Freshman Luke Lilledahl drops in rankings after shocking loss

While plenty of Nittany Lions flexed their muscles in another dominant weekend, it wasn’t all positive for everyone in the Penn State wrestling lineup. True freshman Luke Lilledahl dropped two spots from No. 7 to No. 9 in the latest InterMat rankings, his most significant drop in weeks.

Lilledahl went 1-1 last weekend, including a pin at the hands of Ohio State’s Brendan McCrone on Friday night. The loss was just his second of the season and took many by surprise after the Nittany Lion newcomer was leading 6-2 in the first period.

Lilledahl on the All-American Bubble

The top recruit in the 2024 cycle, Lilledahl has high exceptions entering this season. Starting the year unranked, he quickly skyrocketed into InterMat’s top 10 after several upset wins. While last weekend’s surprising pin from McCrone, who is ranked No. 21, sets Lilledahl back from a rankings perspective, the loss could ultimately be good for the young wrestler’s development.

Now 15-2 this year, Lilledahl projects to be one spot off the All-American cut line at the NCAA Championships next month. However, the 125-pounder certainly has the talent to finish on the podium, perhaps even higher than what is currently expected.

Crucial Big Ten Championships await Penn State freshman

Lilledahl will soon have an opportunity to improve his standing at the Big Ten Championships. Three other wrestlers from the conference rank inside the top 10 at 125 pounds this season: No. 1 Matt Ramos (Purdue), No. 7 Caleb Smith (Nebraska), and No. 8 Dean Peterson (Rutgers). During the dual season, Lilledahl defeated Smith 4-2 but lost to Peterson 4-1.

Lilledahl’s seeding in the conference tournament will be critical, as it will determine when he may have to face the presumptive favorite Ramos. The Boilermaker senior is 23-0 this season and the only remaining undefeated wrestler in the country at 125 pounds.

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Currently coming in as the No. 4 seed based on the InterMat rankings, Lilledahl would wrestle Ramos in the semifinals. With the second or third seed, he would likely need to get through Peterson or Smith to get to the Big Ten Finals.

Throughout his high school and young international career, Lilledahl demonstrated that he has the talent to beat any opponent. Soon, we will have the postseason spotlight to see how much the true freshman has progressed in year one under Cael Sanderson.

Penn State wrestling takes on American University at Rec Hall on Friday at Rec Hall. The regular season finale, the dual will be streamed live on BTN+ at 7 p.m.

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