Here's Penn State Wrestling's projected starting lineup for 2021-2022

Here’s Penn State Wrestling’s projected starting lineup for 2021-2022 season

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 20: Roman Bravo-Young of Penn State celebrates after beating Dayton Fixx of Oklahoma State in the 133lb weight class in the first-place match during the NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championship at the Enterprise Center on March 20, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

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Associate head coach Cody Sanderson of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Anyone’s Guess No. 2

157
Joe Lee
Record: 31-13
Preseason Rank: 26

The 157 slot was previously held down by Brady Berge who appeared to be on his way to a fantastic comeback season last year following a scary head injury suffered in the U23 World Championships back in October 2019.

Then this happened.

Which ultimately led to this seemingly obvious announcement.

*Sigh*

So now Cael Sanderson and crew will have to find someone to fill the large void created by Berge’s retirement.

Will it be either of the highly ranked recruits of Shayne Van Ness or Alex Facundo? I don’t think so.

Van Ness is projected to be a starter at 149/157 which means he might be a little undersized as an incoming true freshman to lock down the 157 spot. Which is a tough ask.

Facundo could possibly slot in at 157 however I might have more on him later.

Which leaves us straight to Joe Lee. And I know exactly what you’re asking. “Why on earth would Joe Lee get another shot at a starting position based on the wildly inconsistent year he had last year?”.

It’s a fair question. But I truly think he could be much more improved by slotting down a class from 165 to 157. Which is why I have him penciled in there for this season.

No onto the last starting spot.

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