Cael Sanderson Talks Levi Haines’ Return, NEW Penn State Wrestling Lineup, & 2026-27 Season

Cael Sanderson has a lot to say about Levi Haines, Penn State wrestling's uncertain starting lineup, and the NCAA's controversial eligibility rules ahead of the 2026-27 season. During his latest Penn State wrestling press conference, Sanderson addresses whether two-time NCAA champion Levi Haines could return for another college season, how Haines continues to prepare, and why the lack of clarity surrounding NCAA eligibility has become increasingly frustrating. Sanderson also discusses potential lineup changes involving PJ Duke and Mitchell Mesenbrink, Masanosuke Ono's transition from freestyle to folkstyle, and the competition for starting spots at 133, 141, 157, 165 and heavyweight. Plus, hear updates on Marcus Blaze, Tyler Kasak, Josh Barr, Cole and Connor Mirasola, and Jayden James. Sanderson also shares his thoughts on Mitchell Mesenbrink's development, the depth of Penn State's roster, and how the Nittany Lions are preparing to pursue another NCAA wrestling championship. Become an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube:    / @lockedonnittanylions   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONittanyLions... Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow the show on X! https://x.com/LockedOnNittany https://x.com/zach_seyko #lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatewrestling #collegewrestling #bigtenwrestling #ncaawrestling #lockedon #weare #wrestling #wrestlingnews #wrestlingpodcast 0:00 Penn State's Starting Lineup Questions 0:39 Levi Haines and His Eligibility Status 1:51 How NIL and New Rules Change Lineups 3:22 Masanosuke Ono's Progress and Weight Class 4:38 Sanderson on Penn State's Culture and Potential 6:32 Mitchell Mesenbrink's Competitive Mindset 7:31 Penn State's Roster and Coaching Continuity 8:56 Injury Updates on Kasak and Barr 9:18 Marcus Blaze's Development 10:09 Levi Haines and NCAA Rule Frustration 11:24 The Five-for-Five Rule and Redshirts 13:28 Penn State's Lineup Competition 14:30 Tyler Kasak and Jayden James 15:26 Cole and Connor Mirasola at Heavyweight 16:33 Ono's Folkstyle Transition and Academics 17:45 PJ Duke and Mitchell Mesenbrink Weight Changes 18:31 Freshmen, RTCs and Recruiting Rules