Penn State wrestling's rising sophomore star PJ Duke did not compete at the Senior World Team Trials on Thursday, which was reported by Greg Pickel of Blue White Illustrated before the event on May 14 and May 15.
The trials were the last chance for wrestlers to qualify for Final X, meaning Duke will not be eligible to compete for a spot on the senior Team USA for the World Championships that take place in June.
The Nittany Lions who still competed were Joe Sealey, Cole Mirasola, and Zain Retherford. Retherford was the only one of the trio who advanced to Final X.
Duke was initially set to face Iowa State wrestler David Carr in the 74-kilogram matchup. This was a bump up from his weight class in 2025-26 at 70 kilograms.
This would have been Duke's first opportunity on the mat to show his skill in a new weight class. He has not competed since the NCAA Tournament where he placed third in the 157-pound weight class. His World Team Trials performance was a chance to prove he could replace Mitchell Mesenbrink after the 2026-27 season in the higher weight. Mesenbrink was the Dan Hodge trophy recipient for his undefeated, 2025-26 junior season.
Penn State wrestler PJ Duke reportedly dealing with foot injury, restricting him from World Team Trials
Less than a week after the news broke that Duke was not competing in the trials, Zach Seyko of Locked On Nittany Lions reported that a recent social media post showed Duke wearing a walking boot on his right foot.
The severity of the injury is unknown and it has yet to be confirmed by Duke or Penn State wrestling head coach Cael Sanderson. The injury would have had to occur prior to the World Team Trials and after his entry into the event if that is the reason for him missing the two-day competition.
In a recent social media post, Penn State wrestler PJ Duke could be seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot.
— Zach Seyko (@zach_seyko) May 19, 2026
Duke isn't alone in missing out on Final X and the senior Team USA. Other Penn State stars, like Shayne Van Ness and Mesenbrink, did not compete at the world trials either. They, along with other Nittany Lions, did not enter the event by the deadline.
While surprising to see Van Ness and Mesenbrink not enter their names in the World Team Trials, Duke's forced absence from the event means just a bit more considering the weight class jump.
Former Penn State wrestler Levi Haines already qualified for Final X and will compete for a spot on the senior Team USA come June.
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