Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson praises true freshman in battle for starting role

Penn State wrestling is cruising through the dual season, with another major bout upcoming this weekend. But as the Nittany Lions prepare for Iowa, there are still unresolved questions about the path forward at 149 pounds for the rest of the year. Following his upset win in the Ohio State meet on Friday night, Cael Sanderson was quick to praise Tyler Kasak, one of the primary contenders for the starter’s role.

Tyler Kasak keeps on rolling

Tyler Kasak continued his impressive 2024 season with a 7-2 decision over No. 9 Dylan D’Emilio from Ohio State on Friday night. The true freshman used a combination of aggressiveness and physicality to overpower the senior Buckeye wrestler. It was an impressive showing for Kasak, who is now 11-1 on the season. Kasak’s lone loss came at the Black Knight Invite to teammate Beau Bartlett at 141 pounds.

With only four regular season duals remaining, the battle between Tyler Kasak and David Evans to start at 149 rages on. Although earlier in the week Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson noted that the competition will continue for a few more weeks, it appears that Kasak is in the driver’s seat. The true freshman has suited up in several marquee matchups for the Nittany Lions, and seemingly does nothing but win.

Cael Sanderson touts true freshman following latest upset

Following his latest upset over Dylan D’Emilio on Friday night, Cael Sanderson had nothing but positive things to say about Tyler Kasak. “He’s just a pretty good wrestler,” Sanderson said. “He beat a veteran, a tough kid, who was maybe an All-American last year. It was a good win for him today.”

Friday’s broadcast had a similar praise for Kasak, impressed with how tough he looked as a true freshman against a senior. There are always talented freshmen who make a splash, but often, what slows them down is the physicality that a veteran can bring to a match.

“I think he’s really confident, and he loves to compete,” Sanderson continued. “He likes to be out there. He’s the same. He’s not overly anxious or nervous. That’s one of those things they either have or don’t.”

The mentality that Cael Sanderson referenced is something that we have seen from Tyler Kasak all season. The ability to step up when starter Shayne Van Ness went down with an injury takes a high level of confidence.

Whether Penn State wrestling decides to burn the true freshman’s redshirt this season or not, the valuable experience and confidence Kasak gained from competing against top wrestlers will certainly be beneficial to his career in the long run.

Penn State wrestling travels to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Friday night for a highly-anticipated dual against Iowa.

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