Josh Barr Injury Update: Penn State Star Expected to Miss Start of Wrestling Season

Penn State All-American Josh Barr is expected to miss the start of the 2025–26 college wrestling season following an injury sustained at the U23 World Championships in late October. The redshirt sophomore, who finished second at 197 pounds in last season’s NCAA tournament, was forced to injury default during the international event.

Head coach Cael Sanderson confirmed the setback during Penn State’s media day on Tuesday, noting that Barr’s recovery “will take a little while.” The update comes just days before the top-ranked Nittany Lions open their dual meet campaign against Oklahoma.

Coach Sanderson Confirms Josh Barr’s Recovery Timeline

Sanderson, speaking to reporters including The Daily Collegian and Blue-White Illustrated, described Barr as “a tough dude” and emphasized that while the injury will delay his season debut, there is no indication of a long-term issue. Barr’s setback comes at an unfortunate time, given his No. 1 national ranking at 197 pounds according to InterMat and expectations that he would anchor the Nittany Lions’ upper-weight lineup.

Until Barr returns, redshirt freshman Connor Mirasola is expected to fill the starting spot. Mirasola compiled an 8–0 record last season while competing in various tournaments, including a title win at the Southern Scuffle. The four-time Wisconsin state champion will now have a chance to showcase his skill on the national stage as Penn State begins its title defense.

During the same media event, Sanderson also addressed the team’s overall depth, highlighting the performance of several wrestlers at the recent Journeymen Collegiate Classic. The team sent several non-starters to the event, with notable performances from Connor Pierce (149 pounds), Joe Sealey (157 pounds), Sam Beckett (165 pounds), and Dawson Bundy (285 pounds).

Penn State’s Depth Helps Ease the Loss of Josh Barr

While Barr’s absence is a setback, Penn State’s roster depth provides the program with flexibility. The team remains heavily favored to dominate the NCAA season with top-ranked athletes across multiple weight classes. The Nittany Lions have won 11 of the last 13 national titles, largely due to Sanderson’s ability to develop and rotate elite-level competitors.

For Barr, this injury marks another test early in what many expect to be a standout collegiate career. His runner-up finish at last year’s NCAA tournament cemented him as one of the country’s premier 197-pounders, and his international experience at U23 Worlds further reinforced his elite status. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, but Penn State fans are hopeful he will be back before the Big Ten schedule begins.

Josh Barr’s injury update will be closely watched over the coming weeks as Penn State opens its season. While the team will lean on Mirasola for now, the long-term expectation remains that Barr will return to lead the Nittany Lions’ championship push once fully recovered.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest on Josh Barr’s injury?

Josh Barr suffered an injury at the U23 World Championships in late October and is expected to miss the start of Penn State’s dual meet season, per coach Cael Sanderson.

Q2: Who will replace Josh Barr in the lineup?

Redshirt freshman Connor Mirasola is expected to step into the 197-pound spot while Barr recovers.

Q3: When will Josh Barr return?

There is no official return date, but Sanderson indicated it may “take a little while” before Barr is ready to compete again.

Q4: How did Josh Barr perform last season?

Barr was the NCAA runner-up at 197 pounds and entered the 2025–26 season ranked No. 1 nationally in his weight class.

Q5: How is Penn State ranked heading into the new season?

Penn State enters the 2025–26 season ranked No. 1 nationally, with several returning All-Americans and top recruits.