Penn State Wrestling Wins 5 Titles at Black Knight Invitational

Aaron Nagao makes a strong debut at 133 pounds for the Nittany Lions.

Aaron Nagao made his Penn State wrestling debut Sunday, winning the 133-pound title at the Black Knight Invitational at Army West Point. Nagao was among five Nittany Lions to win tournament titles at the team's second event of the season.

Nagao, who placed fifth at the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships, transferred to Penn State during the offseason. The sophomore takes over the weight class formerly held by two-time NCAA champ Roman Bravo-Young, who defeated Nagao in the Big Ten championships. Nagao dominated the competition at Army West Point, scoring two technical falls, a pin and a major decision. Nagao ranks No. 3 nationally at 133, according to InterMat Wrestling.

True freshmen Braeden Davis (125) and Josh Barr (184), Beau Bartlett (141) and Mitchell Mesenbrink (165) all went 4-0 to win weight-class titles. Davis defeated two ranked wrestlers, while Mesenbrink wrestled his toughest bout against teammate Terrell Barraclough in the final. Mesenbrink won 8-5.

Seventeen Penn State wrestlers competed, with 12 winning medals. Most of the Nittany Lions' top wrestlers sat out the tournament while preparing for Tuesday's NWCA All-State Classic in State College. Shayne Van Ness (149), Carter Starocci (174), Bernie Truax (184) Aaron Brooks (197) and Greg Kerkvliet (285) are in the field for the high-profile exhibition at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Read More

Lions showcase veterans, new talent at Journeymen Classic

Carter Starocci returning for final season at Penn State

Penn State unveils 2023-24 wrestling schedule

Penn State's David Taylor, Zain Retherford win world titles

Penn State Wrestling is the darling of Final X 2023

Penn State sets dates for 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials

Nittany Lions land another All-American from the NCAA Transfer Portal

Penn State's Carter Starocci talks Olympics, MMA after winning third NCAA title

Nittany Lions crown two three-time champs at NCAA Wrestling

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.