Penn State Wrestling 2025 Recruiting Spotlight-Asher Cunningham

Taking a look at each of the recruits in the 2025 recruiting class for Penn State Wrestling.

In the last two installments, we shined a light onto both Dalton Perry and Nathan Desmond. In addition we detailed their individual accomplishments and what they potentially bring to the Nittany Lions.

With that, the spotlight train continues to chug along.

And in this article, we’re diving into the career of State College’s Asher Cunningham.

Furthermore, we’ll slap on our Carnac hat and project where Cunningham will fit into the lineup down the road.

But before that, just a quick formality. In the infinitesimal chance you don’t know why he picked Penn State.

Asher is the son of Penn State Wrestling’s lead assistant coach, Casey Cunningham, and he’s the younger brother of current Nittany Lion, Hayden Cunningham. Case closed.

Moving on.

Accomplishments Asher Cunningham brings to Penn State Wrestling

Penn State Wrestling, 2025 Recruit - Asher Cunningham — Penn State Wrestling 2025 Recruit Asher Cunningham defeats Bode Marlow 12-6 in the 2025 PIAA Finals at 172 lbs.
Credit – Lloyd McCully

Asher Cunningham Accomplishments

135-20 career record at State College HS
Four-time District Champion
Four-time Regional Champion
Top-eight finish all four years
Back-to-back PIAA Champion in 2024 (160) and 2025 (172)

Cunningham really came into his own in the final two years in high school.

During this span, Asher went a combined 72-4 which included six major decisions, 19 technical falls, and 33 pins.

As for the four matches he lost?

Well one of them was to the No. 7 recruit in the 2026 recruiting class, Aaron Stewart (committed to Illinois). Another was to incoming teammate William Henckel (No. 15 overall recruit). And the last two losses were at the hands of the No. 13 recruit, Ryan Burton (committed to Virginia Tech).

So yeah, the dude is good.

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Fit for Penn State Wrestling

Which now brings us to where Asher fits into the Penn State Wrestling lineup.

Throughout his four years at State High, Cunningham wrestled at 120, 145, 160, and 172. For all of you math nerds out there, that’s a difference of 52 pounds between his freshman and senior years.

And while it’s not uncommon for guys in high school to progress through the weight classes, it’s something entirely different when it’s that big of a jump.

Based on Asher’s frame, he projects anywhere between 174, 184, and even 197. And that will be a huge bonus for Cael Sanderson down the road, especially when you consider the fact he’s going to have to juggle a lineup consisting of Joe Sealey (165/174), Zack Ryder (174/184), Josh Barr (184/197), and Connor Mirasola (197).

But no matter which weight Cunningham finally settles into, I’m sure he’ll have no problem with it. I mean the guy does have Olympic Gold in his genes.

And if he needs to pack on any needed muscle, then I’m sure his mom, Tara, will help out in that department. She won the gold medal in weightlifting in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

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Chris Snyder

Penn State Wrestling Beat Reporter at NittanyCentral

Expertise: College Wrestling, College Football, Lays Chips
Education: Penn State University
Location: State College, PA

Even though he had no prior journalism experience, Chris has now covered Penn State Wrestling and Penn State Football for the past three years, including as the Penn State Wrestling Beat Writer for VictoryBellRings.com, part of the FanSided network.

And it's clear he also likes constant torture as he's been a PSU Basketball fan for way too long.

Several years back, Chris made the seamless transition from PGA Professional to computer programmer and thoroughly enjoys following and writing about all things related to Penn State sports during his spare time.