You already know why you need to watch the U20 World Championships. We told you in the college fan guide and in the guide specifically for Penn State fans. 

But now we're zooming in even closer on Luke Lilledahl, who will be competing at 57kg in men's freestyle, his fourth age-level world team in a row, and explain why he very well could be the future of Penn State wrestling at 125 pounds. 

Who Is Luke Lilledahl?

Since he doesn't yet have his own Wikipedia page, we'll give you a brief summary. 

Lilledahl, born August 1, 2005, grew up in St Louis, Missouri, and began his high school wrestling career at Christian Brothers College High School, also in St Louis. When Lilledhal's coach at Christian Brothers, Cornell Robinson, left to coach prep powerhouse Wyoming Seminary in the fall of 2021, Lilledahl followed. Lilledahl wrestled at Wyoming Sem in Eastern Pennsylvania for the next three seasons. 

In the spring of 2023, Lilledahl committed to continue his athletic and academic career at Penn State University. 

Lilledahl finished his high school wrestling career as the nation's #1 ranked 126-pounder and the #2 pound-for-pound wrestler in the USA. He was also the #1 recruit on the Class of 2024 Big Board. 

What Are Lilledahl's Career Highlights?

Listing all of Lilledahl's podium placements would be too tedious both to research and too read. However, there are plenty of highlights worth cherry picking, starting with his age-level world medals. 

• 2021: 48kg U17 Silver
• 2022: 51kg U17 Gold
• 2023: 57kg U20 Silver
• 2024: 57kg U20 ???

Lilledahl also won double u17 Pan-Am gold in 2021 in both freestyle and Greco at 48kg. In 2023 he collected his third Pan-Am gold, this time at 57kg in the U20 freestyle division. 

Besides the four age-level world team trials Luke had to win to make those world teams, he's also twice won U20 titles at the US Open. 

On the senior level, he's already placed fifth at 2023 Senior Nationals and third at the 2023 Bill Farrell. 

He's also won just about every major high school folkstyle tournament you can think of, e.g. Super 32, Journeymen, Ironman, National Preps, etc. 

I'd go on but at a certain point it will start to become embarrassing for Luke. 

Is it Fun To Watch Lilledahl Wrestle?

Duh! They don't call him Lightning Luke for nothing!

Here are some highlights if you don't believe me. 

Like thisslick counter at 2023 U20 Worlds:

How did he do that…

Luke Lilledahl proving why he’s one of the best in the world! pic.twitter.com/KvoWrXDHHk

— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) August 14, 2023

Or this wild comeback from the semifinals of the same tournament:

Luke Lilledahl pulled off one of the CRAZIEST comebacks ever at U20 Worlds with this insane finish to make the World finals! pic.twitter.com/p9Y527Wooe

— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) August 14, 2023

Still not convinced? How about 25+ minutes of Luke teching his way through the U20 US Open?

Penn State Commit Luke Lilledahl TECHED His Way Through U20 Freestyle Nationals! pic.twitter.com/AuuY3GNEBn

— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) April 29, 2024

If at this point you still require more proof that Lilledahl is appointment viewing then I think the case is hopeless. But if you ever get bored and want to give it another shot, just type "flowrestling lilledahl" into your social media platform of choice and a bounty of Lightning Luke highlights will be delivered to your timeline. 

Why Is Lilledahl Penn State's 125 Pound Future? 

To start, this blog merely postulates that Luke MIGHT be the future. It is not, nor will it ever, be up to us to determine Penn State's starting lineup. 

But there are reasons to suspect Lilledahl will be the guy when the season gets underway this fall. 

Braeden Davis is the encumbent. Last season as a true freshman Davis won Big Tens and made it to the bloodround of the NCAA tournament, a tremendous performance by any measure but especially for a true freshman. But there were rumors that making 125 was very difficult for Davis and it's expected that he will either redshirt or bump up to 133 next season (or both). 

The two other top contenders for the leadoff spot are Gary Steen, who held down 125 for the Nittany Lions in 2023 but fell short of making the postseason, and Kurt McHenry, a two-time U17 world gold medalist with massive potential but also someone who is in his sixth season in the NCAA and has yet to wrestle a postseason match. 

Thus, into the breach steps Lilledahl. At least that's the theory. Not like we have a plan or anything!

What Are The Expectations If Lelledahl Does Start? 

I'd guess between high and quite high. 

You can check out the NCAA preseason top 24 at 125 here. Figueroa won the 2024 NCAA title and unquestionably earned his current #1 ranking, but he also took four losses last season (injures, it should be said, did not do him any favors either).

All of the 125-pound division was a madhouse last season and you will find odd blemishes and head-scratchers on every wrestler's resume in D1, let alone the top 24. 

Now, there's no guarantee Lilledahl will dominate the weight, but he has already notched significant wins (albeit in freestyle) against highly experienced and credentialed lightweights such as Daniel DeShazer and Liam Cronin, not to mention his two wins over high school phenom Jax Forrest, who has scads of wins over D1 competition. 

And Penn State fans will be anxious to see the 125-pound question settled, as the weight has been 'cursed' in Happy Valley since 2016, when Nico Megaludis won a title at 125, the last time a Nittany Lion earned All-American honors in that division. 

Eight years is not so long to go between All-Americans for most programs but at Penn State it's a nigh unfathomably long drought. 

OK Got It, Now What?

Now watch Lilledahl attempt to win his fourth consecutive age-level world medal! Not sure how much precedence there is among Team USA for a feat such as that but it's safe to assume it's a rare occurrence. 

Luke will get drawn into his bracket on Thursday morning and his tournament will begin sometime after 4:00 AM Eastern on Friday. Set your alarm, brew some coffee, and watch the potential future of Penn State wrestling at 125 pounds why don't you?