Former Penn State Wrestler Braeden Davis No Longer With Program

Penn State All-American wrestler Braeden Davis is no longer listed on the Penn State wrestling roster for the 2026-27 season, according to On3 and StateCollege.com. Onward State reported under the headline "Former Penn State Wrestler Braeden Davis No Longer With Program" that Davis is no longer with the program. PennLive.com published a separate story headlined "Penn State All-American wrestler no longer a part of Nittany Lion program." The sources do not state a reason for Davis's departure, and none of the provided articles quote Davis, head coach Cael Sanderson, or Penn State athletics officials about his exit.

The roster change arrives as Penn State prepares to open its 2026-27 season against Bloomsburg. Yahoo Sports previewed the dual meet, noting that Penn State is ranked #1 in both Intermat rankings while Bloomsburg is unranked. The preview described several lineup changes. Returning All-American Marcus Blaze is bumping up to 141 pounds after winning a bronze medal at the senior World Championships, and he is still getting back up to speed. At 133 pounds, world champion Masa Ono may make his Penn State debut in folkstyle competition; Yahoo Sports noted that 133 is the only weight that does not feature a Nittany Lion in the top 6 or at all just yet.

Levi Haines has not been cleared for a fifth season, which Yahoo Sports said creates less of a traffic jam in the middle weights. Returning 2025 All-American Tyler Kasak is back in the lineup at 157 pounds after taking a redshirt last year. PJ Duke, last year's third-place finisher, is bumping up to 165 pounds. Hodge Trophy winner Mitchell Mesenbrink is slotting into Haines' former spot at 174 pounds. At heavyweight, Cael Sanderson confirmed that returning starter Cole Mirasola will take the year off to go on a mission, with his twin brother Connor, who wrestled at 197 pounds last year, stepping in. Cole Mirasola remains ranked in the Intermat rankings.

Luke Lilledahl, fresh off a bronze medal match appearance in the U23 world championships, looks to solidify his position at what Yahoo Sports called his weight in the NCAA. Shayne Van Ness is back for his final season. Josh Barr is expected to once again be a quietly dominant part of the lineup, with Connor Mirasola moving from backup to Barr into a starting role at heavyweight. The Daily Collegian reported that Cole Mirasola and William Henckel are taking a year off for a mission trip.

Penn State's season opener against Bloomsburg is scheduled for this week, with the banner being raised in Rec Hall. FloWrestling published a story on Cael Sanderson detailing Penn State wrestling lineup changes ahead of the opener. PennLive.com also reported that a world champion and Japanese phenom will make their Penn State debut in the season opener. gopsusports.com published match day materials for Penn State wrestling versus Bloomsburg.