Future PSU Lineup discussions

[Random4598375]

(Moderator - several posts below moved out of the Recruiting thread as this topic warrants it's own thread)

Where's Ryder going?

184? Someone is going to get the squeeze. If Barr stays at 197, then 184 is open for Ryder as early as next season and either Barr or one of the Mirasolas is out of a spot. Henckel and Asher are in this mix somewhere, too. This is how I see the most likely way the lineup plays itself out (assuming no further additions...).

2026

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Davis/Blaze (if he decides not to RS)
149 SVN
157 Kasak/Duke (if he decides not to RS)
165 MM
174 Levi
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2027

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 SVN
157 Duke
165 MM
174 Healey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2028

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 ? (Bo?)
157 ? (Jax?)
165 Duke
174 Sealey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

Right now, if that is how it plays squeezed out of spots are Davis, Kasak, Facundo, Henckel, Asher, and one of Ryder, Barr, or the Mirasolas. These are all elite hammers, so it's not inconceivable that any one of them could surprise and win a spot and I don't want people to accuse me of "writing off" whoever their favorite guy is. There's just not enough spots in the lineup for all of the talent either here or coming soon. That 27 lineup is ridiculous and could make Saturday night look like a dual match vs the field.

 

[Junglekitty]

184? Someone is going to get the squeeze. If Barr stays at 197, then 184 is open for Ryder as early as next season and either Barr or one of the Mirasolas is out of a spot. Henckel and Asher are in this mix somewhere, too. This is how I see the most likely way the lineup plays itself out (assuming no further additions...).

2026

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Davis/Blaze (if he decides not to RS)
149 SVN
157 Kasak/Duke (if he decides not to RS)
165 MM
174 Levi
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2027

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 SVN
157 Duke
165 MM
174 Healey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2028

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 ? (Bo?)
157 ? (Jax?)
165 Duke
174 Sealey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

Right now, if that is how it plays squeezed out of spots are Davis, Kasak, Facundo, Henckel, Asher, and one of Ryder, Barr, or the Mirasolas. These are all elite hammers, so it's not inconceivable that any one of them could surprise and win a spot and I don't want people to accuse me of "writing off" whoever their favorite guy is. There's just not enough spots in the lineup for all of the talent either here or coming soon. That 27 lineup is ridiculous and could make Saturday night look like a dual match vs the field.

Judging only from the Lehigh dual. I'm not sure LL moves to 133 next year. I know him only being a one year 25er has been frequently mentioned by multiple posters here, and I'm not saying they're wrong. I just don't think he was nearly as big as Seymour and if he can make the weight for another year, that helps things out down low quite a bit. I think Desmond (like the majority of incoming freshman) will benefit greatly with a redshirt year.

 

[TangSoo]

184? Someone is going to get the squeeze. If Barr stays at 197, then 184 is open for Ryder as early as next season and either Barr or one of the Mirasolas is out of a spot. Henckel and Asher are in this mix somewhere, too. This is how I see the most likely way the lineup plays itself out (assuming no further additions...).

2026

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Davis/Blaze (if he decides not to RS)
149 SVN
157 Kasak/Duke (if he decides not to RS)
165 MM
174 Levi
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2027

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 SVN
157 Duke
165 MM
174 Healey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2028

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 ? (Bo?)
157 ? (Jax?)
165 Duke
174 Sealey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

Right now, if that is how it plays squeezed out of spots are Davis, Kasak, Facundo, Henckel, Asher, and one of Ryder, Barr, or the Mirasolas. These are all elite hammers, so it's not inconceivable that any one of them could surprise and win a spot and I don't want people to accuse me of "writing off" whoever their favorite guy is. There's just not enough spots in the lineup for all of the talent either here or coming soon. That 27 lineup is ridiculous and could make Saturday night look like a dual match vs the field.

I've used the term "writing off" in specific reference to Kasak, so I'll reply. I take no offense, and mean no offense. Just for a little context. I have 2 kids that graduated from McCort. As my luck would have it, my son graduated a few years before the monster wrestling program came about. So, needless to say, I'm all in on the prospect of Bo and Jax (and anyone else in that room) joining the good guys. With that said (not singling you out), people tend to punch Bo and/or Duke in at '57 with little regard for Kasak. The kid who I think (someone correct me if I'm wrong), has done something IN COLLEGE, AT NCAAs, that no one has done before. I'm not aware of a true freshman winning 7 in a row in consolations to take 3rd. In the long list of Penn State wrestling accomplishments, I don't know about anybody else, but that's high on my list. It's not an exact stylistic match, but Kasak reminds me of Cenzo, with his combination of strength, slickness, and confidence. I may be in the minority, but I don't think 157 will be given up easily.

