Who to Watch From Penn State Wrestling at the 2026 U.S. Open

Lilledahl made USA Wrestling history last year, becoming the first U.S. wrestler to win three different age-group titles. The defending U.S. Open champ now begins pursuing his first Senior World title.

Lilledahl is coming off an undefeated college season, in which he won the NCAA title at 125. He is in a weight class with Spencer Lee, Anthony Knox and Vincent Robinson.

Marcus Blaze, 61 Kg

Blaze won gold at U20 worlds last year before putting together an exceptional freshman season with the Nittany Lions. He was undefeated entering the Big Ten Championships, where he finished second, and placed fourth at nationals.

Blaze also competed on the U.S. U23 world team with seven other Nittany Lions last year. He's in a fascinating class at 61 kg that includes NCAA champ Jax Forrest, runnerup Ben Davino and veterans Austin DeSanto and Nathan Tomasello.

Nate Desmond, 65 Kg

Desmond was a potential All-American on Penn State's roster despite redshirting last season. He was the only wrestler to beat Lilledahl (at an early season tournament) and then went 4-0 wrestling dual matches at 141 pounds.

Desmond and teammate Kyison Garcia are registered at 65 kg with 2025 U.S. Open champ Joey McKenna and NCAA champs Aden Valencia and Jesse Mendez.

Tyler Kasak, 70 Kg

Remember Kasak? He is Penn State's two-time All-American who redshirted last season while freshman PJ Duke finished third at NCAAs at 157. Kasak did not compete at all for the Nittany Lions last season, so the U.S. Open will offer a first glimpse at Kasak since the 2025 NCAAs.

Penn State junior Connor Pierce is in the U.S. Open field at 70 kg with Kasak, Ridge Lovett and Caleb Henson.

Rocco Welsh, 86 Kg

Welsh begins the freestyle season after losing just one match in his first year at Penn State. Welsh fell to Minnesota's Max McEnelly in the 184-pound NCAA final for his second career runnner-up finish.

Welsh competed on the U.S. team at U23 worlds last year and seeks to make his first Senior world team. The 86 kg field is loaded, led by two-time Olympic medalist Kyle Dake of the NLWC and four NCAA champions, including McEnelly.

Josh Barr, 92 Kg

Barr (24-0) was a finalist for the Hodge Trophy after winning the 197-pound NCAA title by scoring bonus points in every bout but the championship final. Barr was arguably as dominant as Mesenbrink during the season.

Barr made the U.S. U23 team last year and headlines a U.S. Open weight class that includes Aeoden Sinclair, Jacob Cardenas and Cody Merrill.

Elsewhere, Penn State freshman Will Henckel is in the field at 79 kg after winning silver at U20 worlds last year. Twin brothers Connor (97 kg) and Cole Mirasola (125) will compete as returning U20 world bronze medalists.