao at 141. Either way, at the very least we'll target depth.

7. Keep an eye on 8 Aaron Stewart (IL 165). Massively talented, even if no clear lineup spot.

8. Don't get hopes up for other Top 50 PA guys. Some PA guys ranked lower could arrive as depth.
 
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GregPickel

GregPickel

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Sep 20, 2021
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El_Jefe said:
Nice job!

My thoughts FWIW (numbers are Willie's 2026 rankings):

1. We got massive hauls in both 2024 and 2025. Therefore 2026 will likely be smaller at starter-level.

2. We have no real needs for this class. It will be about best available, risk reduction at a few weights, and quality depth.

3. 1 Bo Bassett (Bishop McCort 149/157) is unquestionably the top target for the entire country, PSU included.

4. We'll also go hard after 2 Jax Forrest (McCort 141) but he's likely going OKST due to his relationship with Fix and others.

5. This is a very strong HWT class:
- 3 Dreshaun Ross (IA) -- probably staying in the midwest if he doesn't go football
- 6 Michael Mocco (FL) -- mentioned in the podcast for ties to Bo Nickal's gym; also U17 Trials winner and son of Steve Mocco
- 14 Coby Merrill (CA) -- Cormier product, likely joining his brother at OKST
- 20 Dean Bechtold (Owen J Roberts) -- U17 Trials fimalist to Mocco, Fargo 3rd in 2023 up 2 weights; brother goes to Bucknell

IMO Mocco could challenge Mirasola quickly if not immediately (not saying he'd win the job). Bechtold needs more time but could be a good eventual successor. Both are more of a 240-250 than a 270.

6. Unless we land Marcus Blaze (OH 2025), Dalton Perry (2025) is the only projected 141 on the roster or among recruits. Some possibilities:
- Raney twins from KY (4 Jordyn, 5 Jayden). One will be 133, the other 141. PSU did call them (though it was Nick Lee, not Cael, interpret that as you will).
- 7 Dom Munaretto (IL), if he grows, projected 133.
- 10 Antonio Mills (GA)
- 16 Keanu Dillard (Beca), if he grows, projected 133. 2x PA champ, won U17 Trials.
- 31 Tyker DeKraker (Blair, moving to Faith Christian). On the rise.
- 36 Lincoln Sledzianowski (McCort)

Another option could be 1 year of Nagao at 141. Either way, at the very least we'll target depth.

7. Keep an eye on 8 Aaron Stewart (IL 165). Massively talented, even if no clear lineup spot.

8. Don't get hopes up for other Top 50 PA guys. Some PA guys ranked lower could arrive as depth.
Click to expand...
Great rundown! Much appreciated and great info. Agree with your thought on the overall makeup of the 2026 class. Heavyweight and 141 are obvious target areas putting the obvious all-out pursuit of Bassett aside.
 
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Tom McAndrew

Tom McAndrew

BWI Staff
Staff member
Oct 27, 2021
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El_Jefe said:
Nice job!

My thoughts FWIW (numbers are Willie's 2026 rankings):

5. This is a very strong HWT class:
- 3 Dreshaun Ross (IA) -- probably staying in the midwest if he doesn't go football
- 6 Michael Mocco (FL) -- mentioned in the podcast for ties to Bo Nickal's gym; also U17 Trials winner and son of Steve Mocco
- 14 Coby Merrill (CA) -- Cormier product, likely joining his brother at OKST
- 20 Dean Bechtold (Owen J Roberts) -- U17 Trials fimalist to Mocco, Fargo 3rd in 2023 up 2 weights; brother goes to Bucknell

IMO Mocco could challenge Mirasola quickly if not immediately (not saying he'd win the job). Bechtold needs more time but could be a good eventual successor. Both are more of a 240-250 than a 270.
Click to expand...

FS isn't the same as folk, so don't draw too many conclusions. The below is from earlier today at the Junior National Duals.

 
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Gronky

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Nov 10, 2021
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Does Mirasola project to be more of a 230-240 lb. type of HW, or does he have the frame to be bigger?
 
A

Adler01

Well-known member
Sep 26, 2023
6,556
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113
El_Jefe said:
Nice job!

My thoughts FWIW (numbers are Willie's 2026 rankings):

1. We got massive hauls in both 2024 and 2025. Therefore 2026 will likely be smaller at starter-level.

2. We have no real needs for this class. It will be about best available, risk reduction at a few weights, and quality depth.

3. 1 Bo Bassett (Bishop McCort 149/157) is unquestionably the top target for the entire country, PSU included.

4. We'll also go hard after 2 Jax Forrest (McCort 141) but he's likely going OKST due to his relationship with Fix and others.

5. This is a very strong HWT class:
- 3 Dreshaun Ross (IA) -- probably staying in the midwest if he doesn't go football
- 6 Michael Mocco (FL) -- mentioned in the podcast for ties to Bo Nickal's gym; also U17 Trials winner and son of Steve Mocco
- 14 Coby Merrill (CA) -- Cormier product, likely joining his brother at OKST
- 20 Dean Bechtold (Owen J Roberts) -- U17 Trials fimalist to Mocco, Fargo 3rd in 2023 up 2 weights; brother goes to Bucknell

IMO Mocco could challenge Mirasola quickly if not immediately (not saying he'd win the job). Bechtold needs more time but could be a good eventual successor. Both are more of a 240-250 than a 270.

6. Unless we land Marcus Blaze (OH 2025), Dalton Perry (2025) is the only projected 141 on the roster or among recruits. Some possibilities:
- Raney twins from KY (4 Jordyn, 5 Jayden). One will be 133, the other 141. PSU did call them (though it was Nick Lee, not Cael, interpret that as you will).
- 7 Dom Munaretto (IL), if he grows, projected 133.
- 10 Antonio Mills (GA)
- 16 Keanu Dillard (Beca), if he grows, projected 133. 2x PA champ, won U17 Trials.
- 31 Tyker DeKraker (Blair, moving to Faith Christian). On the rise.
- 36 Lincoln Sledzianowski (McCort)

Another option could be 1 year of Nagao at 141. Either way, at the very least we'll target depth.

7. Keep an eye on 8 Aaron Stewart (IL 165). Massively talented, even if no clear lineup spot.

8. Don't get hopes up for other Top 50 PA guys. Some PA guys ranked lower could arrive as depth.
Click to expand...
I’m hoping Cael and staff are real super focused on getting Marcus Blaze. Kid is ELITE. Hope Cael gets in touch with our big time donors. His definitely worth it.
 
El_Jefe

El_Jefe

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Oct 11, 2021
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Gronky said:
Does Mirasola project to be more of a 230-240 lb. type of HW, or does he have the frame to be bigger?
Click to expand...
He's probably more in the 240-ish range, given that twin brother Connor will be our 197.

He's weighing in at 215 for this weekend's JR National Duals, knowing that he'll need to grow to HWT. There's time, since he'll obviously be shirting behind Kerk this year. But he likely won't grow into Nevills size.
 
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A

Adler01

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Sep 26, 2023
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El_Jefe said:
He's probably more in the 240-ish range, given that twin brother Connor will be our 197.

He's weighing in at 215 for this weekend's JR National Duals, knowing that he'll need to grow to HWT. There's time, since he'll obviously be shirting behind Kerk this year. But he likely won't grow into Nevills size.
Click to expand...
Cole can pound the weights and get on the Cassar weight program. After his red shirt he’ll be ready.
 
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