Penn State Wrestling: Nittany Lions land No. 1 recruit in the nation

Penn State Wrestling just secured the services of the overall No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, as Minisink Valley’s PJ Duke pledged his commitment to Cael Sanderson and the Nittany Lions.

In other news, water is wet.

Duke follows in the footsteps of fellow Minisink Valley teammate Zack Ryder, as they add to the ridiculous talent that is slated to matriculate to Happy Valley in the next couple of years.

Ah how the rich just seem to get richer.

#1 PJ Duke Commits to Penn State.

We're live talking why now -> https://t.co/uM27IqkFgh pic.twitter.com/idWPjKkqYr

— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) September 25, 2023

<< BUY PENN STATE GEAR >>

According to Flowrestling, PJ was a busy man this past June 15th as his recruiting process opened with a whirlwind of phone calls. When it was all said and done, Duke fielded over 30 calls and was on the blower for over five hours.

And for good reason.

Duke’s wrestling accomplishments are about as long as my grocery list when I’m hungry.

Just last year PJ won titles at the Walsh Ironman, Fargo, and the Super 32. And prior to that, he compiled a record of 45-0 and became the youngest-ever Section 1, NYSPHSAA, and Eastern States champion at 99 pounds … as a seventh grader.

Wow.

And between October and December of this past season, Duke bested the likes of No. 12 recruit Vince Bouzakis, No. 9 recruit Kollin Rath, No. 3 recruit LaDarion Lockett, and No. 7 recruit William Henckel.

However, PJ had to miss the majority of his last season due to an injury which required surgery.

Duke is well on his way to recovering and he projects to be a hammer in the middle of the Penn State lineup between 157 and 165.

Toast the 2023 National Champion Penn State Wrestling Team in this officially licensed commemorative pint glass.

MORE: Penn State’s Biggest Keys to Winning Third Consecutive National Championship

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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.

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