Four for four? That’s the only question in the minds of Penn State wrestling fans at the moment. Riding on an impeccable 12-0 record, the Nittany Lions are, once again, top contenders to win the NCAA title. However, while the team is flexing its muscles without holding back, 157-pounder Tyler Kasak‘s health condition has fans worried. But Maryland isn’t the one to complain about it!
The NLWC continued its winning streak by defeating the Terrapins on Sunday at the Rec Hall. However, in the 157-lb bracket, Kasak had to forsake the match after suffering a head injury while jostling against Maryland’s Ethen Miller. Thanks to this minor setback, Miller looks like He’s en route to a bump-up while the Penn State athlete tends to his bruises.
Tyler Kasak’s woes bring significant changes
Baschmania’s Justin Basch took to X on February 9 to share how Maryland’s redshirt sophomore could benefit from Tyler’s misery. Replying to a question posited by the fan about the seed situation in the Big Ten rankings, Basch confirmed that Kasak’s forfeit will be counted as a loss despite Miller winning by injury default. And that, he claims, will shake things up in the Big 10 circuit for the 157-lb weight class. “I think Miller will be the 1 seed, with Kasak the 2 and Teemer the 3,” he stated how the competitors from Maryland, Penn State, and Iowa respectively would be the top 3 seeds under the changed circumstances.
Yea, that will count as a loss. If all 3 win out, I think Miller will be the 1 seed, with Kasak the 2 and Teemer the 3. https://t.co/KWTizJdV8E
— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) February 9, 2025
According to the official Big Ten website, Penn State sits on top of the charts thanks to its pristine overall record this season. On the other hand, Maryland stands in the 9th spot on the table. However, it seems like the Terrapins’ individual athletes are faring better than the squad collectively.
As per the WrestleStat website, Miller’s 19-0 record in the 2024/25 season is driving his chances of becoming #1 in the weight class pretty high. On the other hand, his latest victory against Tyler Kasak has the latter posing a 13-1 record this season, which evidently could be the reason behind his demotion to the second spot. The Hawkeyes’ Jacori Teemer would be the third wrestler in the class under the altered scenario of Ethen rising to the top of the pack. Naturally, it wouldn’t be surprising if the fans seemed concerned about Kasak’s remaining matches. But Tyler has his Penn State brothers backing him up without a second thought.
Kasak’s comrades stand firm beside him
4x NCAA champ Carter Starocci wasn’t particularly pleased with how his teammate’s injury default was portrayed on social media. In his final run with the NLWC, Starocci is eyeing history: to become the first D1 wrestler to bag the national title record five times. But it looks like he wants the entire squad to do its best to uphold Penn State’s dominant reputation in the country’s collegiate wrestling scene. Understandably, Carter was furious about depicting Tyler’s performance from Sunday in poor light.
“Not a loss,” he announced on X, underscoring that a situation like this shouldn’t be a reason to throw shades at Tyler Kasak’s skills on the mat. But that understandably isn’t too difficult of an ask either. Recalling how the 2023 All-American wrestler subdued Iowa’s Jacori Teemer last month emphatically, fans should remain rest assured that the sophomore will attempt to bounce back as soon as possible.
Penn State is slated to take on Ohio State on Friday. On top of that, the 2025 national championship is likewise just a month away. But NLWC head coach Cael Sanderson thinks Tyler Kasak’s health shouldn’t be something to muddle over. “Obviously we have a long time before the conference (tournament) and whatever, but he should be good to go. He’s a tough dude,” the veteran coach sounded optimistic about seeing Tyler back in action soon. Are you also resting uneasy with rife speculations if last Sunday dealt a season-ending blow to the youngster? Tell us your thoughts below!
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