 

[Random4598375]

Judging only from the Lehigh dual. I'm not sure LL moves to 133 next year. I know him only being a one year 25er has been frequently mentioned by multiple posters here, and I'm not saying they're wrong. I just don't think he was nearly as big as Seymour and if he can make the weight for another year, that helps things out down low quite a bit. I think Desmond (like the majority of incoming freshman) will benefit greatly with a redshirt year.

I certainly don't disagree with that. I'm just working off the assumption that Lilledahl is only a one year 125. A second year at 125 from Lilledahl allows Desmond to RS, Davis or Nagao to get in at 133 (and the other to go 141 if Blaze decides to RS).

 

[Random4598375]

I've used the term "writing off" in specific reference to Kasak, so I'll reply. I take no offense, and mean no offense. Just for a little context. I have 2 kids that graduated from McCort. As my luck would have it, my son graduated a few years before the monster wrestling program came about. So, needless to say, I'm all in on the prospect of Bo and Jax (and anyone else in that room) joining the good guys. With that said (not singling you out), people tend to punch Bo and/or Duke in at '57 with little regard for Kasak. The kid who I think (someone correct me if I'm wrong), has done something IN COLLEGE, AT NCAAs, that no one has done before. I'm not aware of a true freshman winning 7 in a row in consolations to take 3rd. In the long list of Penn State wrestling accomplishments, I don't know about anybody else, but that's high on my list. It's not an exact stylistic match, but Kasak reminds me of Cenzo, with his combination of strength, slickness, and confidence. I may be in the minority, but I don't think 157 will be given up easily.

It's definitely not going to be "given up" at all. It's going to be earned, by whomever earns it. My opinion is that Duke will be able to do that if he wants. My opinion could easily be wrong because Kasak has shown he's an elite guy already at this level, so to beat him out, you have to be able to beat out an elite guy, and that's not easy. I think Duke can, but we'll see. It's a good "problem" to have.

 

[District four]

184? Someone is going to get the squeeze. If Barr stays at 197, then 184 is open for Ryder as early as next season and either Barr or one of the Mirasolas is out of a spot. Henckel and Asher are in this mix somewhere, too. This is how I see the most likely way the lineup plays itself out (assuming no further additions...).

2026

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Davis/Blaze (if he decides not to RS)
149 SVN
157 Kasak/Duke (if he decides not to RS)
165 MM
174 Levi
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2027

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 SVN
157 Duke
165 MM
174 Healey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2028

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 ? (Bo?)
157 ? (Jax?)
165 Duke
174 Sealey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

Right now, if that is how it plays squeezed out of spots are Davis, Kasak, Facundo, Henckel, Asher, and one of Ryder, Barr, or the Mirasolas. These are all elite hammers, so it's not inconceivable that any one of them could surprise and win a spot and I don't want people to accuse me of "writing off" whoever their favorite guy is. There's just not enough spots in the lineup for all of the talent either here or coming soon. That 27 lineup is ridiculous and could make Saturday night look like a dual match vs the field.

Wonder if Ryder can make 74 when Levi leaves

 

[District four]

Judging only from the Lehigh dual. I'm not sure LL moves to 133 next year. I know him only being a one year 25er has been frequently mentioned by multiple posters here, and I'm not saying they're wrong. I just don't think he was nearly as big as Seymour and if he can make the weight for another year, that helps things out down low quite a bit. I think Desmond (like the majority of incoming freshman) will benefit greatly with a redshirt year.

Yeah seymores legs looked like tree stumps compared to LL.

 

[District four]

I've used the term "writing off" in specific reference to Kasak, so I'll reply. I take no offense, and mean no offense. Just for a little context. I have 2 kids that graduated from McCort. As my luck would have it, my son graduated a few years before the monster wrestling program came about. So, needless to say, I'm all in on the prospect of Bo and Jax (and anyone else in that room) joining the good guys. With that said (not singling you out), people tend to punch Bo and/or Duke in at '57 with little regard for Kasak. The kid who I think (someone correct me if I'm wrong), has done something IN COLLEGE, AT NCAAs, that no one has done before. I'm not aware of a true freshman winning 7 in a row in consolations to take 3rd. In the long list of Penn State wrestling accomplishments, I don't know about anybody else, but that's high on my list. It's not an exact stylistic match, but Kasak reminds me of Cenzo, with his combination of strength, slickness, and confidence. I may be in the minority, but I don't think 157 will be given up easily.

I agree and one could argue he is the smartest wrestler on the mat on the team he just sees things differently in my opinion. I'm betting he will be a tough out for anyone.

