What is the Penn State wrestling plan for Ono, Tyler Kasak, Marcus Blaze, and Braeden Davis this season?

Penn State wrestling is likely going to redshirt returning All-Americans Tyler Kasak and Braeden Davis, head coach Cael Sanderson said on Monday. Speaking during the team’s annual preseason media day event, he also revealed that Japan world champ and Nittany Lion newcomer Masa Ono is likely going to redshirt, as well, as he starts his time in State College.

“[Kasak] is one of the best wrestlers in the country,” Sanderson said. “Absolutely love watching him wrestle. And there’s a good chance he’s in to redshirt this year, right? I don’t think that’s secret. He wrestled freestyle last week. That’s a tough guy to redshirt, because he is a beast, and he’s a gamer. Bigger the match, the better he wrestles. But, for the team, it probably makes sense. Love to have him in three years too, right? So, you know, just kind of thinking through it and planning. There’s a good chance Davis redshirts too.”

Davis is moving up from 133 pounds to 141 pounds. Him taking a redshirt season means fellow former All-American Aaron Nagao, who missed all of last season due to injury, will start at 141 pounds. Kasak sitting out following a podium finish during his first season at 157 pounds in 2024-2025 clears the way for the nation’s No. 1 Class of 2025 recruit, PJ Duke, to start in that weight class as a freshman.

More: Josh Barr injury update: Penn State All-American will ‘take a little while to come back’ after injury at U23s

As for Ono, Sanderson said that he’s been a great addition to the room and that things could change based on any other eligibility guidance from the NCAA. For now, though, the plan is to have him redshirt this year before starting next year.

“Masa has been an incredible addition,” Sanderson said. “Just, you know, the energy you see, if you’ve seen him on social media or whatever, that’s him every day. Just loves wrestling. Loves Penn State, loves being here. He’s done a phenomenal job in class, just the amount of time he’s had to put in, it’s just great to see. He’s just so he’s a great kid, and obviously, an unbelievable wrestler. You know, right now looks like he’s going to redshirt but if eligibility changes, then things might change.”

With those expected decisions now confirmed, here is the expected 2025-2026 Penn State wrestling lineup:

125 pounds: Luke Lilledahl

133 pounds: Marcus Blaze

141 pounds: Aaron Nagao

149 pounds: Shayne Van Ness

157 pounds: PJ Duke

165 pounds: Mitchell Mesenbrink

174 pounds: Levi Haines

184 pounds: Rocco Welsh

197 pounds: Josh Barr is the long-term starter, but Connor Mirasola will start the year manning this weight class while Barr recovers from a rib injury.

285: Cole Mirasola OR Lucas Cochran