There seems to be a lot of armchair medical opinions on this thread.
There are no studies that i know of that compare the need for acl reconstruction comparing wrestling with other sports in peer reviewed journals.
Not every person with a torn acl needs surgical reconstruction. Each knee is dependent on the acl to a different degree. As the demands put on the knee are greater, the likelihood of needing surgery is greater. Since wrestling is a sport with a lesser degree of cutting sideways, compared to football and basketball for instance, the need for acl reconstruction is lower. On the other hand, there are not many sports with another person putting torque on your knee, although this is usually when there isn't weight on the leg ( not standing on it while being torqued).
There is even variability between the knees of the same person, as appears to be the case with Spencer, although having both at once probably has an effect on the other knee. There is no way to predict who will and won't be acl dependent without trying the rehab protocols first. Generally in a person below the age of 25, reconstruction is usually recommended, all other things being equal. However, there are enough variables, that is can be a difficult dec
Based on current protocols, it would certainly be reasonable to be ready for next season, even if they do both knees. As long as there is not significant meniscus or articular cartilage damage, a good recovery should be expected.
I agree that if it was done after nationals last year, likely he would be good for this season, although there are no guarantees. It also would depend to some degree on the type of acl reconstruction as to the time frame for recovery.