Sanderson Provides Updates on Penn State Wrestling's Lineup, Levi Haines and Key Returners

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson is preparing for another season with plenty of questions still to be answered. From uncertain lineup decisions and shifting weight classes to changes in college athletics and the potential return of Levi Haines, the Nittany Lions are working through a range of challenges as they look to remain among the nation's elite programs.

Speaking with reporters ahead of the season, Sanderson emphasized that while the landscape of college wrestling continues to change, Penn State's approach remains consistent: develop its athletes, embrace competition and work toward peaking when it matters most. With several talented wrestlers competing for starting positions, the coaching staff has yet to finalize its lineup at multiple weight classes, including 141, 157 and 165 pounds. Sanderson said the team will likely keep its decisions under wraps until competition begins, noting that several wrestlers are preparing for their opportunities and that competing is ultimately more rewarding than training.

The uncertainty surrounding Penn State's lineup reflects broader changes across college wrestling. Increased scholarship availability, name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities, roster limits and evolving eligibility rules have created a different environment than the one programs faced just a few years ago. Sanderson believes these changes have allowed top programs to build greater depth, creating more competition for starting positions. "There's money, scholarships are more available now," Sanderson said, explaining that programs such as Penn State are likely to have more wrestlers capable of competing at a high level. He made clear that athletes should not arrive in State College expecting guaranteed starting opportunities, saying, "You don't go to Penn State if you're looking for a guaranteed starting spot."

Sanderson acknowledged that the increased depth creates both advantages and challenges for coaches. While he wants every athlete to develop and succeed, only one wrestler can represent the team at each weight class in a given dual meet. Ultimately, he believes performance determines who earns the opportunity. "Whoever wins the spot wins the spot," Sanderson said. He also noted that changes to eligibility and participation rules could encourage younger wrestlers to compete sooner rather than spending an entire year waiting for their chance. The new environment, he explained, requires athletes to arrive prepared to contribute. "If you're ready to go, you're ready to go," he said.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Penn State's lineup involves Levi Haines, whose potential availability has been complicated by uncertainty surrounding college wrestling eligibility and ongoing legal developments. Sanderson said the coaching staff has not received any definitive information beyond what has been publicly reported, leaving the team to prepare for multiple possibilities. "We don't find out anything any faster than anyone else does," Sanderson said, explaining that the coaches follow developments in the news just like everyone else. Despite the uncertainty, Haines continues attending class and preparing for competition while awaiting a final decision.

Haines has been preparing for freestyle wrestling and the World Championships, but Sanderson said he would be ready if he receives the opportunity to return to collegiate folkstyle competition. The coach expressed frustration with the lack of clarity surrounding NCAA rules and their enforcement, questioning the uncertainty facing athletes and programs. "I think the biggest challenge in college sports is, what are the rules?" Sanderson said. He added that consistent standards would help teams understand what is permitted and ensure that programs are operating under the same expectations. For now, Penn State will continue preparing while waiting for a definitive answer regarding Haines' eligibility.

Another intriguing storyline is the development of Masanosuke Ono, an accomplished international wrestler who has been adapting to American collegiate folkstyle wrestling. Sanderson praised Ono's work ethic, attitude and commitment to learning a different style of wrestling, explaining that the transition from freestyle to folkstyle can be particularly difficult for athletes who have spent much of their careers competing internationally. "It's even more difficult to go from a life of freestyle to folkstyle," Sanderson said. He described Ono as a disciplined and hardworking wrestler who has embraced the challenge and made significant progress during his time at Penn State. The coaching staff has not finalized his weight-class plans, with Sanderson noting that several lineup decisions remain under consideration as the team balances preparations for the college season with international competition.

Penn State's international commitments have also played a role in the team's preparations. Sanderson said a large group of wrestlers was preparing to travel to Kazakhstan for the Senior World Championships, highlighting the program's continued emphasis on international competition alongside collegiate wrestling. Those opportunities allow athletes to gain valuable experience against elite competition while continuing to develop ahead of the college season.

Coming off a season in which he won the Hodge Trophy, Mitchell Mesenbrink remains one of Penn State's most important returning stars. Sanderson said Mesenbrink's approach has not changed, describing him as a relentless competitor who constantly searches for ways to improve. "He's just a ferocious competitor," Sanderson said. Although Mesenbrink spent part of the offseason involved in a movie project, Sanderson emphasized that his commitment to training never wavered. In fact, the coach sometimes has to encourage him to take time off because of how consistently he works. Sanderson pointed to Mesenbrink's improvement on the mat last season, particularly his ability to turn opponents, as evidence of his dedication to development. "He's always trying to get better," Sanderson said, adding that Mesenbrink remains determined to continue improving rather than becoming satisfied with his accomplishments.

