2023-24 is going to be another monster year for Penn State wrestling.  It gets started Sunday in New York at the Journeymen Collegiate Classic. This year's field includes over 30 ranked wrestlers. More information about the Journeymen Collegiate Classic ranked wrestlers, brackets, and schedule is available here.

At 125 we’ll see the long awaited return of #30 Robbie Howard.  He will not see the tougher tests at this point (#7 Brett Ungar and #20 Ryan Miller are in opposite pool), but for Howard just seeing him healthy and competing is what PSU fans should be looking forward to. 

For 133, PSU fans will need to wait a little longer for the debut of All-American transfer Aaron Nagao.  He is recovering from an off season injury but is expected to compete soon.  Baylor Shunk and Sean Wang are the lone Nittany Lion entries at 133.

All-American and 2nd ranked Beau Bartlett enters a very competitive A pool at Journeymen with All American #7 CJ Composto (Penn), #10 Vince Cornella (Cornell) and #21 Jesse Vasquez (Arizona State).  While he may not face them all, you’d assume he’d have to face a few of the tougher guys to win the pool. 

Like his teammate Bartlett, #2 Shayne Van Ness will be in the A pool.  He will not see the only other ranked wrestler at this weight, Kyle Parco.  Parco is in the B pool.  Both will be heavy favorites to go undefeated during the Journeymen Collegiate Classic.

Highlights from Van Ness vs Parco at 2023 NCAAs

157 is the weight to watch at Journeymen Classic, but for Penn State’s top ranked Levi Haines, he looks to be away from the fray.  Superstar Freshman Meyer Shapiro and ASU All-American Jacori Teemer could very likely collide in the B pool.  Levi Haines lone ranked competition would come from #27 Max Brignola of Lehigh. 

At 165 everyone’s talking about Mitchell Mesenbrink of Penn State.  The buzz is well-earned as the California Baptist transfer is coming off a Junior World title at 74kg. Mesenbrink has no ranked wrestlers in his pool. His presence in this tournament indicates that Mitchell will likely be the guy at 165 for Penn State with Alex Facundo able to take an Olympic redshirt.  Mitchell is an exciting watch, and I think PSU fans will be even more excited after his performance this weekend.

There’s little that presents a challenge for three-time NCAA Champion Carter Starocci these days, but he’s a favorite to run through the A pool despite ranked competitors #19 Nick Incontrera and #21 Alex Faison. 

Another debut for Penn State will come at 184 pounds from #2 ranked Bernie Truax.  The Cal Poly transfer is in a pool with two other ranked wrestlers.  #21 James Conway and #31 Max Hale.  Bernie has placed at 174, 184 and 197 in his career and is back down at 184 for his final year.  

Bernie at 184 has great lineup synergy with three-time NCAA Champion Aaron Brooks who is headed up at 197 for his final year.  AB is opposite #5 Trent Hidlay and #9 Michael Beard.  Those two represent the marquee match at 197 for this event. Aaron should run wild in his pool.

Wrapping it up is 285 where #1 Greg Kerkvliet has two tough ranked wrestlers in his pool.  He’ll potentially see #7 Owen Trephan and #19 Nathan Taylor.  Greg is also going to be competing in the All Star Classic November 21st. 

Save Aaron Nagao, Penn State fans will get to watch Penn State’s starting lineup for the year at the Journeymen Collegiate Classic.  I think this team can push for the NCAA points record (170).  We’ll get a great first look Sunday, November 12th starting at 9:00 AM EST.