Penn State wrestling has a new World Champion in the mix, and the only real question now is whether he’ll be back in the lineup this season.
Levi Haines delivered the biggest win of his career in Kazakstan, edging Iran’s Mohammad Nokhodilarimi 4-3 at 79 KG to secure the team title for USA. That gold medal adds to an already loaded résumé: two national titles, three national final appearances, four Big Ten titles, four All-America honors and a Silver Medal from last year’s Senior World Championships.
With that victory, Haines became the third Penn State wrestler to win a world title, joining David Taylor, who won three, and Zain Retherford, who took gold in 2023.
The eligibility piece is where things get complicated. Under the old rules, Haines would have already burned through his four years. The “five-for-five” rule that passed over the summer keeps the door open, but he would still need a temporary restraining order approved to return to Penn State.
Cael Sanderson was asked about Haines at the program’s annual media day earlier this month, and he said the wrestler is staying ready while the situation plays out.
“He’s in class right now. He’d probably rather not be in class,” Sanderson joked.
“He’s preparing just in case he gets that opportunity. “We’re just like anybody else.
We’re waiting to hear the final word.”
If Haines does compete for Penn State, 79 KG would almost certainly be his class, which translates to 174 pounds. The timing matters too, with the opening dual meet only 11 days away.
Penn State starts its 2026-27 season against Bloomsburg at Rec Hall. The dual is set for 7 p.m. and will be streamed on Big Ten+.
In Other News...
Penn State Showed A Different Response When This Big Ten Game Got Ugly
Penn States trip to Purdue had the feel of a game that could have slipped away early, especially after miscues and missed chances kept the pressure on. Rocco Becht helped steady things with a touchdown, and Carson Hansen added a rushing score as the offense found enough rhythm to keep the Nittany Lions moving in a Big Ten matchup that had its rough patches.
Purdue briefly grabbed momentum with a blocked punt that turned into a touchdown, but Penn States defense answered by tightening up and allowing only three points the rest of the way. Matt Campbell pointed to the penalties and the way his team responded, and the bigger takeaway for Penn State was simple: when the game got ugly, it found a way to settle in and finish. [Read more 🡒]
Penn States Next Home Test Just Put More Focus On This Season
Penn States next home date now has a little more clarity, with the Nov. 7 matchup against Washington set for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. It is another afternoon slot in a season that has already bounced around the TV schedule, and it gives the Nittany Lions a familiar stage as they try to steady a year that has not gone the way they wanted.
The timing also adds a bit more weight to a game that already carries some intrigue. Penn State enters at 4-4, Washington comes in at 5-3, and both teams are still looking to put a cleaner finish on uneven seasons. With kickoff now locked in, the focus shifts fully to what this one means on the field, and how much each side can still salvage in November. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Fans Faced A Loyalty Test At Beaver Stadium
Penn States 31-17 win over Purdue came with an unusual backdrop at Beaver Stadium, where the crowd was thinner than usual and plenty of seats stayed empty. The timing on Halloween did not help, but the bigger picture was hard to miss: a fan base that has been frustrated by the season and, at least for one Saturday, was less inclined to show up in full force.
Even so, the people who did make it were noticed. Players and coach James Franklin made a point of acknowledging the supporters who were there, especially the ones who stayed engaged through the key moments of the game. It was a reminder that even in a season that has tested patience, the relationship between the team and its most loyal fans still matters, and it may be facing a few more tests before the year is done. [Read more 🡒]