After somewhat of a down year in the recruiting game for Penn State where they “only” got Levi Haines and Connor Pierce, they are unsurprisingly reloading in a BIG way. While they are currently sitting at #3 in the 2023 recruiting class rankings, they just signed the Joe Sealey, #1 overall 2024 prospect, and will be the ranked #1 when the 2024 recruiting class rankings come out later this week.

How Big Of A Get Is Sealey?

While coach Cael Sanderson has had some tremendous recruiting classes in the past couple of years, you have to go back to 2016 and Mark Hall to find the last time they scooped up the #1 overall recruit. Although the Nittany Lions did end up with 2019 #1 Greg Kerkvliet, he originally went to Ohio State.

Before dominating his way to a U17 World title this summer, Sealey won a National Prep title, Powerade title, and Beast of the East title. As a junior, he currently sits at #3 at 160 lbs and #13 pound-for-pound in the national high school rankings. As of right now, he’s not a program-changing or unprecedented recruit, but for sure a big fish that you expect to perform at the next level.

Watch the highlights from Joe Sealey’s U17 World final below.

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Who Else Does Penn State Have Coming In?

As I mentioned previously, Sealey isn’t the only big recruit coming in. 

Class of 2023

Josh Barr (174/184)

Braeden Davis (125/133)

Tyler Kasak (149/157)

AJ Fricchione (184/197)

Cael Nasdeo (125)

Branden Wentzel (125)

Barr, Davis, and Kasak are your big recruits heading to State College next year. Kasak is the only one around Sealey’s weight.

Class of 2024

Zack Ryder (184/197)

#6 on the Big Board and a U17 World medalist this summer as well, Penn State will be bringing in quite the class regardless of who else they pick up in 2023.

What Does This Mean For PSU’s Future Lineup?

Looking down the road to the Nittany Lions’ potential roster they’re going to have a bit of a log jam in the middleweights. It’s hard to predict exactly what weight guys will be 2-4 years down the road.

It should also be noted that Penn State is no stranger to getting creative with greyshirts and Olympic redshirts. In 2018-2019 Michael Beard, Seth Nevills, Joe Lee and Aaron Brooks all greyshirted to preserve a year of eligibility. And in 2019-2020 Mason Manville Olympic redshirted.

It is also of note that Carter Starocci publicly stated he doesn't intend to come back for his fifth year. However, Roman Bravo-Young originally said the same thing but will once again be back in the navy and blue in 2023. So, hard to rule out either scenario 100% just yet.

2023-24

149: Van Ness

157: Haines

165: Facundo

174: Starocci

184: Brooks

2024-25

149: Van Ness / Kasak

157: Haines / Kasak

165: Facundo / Haines

174: Starocci / Facundo / Barr

184: Barr / Ryder

2025-26

149: Van Ness / Kasak

157: Haines / Kasak

165: Haines / Sealey / Facundo

174: Facundo / Barr

184: Barr / Ryder

If Kasak can make 141, that would solve some problems, but currently not a small 145-pounder, not sure if I see that long-term. Ryder could also very well grow into 197 and allow Barr to run the table his four years at 184. The biggest jam will come if neither Haines nor Sealey is able to make 157, which is a possible scenario. This would create a major jam at 165 and potentially have Kasak wrestling up at not his ideal weight.

I am excited to watch it play out. Penn State fans have a lot to be excited about and can sleep easy at night knowing more horses are coming to the State College stable.