 

[BruceK-PSU83]

Wonder if Ryder can make 74 when Levi leaves

I believe Ryder wrestled some freestyle events at 79 or 80 kg (174 or 176 lb) as recently as June 2024 (and perhaps more recently). He is already pretty filled out. So I would think Ryder could get to 174 for the 2026-27 season, after Haines leaves in 2026. Not only that, but 174 is likely Ryder's best weight IMO.

 

[matter7172]

I believe Ryder wrestled some freestyle events at 79 or 80 kg (174 or 176 lb) as recently as June 2024 (and perhaps more recently). He is already pretty filled out. So I would think Ryder could get to 174 for the 2026-27 season, after Haines leaves in 2026. Not only that, but 174 is likely Ryder's best weight IMO.

If Barr does go down to 184, I don't see Ryder beating him out in folkstyle. I believe Ryder is much stronger in freestyle, but don't rule out progress in the room. But I agree that 174 is probably his best weight.

 

[tullfan68]

with all that talent someone will get the squeeze every yr!

 

[matter7172]

with all that talent someone will get the squeeze every yr!

Yep. It's getting to the point where if you win the spot, you'll be challenging for a natty title. And the guy(s) you beat out probably could contend for one also.

 

[Ian]

(Moderator - several posts below moved out of the Recruiting thread as this topic warrants it's own thread)



184? Someone is going to get the squeeze. If Barr stays at 197, then 184 is open for Ryder as early as next season and either Barr or one of the Mirasolas is out of a spot. Henckel and Asher are in this mix somewhere, too. This is how I see the most likely way the lineup plays itself out (assuming no further additions...).

2026

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Davis/Blaze (if he decides not to RS)
149 SVN
157 Kasak/Duke (if he decides not to RS)
165 MM
174 Levi
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2027

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 SVN
157 Duke
165 MM
174 Healey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

2028

125 Desmond
133 Lilledahl
141 Blaze
149 ? (Bo?)
157 ? (Jax?)
165 Duke
174 Sealey
184 Ryder/Barr
197 Barr/Connor
HWT Connor/Cole

Right now, if that is how it plays squeezed out of spots are Davis, Kasak, Facundo, Henckel, Asher, and one of Ryder, Barr, or the Mirasolas. These are all elite hammers, so it's not inconceivable that any one of them could surprise and win a spot and I don't want people to accuse me of "writing off" whoever their favorite guy is. There's just not enough spots in the lineup for all of the talent either here or coming soon. That 27 lineup is ridiculous and could make Saturday night look like a dual match vs the field.

That’s the point the program is at…. Literally iron on iron all over the place. Each yr you’re trying out for the greatest program in history. It’s only getting better. Iowa and especially OkieSt always lurking and will grab one every now and then but this will continue for awhile.

 

[Pennstate1985]

I believe Ryder wrestled some freestyle events at 79 or 80 kg (174 or 176 lb) as recently as June 2024 (and perhaps more recently). He is already pretty filled out. So I would think Ryder could get to 174 for the 2026-27 season, after Haines leaves in 2026. Not only that, but 174 is likely Ryder's best weight IMO.

You really think Ryder can stay at 174 for a minimum of 3 more years? It's his best weight now but will it be that far out. I'm having trouble remembering the last Penn Stater from 165-184 that stayed at their original weight that long. Cenzo maybe?

 

[matter7172]

You really think Ryder can stay at 174 for a minimum of 3 more years? It's his best weight now but will it be that far out. I'm having trouble remembering the last Penn Stater from 165-184 that stayed at their original weight that long. Cenzo maybe?

Ryder is pretty short and doesn't seem to be growing. Eyetest says 174 could be doable for the remainder of his college career if necessary.

 

[funkisfun12]

You really think Ryder can stay at 174 for a minimum of 3 more years? It's his best weight now but will it be that far out. I'm having trouble remembering the last Penn Stater from 165-184 that stayed at their original weight that long. Cenzo maybe?

Mark Hall?

 

[smiller229]

You really think Ryder can stay at 174 for a minimum of 3 more years? It's his best weight now but will it be that far out. I'm having trouble remembering the last Penn Stater from 165-184 that stayed at their original weight that long. Cenzo maybe?

CStar

 

[FatWoodchuck]

Mark Hall?

Starrocci

 

[Ja1339]

Jmo, I think instead of looking at folks getting squeezed out, I’m looking that some of our studs won’t get to be 4 year starters.
As examples, perhaps Ryder is a 3 year starter at 174 after Levi is done, and Sealy perhaps being a 2 year starter at 165 after MM departs. Not ideal for these hammers, but still, starting for multiple years in a wrestling dynasty is pretty cool.

