Penn State’s PJ Duke Set for Marquee Matchup Against Reigning Champ Antrell Taylor
When you’re a true freshman at a powerhouse like Penn State, there’s no easing into the spotlight. And for PJ Duke, the spotlight doesn’t get much brighter than what he’ll face Friday night at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Duke, already one of the most talked-about newcomers in college wrestling, is gearing up for a showdown with reigning national champion Antrell Taylor - a matchup that promises to be one of the highlights of the college wrestling season. But don’t mistake Duke’s age or experience level for inexperience. This isn’t his first time on a big stage, and it’s definitely not his first time facing Taylor.
In fact, Duke already holds a win over the defending champ. Before even graduating high school, Duke edged Taylor 8-6 at the U.S.
Senior World Team Trials - a freestyle win that turned heads across the wrestling world. That same weekend, Duke also took down Yianni Diakomihalis twice in three matches.
Yes, that Yianni - the four-time NCAA champion and one of the most decorated college wrestlers of all time.
So while Friday’s bout will be Duke’s biggest test yet in the folkstyle format, he’s already proven he can hang - and win - against the best.
Cael Sanderson: “It’s a Great Opportunity for PJ”
Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson, a legend in his own right, knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. And he’s not shying away from the significance of this matchup - or the opportunity it presents for his young star.
“PJ is an incredible competitor,” Sanderson said earlier this week. “He has an opportunity to wrestle a defending national champion in his weight. I think it’s a great opportunity for PJ to really kind of see where he is.”
That’s high praise coming from a coach who’s seen - and coached - his fair share of NCAA champions.
And Sanderson’s right: while Duke has already faced elite competition this season, Taylor represents a different kind of measuring stick. He’s the guy with the target on his back.
And Duke? He’s aiming right at it.
Pressure? Duke Doesn’t Flinch
If you’re wondering how Duke handles pressure, look no further than his performance two weeks ago inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena - one of the most hostile environments in college wrestling. With a sea of black and gold rooting against him, Duke stepped onto the mat against No. 12-ranked Jordan Williams and walked off with a gritty 4-2 win.
He didn’t just survive the moment - he thrived in it.
After the match, Duke admitted that the pressure might actually bring out the best in him.
“I think sometimes I do wrestle better under pressure,” he said. “So like having all those fans probably does add a little bit extra pressure, but I try not to let it affect me for the most part, and I’m pretty good about that.”
“Pretty good” might be underselling it.
The Stage Is Set
Ranked No. 3 in the country at 157 pounds, Duke is already being talked about as a future national champion - and there’s a growing sense that “future” might come sooner rather than later. A win over Taylor on Friday night wouldn’t just be another notch in the belt; it would be a statement. A loud one.
Because while Duke has already proven himself in freestyle, this is folkstyle’s biggest stage. And if he can take down the defending champ in front of a packed house in Happy Valley, it won’t just signal that he’s arrived - it’ll signal that he’s ready to take over.
Friday night, all eyes will be on the mat. And PJ Duke wouldn’t have it any other way.