Shayne Van Ness, Perhaps the Nation's No. 1 Wrestling Prospect, Commits to Penn State

Blair Academy's Shayne Van Ness announced his commitment to Penn State wrestling's 2021 recruiting class.

Shayne Van Ness, the nation's top-ranked high school wrestler at 132 pounds, has committed to Penn State's 2021 recruiting class, bringing coach Cael Sanderson another elite national prospect.

Van Ness announced his decision on Instagram.

Thank you to all of those who have supported me throughout my life. I would not be who and where I am today without everything that you all have done for me. I’m extremely proud to announce my commitment and I’m looking forward to the years ahead. https://t.co/vgfTukAKiD pic.twitter.com/cnTaiaWuFM

— Shayne Van Ness (@shayne_finesse) September 7, 2020

Van Ness, a senior at New Jersey's Blair Academy, has won several national titles, notably the 2019 Who's No. 1 tournament in Iowa City. That title, in what was considered the event's featured bracket at 132 pounds, pushed Van Ness atop many national rankings, including InterMat and The Open Mat.

Penn State also has a 2021 commitment from Alex Facundo, the nation's top-ranked 170-pounder from Davison (Mich.) High. Facundo is a two-time Michigan state champ who committed to Penn State in February.

Penn State has won eight NCAA team titles under Sanderson, including four in a row twice (2011-14 and 16-19).

The Nittany Lion Wrestling Club, which Sanderson also coaches, is hosting a freestyl exhibition Sept. 18 that will feature former NCAA champs Bo Nickal, Zain Retherford and Jason Nolf, among others.

Get the latest Penn State news by joining the community. Click "Follow" at the top right of our AllPennState page. Mobile users click the notification bell. And please follow AllPennState on Twitter @MarkWogenrich.