 

[matter7172]

Jmo, I think instead of looking at folks getting squeezed out, I’m looking that some of our studs won’t get to be 4 year starters.
As examples, perhaps Ryder is a 3 year starter at 174 after Levi is done, and Sealy perhaps being a 2 year starter at 165 after MM departs. Not ideal for these hammers, but still, starting for multiple years in a wrestling dynasty is pretty cool.

I said it a while back in a different thread, but, unless you are an elite, elite talent, the days of being a surefire four year starter at PSU has become a thing of the past. You're going to have to really scrap for your place in the lineup.

 

[Lovethissport]

I don’t see Barr dropping to 184 after placing high (like top 3) this year at 197 which I totally expect him to do. I don’t see Mirosola beating him…like ever. I also don’t think Cole is a full blown hwt. Hope I am wrong…but I think we need help at Hwt and I think we lose both twins to the portal before too long.

 

[McScoreley]

I remember wondering how Kasak would ever fit. I thought it was odd he didn’t take an Olympic redshirt last year when he had it.

Now it’s looking like he’s a four and out hammer lol

 

[GogglesPaizano]

I don’t see Barr dropping to 184 after placing high (like top 3) this year at 197 which I totally expect him to do. I don’t see Mirosola beating him…like ever. I also don’t think Cole is a full blown hwt. Hope I am wrong…but I think we need help at Hwt and I think we lose both twins to the portal before too long.

The furthest thing from all of our minds last July, but I came to the same revelation before Barr had his first match a month ago. Now he looks pretty darned scary. As great as the Marisola bothers are, I didn't think Cole has the frame to get to 235+ and be effective, and I don't think Conner is good enough to beat Barr, even after a year in the room.

Even if Barr went down to 184 we still have problems. It's not going to happen.

 

[FatWoodchuck]

Jmo, I think instead of looking at folks getting squeezed out, I’m looking that some of our studs won’t get to be 4 year starters.
As examples, perhaps Ryder is a 3 year starter at 174 after Levi is done, and Sealy perhaps being a 2 year starter at 165 after MM departs. Not ideal for these hammers, but still, starting for multiple years in a wrestling dynasty is pretty cool.

I brought this up along time ago, it being harder to be a four timer now a days compared past years for this exact reason.

I thought there was some context to it, not everyone was on the same wave length.

However as far and few as there were, we had how many in the last decade. So I believe the number will go down again but there will 100% be those guys that are meant to be.

In other words the nolfs and nickals will still be there and so will the Brooks and starocci's

 

[McScoreley]

In other words the nolfs and nickals will still be there and so will the Brooks and starocci's

And the Matt Browns and Anthony Cassars even!

 

[FatWoodchuck]

And the Matt Browns and Anthony Cassars even!

Yes sir

 

[McScoreley]

Max Dean and Anthony Cassar might have been the best advertising. Cassar showed you really just need one year and you can do something legendary. Hard to say but I imagine most kids would trade 4x AA for 1 title. Similarly, Dean transferred here without a guaranteed starting spot and PSU looking to be pretty settled at 184/197 but he wanted the partners and traininer at upperweights and it paid off.

 

[Random4598375]

Jmo, I think instead of looking at folks getting squeezed out, I’m looking that some of our studs won’t get to be 4 year starters.
As examples, perhaps Ryder is a 3 year starter at 174 after Levi is done, and Sealy perhaps being a 2 year starter at 165 after MM departs. Not ideal for these hammers, but still, starting for multiple years in a wrestling dynasty is pretty cool.

What about Duke? Duke may get a year at 157 (where he may or may not beat out Kasak), but your plan seems to have a pretty steep cut for everyone involved if you are looking at multiple years of 157 Duke, 165 Sealey, 174 Ryder, and 184 Barr. PSU typically doesn't roll like that. I expect the long term base lineup having 165 Duke, 174 Sealey, 184 Ryder, and 197 Barr. Henckel, Asher, and Mirasola have to step up and beat one of them out for a spot somewhere (all are elite hammers, so it's certainly possible, so we'll see...).

 

[Random4598375]

I believe Ryder wrestled some freestyle events at 79 or 80 kg (174 or 176 lb) as recently as June 2024 (and perhaps more recently). He is already pretty filled out. So I would think Ryder could get to 174 for the 2026-27 season, after Haines leaves in 2026. Not only that, but 174 is likely Ryder's best weight IMO.

What are you doing at 184 then? If Barr finishes top 3 this year (which is a distinct possibility given the state of the weight class - he could win this year, really), I don't see him cutting back down to 184 ever (much less going down and holding the weight for multiple seasons), but Barr going down is the only scenario that makes sense for Ryder to cut to 174. Otherwise, 184 will be open but instead of taking the spot, Ryder is going to cut to 174 to throw himself into a snake pit of 174 where he will have to beat out Sealey, Henckel, and Asher to start? Doesn't seem likely.