Penn State Wrestling Lands Commitment From In-State Prospect James Whitbred…
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State wrestling has added another promising name to its future roster, as State College Area High School standout James Whitbred announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions’ Class of 2027.
Whitbred, who is ranked No. 98 nationally by FloWrestling, revealed his decision Wednesday night on social media, becoming the third commitment in Penn State’s 2027 recruiting class. His announcement underscores head coach Cael Sanderson’s continued ability to attract elite high-school talent from both within Pennsylvania and across the country.
Competing for State College under head coach Jason Nickal, the father of former Penn State star and current UFC fighter Bo Nickal, Whitbred has developed into one of the state’s most reliable midweight wrestlers. Over his first two varsity seasons, he has compiled a 41–18 career record while competing between 144 and 160 pounds.
In the 2025 Pennsylvania Class 3A Championships, Whitbred reached the finals at 152 pounds before falling 4–1 to Chris Dennis. That runner-up finish confirmed his status among Pennsylvania’s top high-school wrestlers and drew the attention of several Division I programs. He ultimately chose to stay home and join the powerhouse program just a few miles from his high school campus.
“Penn State has always been a dream,” Whitbred said in his announcement post. “Being able to represent my hometown school and learn from the best coaches in college wrestling means everything.”
The Nittany Lions’ 2027 class now includes Whitbred, Gavin Mangano, and Landon Sidun, forming an early core of prospects that blend local and national recruiting reach. All three are expected to bring versatility and technical skill traits central to Penn State’s dominance under Sanderson.
Since taking over the program in 2009, Sanderson has led Penn State to 10 NCAA team championships, transforming the school into the gold standard of collegiate wrestling. His focus on developing homegrown Pennsylvania wrestlers, along with national blue-chip recruits, has helped sustain that success.
Whitbred’s addition continues that trend. His background in one of the state’s most competitive wrestling regions gives him valuable experience against top-tier opposition. Coaches view him as a disciplined competitor with a balanced attack solid defensively, with improving offense from neutral and top positions.
“James has the kind of work ethic and attitude that fit perfectly with our program,” one Penn State assistant said. “He’s tough, coachable, and comes from a wrestling culture that knows what it takes to win.”
For Whitbred, the next two years will be about refining his technique and preparing for the physical and mental demands of Big Ten competition. He is expected to compete in the upper midweight classes once he arrives on campus, though his flexibility could allow Penn State to use him strategically across multiple divisions.
His commitment also reinforces Penn State’s strong ties to local talent. With wrestling deeply rooted in central Pennsylvania, keeping elite prospects like Whitbred close to home remains a priority for Sanderson’s staff.
With national championships and Olympic-caliber alumni defining the program’s legacy, the Nittany Lions appear poised to keep their future bright. And for James Whitbred, the journey from State College High to Rec Hall will mark the next step in a career already filled with promise.
