Former Penn State wrestling star Levi Haines is a world champion.

Could the Biglerville High grade and two-time NCAA individual champ become a Nittany Lion again?

Haines won his first world title Sunday in Kazakhstan as part of a stunning display of success by Penn State-affiliated wrestlers at the World Wrestling Championships. Haines won one of three golds and six medals, overall, by Nittany Lion Wrestling Club members in the penultimate (non-Olympic year) freestyle tournament.

Haines won his first world title in the 79 kilogram weight class after placing second last season. NLWC members Kyle Snyder (97 kg) and Kyle Dake (86 kg) each won their fifth world titles. 

PSU sophomore wrestler Marcus Blaze medaled for the first time on the senior world level with a bronze at 61 kg. Former Penn State wrestler Zain Retherford also won bronze at 70 kg.

It was a career-defining performance for Haines, who defeated Iran's Mohammad Nokhodilarimi, 4-3, with a winning takedown in the final two minutes. Haines won three decisive matches to open his world wrestling championships run before surviving a 3-3 semifinals finish with Mongolia's Suldkhuu Olonbayar, winning on criteria.

What's next for Penn State wrestling's Levi Haines?

Haines now remains in limbo following his world title.

The rare four-time Big Ten champion continues to wait on whether he will be able to seek a fifth season of eligibility for the Nittany Lions. He's among thousands of former college athletes awaiting a decision in an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA to determine their eligibility status for the 2026-27 season.

Haines is taking classes at Penn State and wishes to compete for a third NCAA title, according to Penn State coach Cael Sanderson, though there's no timeline for the lawsuit ruling. Sanderson recently said Haines is prepared to re-join the Lions' lineup if eligible.

"If he gets the call back to folkstyle, he's been wrestling folkstyle his whole life, so he'll be good to go," Sanderson said.

The Lions open their dual meet season Nov. 12 against Bloomsburg in Rec Hall. They're riding an 86-match win streak as they begin pursuing their sixth straight NCAA team title.