I don't believe it's a matter of separation or talent.
One may clearly need or want a redshirt year, and the other could get more mat time and D1 experience before the B1G schedule arrives by wrestling opens. If lack of separation is a factor, I believe it's between that second guy and Schnupp, not between the first two guys.
Otherwise, Schnupp being named the first-half starter screams that first scenario. The added bonus in that case is that the coaches can evaluate whether PSU really wants/needs its best truly available guy to go this year, or just have him shirt, too. Prior to Hall, Sanderson didn't start true freshmen unless they were really needed for team points at Nationals.