The possibility of Mesenbrink moving up a weight class remains a consideration, although Sanderson declined to provide specifics about the team's plans. He emphasized that the priority is continued development and that weight-class decisions will be made with the individual athlete's best interests in mind. Sanderson said the coaching staff is still evaluating its options and does not see a need to announce decisions before everything is finalized.

Sanderson also offered strong praise for Marcus Blaze, describing the young wrestler as an exceptional competitor whose work ethic and commitment give him significant potential. Blaze's offseason included international competition in Kazakhstan, where he was preparing for an opportunity to contend for a world title. Sanderson credited Blaze's disciplined approach to training and his dedication to improvement, saying he could not speak highly enough of the wrestler. He described Blaze as a hardworking, talented athlete and one of those competitors a coach is grateful to have on the team.

Penn State will also benefit from the return of Tyler Kasak, who redshirted last season. Sanderson said the decision to hold Kasak out of competition was difficult because of his competitive nature and ability to perform in important matches. The coach described him as a tough wrestler who brings excitement to the lineup and said it is good to have him back. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Jaden James represents another promising addition to the program. Sanderson said James' immediate focus is continued development, with his eventual weight class still to be determined. Despite his youth, the coach expressed considerable optimism about his future, describing him as a special talent.

The heavyweight situation also drew attention, particularly regarding brothers Cole and Connor Mirasola. Sanderson clarified that Cole has moved to heavyweight and does not plan to wrestle at 197 pounds during the upcoming season. Cole has ambitions of winning a national championship and is not approaching the season as merely a depth option. "He wants to be a national champion," Sanderson said. The coach also emphasized the value of the brothers pushing one another in practice, explaining that their relationship is built around mutual support and a shared desire to improve. Both wrestlers are continuing to develop, and Sanderson believes their competitive relationship can benefit the program.

Despite the many changes facing college wrestling, Sanderson believes Penn State's culture remains one of its greatest strengths. He credited the coaching staff and general manager Clay Steiman for helping maintain an environment built on trust, consistency and shared values. Sanderson also praised the support the program receives from the university's administration, saying the combination of strong leadership and a close-knit team has helped the Nittany Lions navigate adversity. "Our culture is going to be really strong, and it has been strong," Sanderson said. He acknowledged that maintaining a strong culture does not mean everything is perfect, but he believes the challenges facing the program have created opportunities for growth.

Sanderson also praised Ono's positive attitude and academic commitment, noting that the wrestler's dedication in the classroom and on the mat has made a positive impression on the team. He described Ono as a humble athlete who brings energy to the wrestling room while remaining focused on improvement. For Sanderson, those qualities are just as important to the program's long-term success as the ability to win matches.

When asked whether this could be the most talented team he has coached at Penn State, Sanderson declined to compare the current roster with previous championship teams. Instead, he emphasized the importance of allowing the team to develop throughout the season. "We have a lot of potential," Sanderson said, adding that the real objective is to go out and score points when competition begins. He explained that the coaching staff will use the early portion of the season to evaluate where the team stands before working toward its best performances in the postseason. "It's about figuring out where we're at in November and then getting better and being at our best in March," he said.

Sanderson also discussed the role of regional training centers (RTCs) in helping younger wrestlers develop more quickly and compete at a high level earlier in their careers. He acknowledged that the training environment has helped athletes become more prepared for college wrestling at younger ages, but he raised concerns about whether RTCs should be subject to clearer NCAA recruiting regulations. Sanderson argued that consistent standards would help preserve the integrity of college wrestling while allowing athletes to continue developing. He believes young wrestlers are increasingly ready to compete at a high level early in their college careers, but he wants greater clarity about how recruiting rules should apply to the training systems surrounding college programs.

For now, Penn State is concentrating on what it can control: preparation, competition and the continued development of its athletes. With lineup battles across multiple weight classes, uncertainty surrounding Haines, international commitments and a roster filled with experienced stars and emerging talent, the Nittany Lions enter the season with plenty to sort out. Sanderson's message, however, remains straightforward: nothing will be handed to the team, and every wrestler will have to earn his opportunity. If Penn State can navigate the changing landscape and continue to develop its depth, the program will once again aim to have its best wrestling ready when March arrives.