Levi Haines' Return Would Create Penn State's WILDEST Lineup Battle!

Penn State wrestling has a massive new lineup question after a federal preliminary injunction opened the door for Levi Haines to potentially return for a fifth season. Zach Seyko is joined by Penn State wrestling radio voice Jeff Byers to break down what another season of Haines could mean for Cael Sanderson and the 2026–27 Nittany Lions.

If Haines returns at 174 pounds, the biggest domino could fall at 157, where PJ Duke, Tyler Kasak, Joe Sealey and freshman Jayden James could all factor into an unbelievably deep lineup battle. The guys discuss Mitchell Mesenbrink, Penn State's middleweight depth, the 30-man roster limit, potential wrestle-offs and how Cael Sanderson could determine the eventual starter.

Plus, Jayden James heads to the 2026 U20 World Championships at 74 kg after an outstanding freestyle run that included wins over Michael Caliendo, Joe Sealey and Quincy Monday. James is part of a loaded United States men's freestyle team alongside Bo Bassett, Aaron Seidel, Landon Robideau and more.

What would you do with Penn State's lineup if Haines decides to return?

Jeff outside of PSU wrestling: https://www.youtube.com/@thegoonironheadshow6988

Photo credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Become an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10. .

The Game

Don't miss this chance to celebrate 40 years of The Game with 40% off your entire order. Visit https://TheGameCaps.com and use promo code LOCKEDON at checkout.

5-Hour ENERGY

Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONittanyLions?sid=YouTube

Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege

Follow the show on X!

https://x.com/LockedOnNittany

https://x.com/zach\_seyko

#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatewrestling #collegewrestling #bigtenwrestling #ncaawrestling #lockedon #weare #wrestling #wrestlingnews #wrestlingpodcast

0:00 Intro

1:31 Why Penn State Wants Haines Back

5:08 Should Levi Haines Actually Return?

8:21 The NCAA Eligibility Ruling Explained

11:38 How Haines Changes Penn State's Lineup

14:59 Could Jayden James Wrestle at 157?

16:21 FOUR National-Title Contenders for One Spot

19:07 How Penn State Could Decide the 157 Starter

21:19 Penn State's Incredible Middleweight Depth

22:10 Jayden James Heads to U20 Worlds

25:27 Why James Can Win U20 Gold

27:47 Why the U20 World Championships Matter

30:33 Team USA's Loaded U20 Wrestling Roster

31:22 The Gap Between Penn State and Everybody Else

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.