What's next for Penn State wrestling this offseason after its World Team Trials success?

Penn State wrestling now has a bit of a breather on its calendar after what felt like a sprint into the offseason following the team’s fourth consecutive NCAA Championships title triumph. Since folkstyle competition ended on March 22 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, five either current or future Nittany Lions in addition to two Nittany Lion Wrestling Club members have qualified for Final X. The event, which is set for June 14 in New Jersey, features 20 best-of-three men’s and women’s freestyle matches to set this year’s U.S World team in that discipline.

Two Penn State wrestlers, Luke Lilledahl and Mitchell Mesenbrink, in addition to Kyle Snyder of the NLWC, clinched Final X spots at the U.S. Open in April. Lilledahl will face Iowa alum Spencer Lee in the 57-kilogram (125.6 pounds) finals. Mesenbrink, then, will battle former Iowa State wrestler David Carr in the 74-kilogram (163.1 pounds) finals. And, Snyder is set to face Hayden Zilmer in the 97 kilogram (213.8 pounds) final. However, Snyder was facing a temporary suspension from The U.S. Center of Safe Sport for allegations of misconduct after he was arrested in a prostitution sting in May in Ohio. WSXY-TV reports that he is planning to plead guilty to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct. Because of that, he is no longer listed as having a temporary suspension in the Safe Sport database. That clears the path for him to compete at Final X, in all likelihood.

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Joining Lilledahl, Mesenbrink, and Snyder at Final X are incoming Penn State freshman PJ Duke, senior Levi Haines, NLWC member Kyle Dake, and redshirt sophomore Josh Barr. They all earned their spot by winning their weight class at the U.S. World Team Trials in mid-May. Duke knocked out former NCAA champs Antrell Taylor and Ridge Lovett to reach the 70 kilogram (154.3 pounds) finals, where he took out Bryce Andonian 4-1. He will face 2022 World silver medalist Yianni Diakomihalis at Final X. Haines, then, beat Oklahoma State’s Dean Hamiti 10-2 in the 79 kilograms (174.1 pounds) World Team Trials to score a date opposite Evan Wick in New Jersey. Dake beat five-time Penn State NCAA champ on criteria 3-3 after a late takedown attempt by Starocci could have but did not result in the winning points upon review.

“While leading 3-1 through most of the second period, Starocci forced a step out and Dake received a caution, retaining a narrow lead,” Savannah Asmann writes for USA Wrestling. “Starocci’s late shot appeared to grant him two points, but a challenge from Dake’s corner proved time had expired, and Dake held on to win on criteria.”

Dake will face Zahid Valencia at Final X.

Last but certainly not least, Barr beat Aeoden Sinclair 7-3 in the 92 kilograms (202.8) World Team Trials finals. He will face Trent Hidlay at Final X.

More freestyle events are coming before Final X

While Final X sets the U.S. Senior World Team, other tournaments in late May will set the U20 and U23 starting lineups for Team USA. Lilledahl, Duke, Mesenbrink, Haines, and Barr already have U23 team spots locked up if they accept them. Marcus Blaze could earn the 65 kilogram spot, as well. Others could join them at U23 Nationals. It runs in conjunction with the U20 Team Trials May 30-June 1 in Geneva, Ohio. It’s unclear whether or not any Penn State wrestlers will wrestle in the U23 tournament. But, Class of 2026 commit Jayden James, who is the new No. 3 on MatScouts junior big board, will vie a spot on the U20 team after already making the U17 team. He’d have to beat Duke for it, though. Other PSU ties entered for the U20 Trials per Justin Basch include: Incoming freshman Nate Desmond, Class of 2026 commit Sam Herring, incoming freshman William Henckel, and redshirt freshman Connor and Cole Mirasola.