Nittany Lion Ten Head to Cleveland: Profiles and Scoring Stats

Bassyonni

Published: March 15, 2026 12:22 PM ET

The Penn State Nittany Lions are poised for another successful NCAA tournament season, showcasing ten exceptional qualifiers. These athletes have demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience throughout the season. With meticulous attention paid to their performances, we delve into their scoring profiles and how they excel on the mat.

Nittany Lion Ten Head to Cleveland: Profiles and Scoring Stats

1. Luke Lilledahl, 125 lbs

Rank: #1 | Record: 20-0 | Hometown: Wyoming Seminary, PA

Lilledahl, nicknamed “Lightning,” is known for his speed and athleticism. He possesses a diverse arsenal of techniques, including single-leg and double-leg takedowns.

2. Marcus Blaze, 133 lbs

Rank: #2 | Record: 19-1 | Hometown: Perrysburg, OH

A freshman competitor, Blaze shows a balanced approach in neutral positions and is effective at securing reversals.

3. Braeden Davis, 141 lbs

Rank: #14 | Record: 11-5 | Hometown: Dundee, MI

Davis combines a fierce competitive spirit with effective strategies from single-leg takedowns and tilts.

4. Shayne Van Ness, 149 lbs

Rank: #1 | Record: 21-0 | Hometown: Blair Academy, NJ

Van Ness is a versatile wrestler, adept at both takedowns and scoring from the top position.

5. PJ Duke, 157 lbs

Rank: #1 | Record: 19-1 | Hometown: Minisink Valley, NY

Duke brings a unique judo background to the mat, showcasing creativity in scoring as well as solid defense.

6. Mitchell Mesenbrink, 165 lbs

Rank: #1 | Record: 22-0 | Hometown: Arrowhead, WI

Known for an inventive style and relentless scoring, Mesenbrink combines philosophic principles with his wrestling techniques.

7. Levi Haines, 174 lbs

Rank: #1 | Record: 21-0 | Hometown: Biglerville, PA

Haines employs a well-rounded skill set and is recognized for his high crotch takedowns and creative scoring.

8. Rocco Welsh, 184 lbs

Rank: #1 | Record: 20-0 | Hometown: Waynesburg Central, PA

Welsh’s strong defensive skills and diverse tactics make him a formidable presence on the mat.

9. Josh Barr, 197 lbs

Rank: #1 | Record: 19-0 | Hometown: Davison, MI

Barr excels in creating scoring opportunities and has developed a wide range of tactical movements.

10. Cole Mirasola, 285 lbs

Rank: #8 | Record: 17-6 | Hometown: West Bend, WI

Mirasola’s athleticism helps him maintain an aggressive yet strategic game, particularly in neutral positions.

Conclusion

The Nittany Lions head into the NCAA tournament with a robust roster. Their impressive records illustrate not only their individual talents but also the effectiveness of their training program under head coach Cael Sanderson. Fans eagerly anticipate how these ten wrestlers will perform in Cleveland, aiming for new heights in collegiate wrestling.