Penn State wrestling: Levi Haines named NCAA freshman of the year by The Open Mat
Penn State wrestler Levi Haines had a tremendous first season with the Nittany Lions. Because of it, postseason awards are flowing in following the Biglerville, Pa., native’s initial All-American season.
Haines, who wrestles in the 157-pound weight class, is The Open Mat NCAA Division I freshman of the year. The outlet announced the honor this week.
“Penn State’s Levi Haines was the nation’s best collegiate freshman wrestler on the nation’s best collegiate wrestling team,” The Open Mat writes.
Haines did not have his redshirt burned until January. It turned out to be the perfect decision by head coach Cael Sanderson and his staff. The freshman never looked like one as he racked up an 11-0 record in dual meets before winning his first Big Ten title. Then, a spirited run at the NCAA Tournament ended with a runner-up finish. Haines tore through his bracket but dropped the title bout 6-2 to Austin O’Connor of North Carolina.
InterMat also recognized Haines this week. It put him on its first-team All-Freshman All-American squad.
“It’s no surprise who takes the honors at 157 lbs as Levi Haines was the only freshman to make the national finals in 2023,” Earl Smith writes for the outlet. “Haines was also the only freshman to win a Big Ten title this season. He did both as a true freshman in a veteran-laded 157 lb bracket.”
Top 10
- 1New
Saban chirped
Big 12 comes after GOAT
- 2
DJ Lagway
Fan flashes Florida QB to Pope
- 3Hot
Strength of Schedule
CFP Top 25 SOS ranking
- 4
Alabama needs a prayer
Tide can make the CFP but needs help
- 5
3 ACC teams in CFP?
Path for ACC outlined
Penn State roster outlook
Haines returns to lead a strong nucleus of Nittany Lions ahead of the 2023-2024 season. National champions Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks can return at 174 and 184 pounds, respectively. But, they could each decide to take an Olympic redshirt year, too.
All-Americans Beau Bartlett, Shayne Van Ness, and Greg Kerkvliet are all back at 141, 165, and 285 pounds, respectively. It leads clear holes to fill at 133 pounds and at 197. What the team will do at 125 pounds is also up in the air with Robbie Howard expected back while Will Betancourt should be back in action. The team has Class of 2023 signees coming in who could also impact the starting lineup. And, of course, there is always the transfer portal.
All told, Penn State will be favored to win the NCAA title again next season. But, that doesn’t mean it has no areas of concern, as it truly starts the off-season with an eye toward the 2023-2024 slate.
