While most eyes were on the best-of-three finals at the World Team Trials, Penn State NCAA champion Levi Haines and 2x NCAA champ Keegan O'Toole from Missouri squared off in a consolation semifinal match that could be a preview of the 2024 NCAA finals.

Haines and O'Toole's match from WTT consolation semifinals

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After spending his first two years as a Nittany Lion at 157 lbs, Levi Haines could be Penn State's starter this year at 174 lbs. That isn't a guarantee as the two-time NCAA finalist and 2024 NCAA champ has a redshirt available and Penn State has plenty of lineup flexibility. Haines's recent victory over Missouri's two-time NCAA champ Keegan O'Toole suggests that Haines will be an NCAA title threat, even after moving up two weight classes from last season.

Like Haines, Keegan O'Toole is also moving up in weight. He spent his first four seasons at 165 lbs where he racked up two titles and two third place finishes at the NCAA championships. He is currently ranked #1 in the nation at 174 lbs. 

On Sunday in Omaha, Haines earned a 6-0 victory over O'Toole. The result is impressive for Haines, but Missouri fans will be quick to point out that the match was a consolation bout held in a freestyle ruleset. Both of those factors leave plenty of room for speculation about what a Haines vs O'Toole rematch might look like in March, but this rare September showdown between potential finals opponents was a special treat for college wrestling fans.