One of the top recruits in Penn State’s 2025 wrestling class has solidified his place among the nation’s elite. Over the weekend, PJ Duke captured his fourth New York state championship, delivering a dominant performance throughout the tournament.
Competing at 170 pounds, Duke went a flawless 6-0 between Friday and Saturday, showcasing his skill and control on the mat. His final day of competition was particularly impressive, as he secured four consecutive victories, all with bonus points. In the championship match, Duke left no doubt, winning by technical fall with a commanding 24-8 score in just 3 minutes and 17 seconds.
Duke’s dominance would make him the prized recruit in most classes, but Penn State wrestling operates at an unparalleled level. While Duke is the No. 2 overall recruit in the nation, he isn’t even the highest-ranked commit in the Nittany Lions’ 2025 class. That honor belongs to Marcus Blaze, the nation’s No. 1 recruit, who has also pledged to Penn State.
With both Duke and Blaze set to join an already powerhouse program under head coach Cael Sanderson, the future of Penn State wrestling remains as bright as ever. The Nittany Lions continue to attract the country’s most elite talent, reinforcing their dominance in collegiate wrestling.