What Happens If These Three Don't Return For Penn State Wrestling? 

Nagao broke his arm early in season took months off. Wasnt sure if he would even be able to wrestle this year. Then got mono, then the flu twice and covid between late January-March. Sad turn of events, but dont see a season like this repeating for him next year.

The bigger question is will Penn State ever lose the national championship again? The recruit like nothing I’ve ever seen! And with their NIL resources and the transfer portal they may be an unstoppable force!

I think Kerkvliet comes back to become a 2-time champ. He paid his dues to get the first one. One more year will go quick. Starocci has a chance to become the only 5-time champ and go down in NCAA wrestling history. It is a unique opportunity. If he doesn't he will be 60 years old and mad at himself for not trying. It will be fun to see the new guys coming in and breaking into the lineup.

My guess on PSU's line-up at the '25 NCAAs: 125 - L. Lilledahl 133 - A. Nagao (B. Davis redshirts) 141 - B. Barlett 149 - S. Van Ness (Kasak redshirts) 157 - M. Messenbrink (he looked small for 165) 165 - L. Haines 174 - A. Facundo, but maybe Z. Ryder (Starocci moves on) 184 - J. Barr (he's more than ready) 197 - Connor Mirasola Hwt. - G. Kerkvliet (he's coming back) 197 is clearly the biggest question mark.

In theory, a 1st place national finisher could score no less than a minimum of 20 points. Interestingly enough, Carter Starocci earned 20 points and finished 1st. That 20 points comes from advancement straight through the championship bracket without receiving any bonus points other than the 16 points for placing 1st. In comparison, Tyler Kasak scored 19 points in the 2024 tournament while placing 3rd. And Mitchell Messenbrink scored 19.5 points while placing 2nd. That gives some perspective on how much Kasak contributed to the best team score ever.

Awesome breakdown Christian! More videos just like this one please.

4:00 Andrew Alierez should be coming back….. I’m curious to see who takes that match out of Jesse Mendez and Andrew Alirez

It seems that no one is talking about Carter having to go to the trials probably hobbled. It's one thing to Natty on a gimpy leg but the trials have to be a different animal. I doubt he'll face guys that will wrestle him timidly like Lewis and Griffith did. Bummer for Carter if he's still feelin' the effects. If he is, that may help push him to comeback, if he is truly still rehabing.

Christian… keep these videos coming. Great stuff. .? Ohio state ?

Honestly I think Zack Ryder could also come into the lineup at 174 and do well

125: Davis 133: Nagao 141: Bartlett 149: Van Ness 157: Haines 165: Mesenbrink 174: Ryder 184: Barr 197: Mirasola/Cochran wrestle off HWT: Kerk If Kerk doesn’t comeback you hit the portal for someone like Hendrickson

Ryder will be cracking that lineup at some point this coming season? Bet on it!

Mason Gibson looked pretty good in this PA vs USA dual meet......could be push for a spot at 133?

My opinion would be staring with 125lbs Keep Davis.. 133 have Bo cut weight to wrestle here.. 141 Tyler 149 Van Ness, 157 Levi 165 Mitchell 174 Facundo (if Starocci doesn’t return), 184 open(transfer portal), 197 Open(transfer portal), 285 Greg(or transfer portal) would be another winning NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM with 6 individual champions at minimum

125:Davis 133:nagao 141: confident Bartlett is coming back 149: van ness 157:Haines prolly 165: mesenbrink 174:carter or maybe even Ryder 184:Barr 197:Cochran/Connor Hwt: kerk, if he leaves then Cochran/cole

If they do all come back I would imagine they will beat their team score at the ncaas that they had this year.

I really don't think psu coaching staff will try to pressure Carter to come back if her wants to great if he doesn't fine

Penn State can use NIL to plug any gaps and blitz the field next season. 💰🤑💰

Carter would be a fool to leave. He has every reason to stay: - only 5x champ ever - NIL big $$$ - Low chance of making olympic team anyway behind Dake, JB, etc. - more time to develop and build hype for MMA - more attention from the coaching staff - more time to build up his name in general - still has access to MMA training with Bo Imo he's gonna stay. He is just playing hard to get for that NIL $$$ and for hype. Coaching staff has an incredible track record of keeping guys anyway.

Starocci could always go for a historic 5th, wrestle an abbreviated season for MI, and walk away w a $400k NIL paycheck - substantial down-payment on a classy crib. Or he could enter the Olympic last chance qualifier w bum knee for $0.

Did you forget alirez is coming back, Mendez won't be the favorite

Bartlett will be back

Starocci comes back for that 5th title if Olympic trials do not go his way

All three come back imo!

As much as I respect Cael, I don’t think he is coaching greatness. When you have top 3 recruits at every weight, they should dominate the way they have and did. Cael didn’t do much at Iowa State when he was on a level playing field. Now with the NIL being the factor it is now in wrestling, the recruiting gap will close and Penn St will eventually come down to earth.

penn state will be fine

Why would he do a video on iowa? They stink

Christian, are you struggling for content so badly on PSU that you have to work in hypothetical’s….Why aren’t you deep diving on SVN’s injury progress….i hear he’s wrestling at full strength….Or talking to Bassett or Jax Forrest to see if they are interested in Penn State. Why don’t you ask Cael to do a cameo on FRL? Are you factually telling us anything we don’t know?

Van Ness is more taped up than a mummy. He is not a better option than Kasak

College wrestling needs 12 weight classes

It’s the end of the world

Rumor has it that Cael “talked” to Tj Stewart of Virginia Tech…

Do this for asu and Iowa next