Rocco Welsh is officially returning to the Keystone State. The former Ohio State wrestler and 2024 All-American entered the transfer portal on March 27 and committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Penn State on March 30. It’s the latest win for head coach Cael Sanderson and his staff, who have been racking up roster victories ever sine clinching their fourth straight NCAA title last weekend.
Welsh is leaving the Buckeyes after just two seasons. After finishing second following a loss to now five-time national champ and Nittany Lion Carter Starocci in the 174-pound finals in 2024, the Waynesburg, Pa., native bumped up to 184 as a sophomore. He did not compete in the Ohio State starting lineup, though, and instead went 11-0 wrestling unattached in open tournaments. Buckeyes coach Tom Ryan had to quash rumors in December that Welsh was transferring then. Ryan told reporters at the time that Welsh’s options were to wrestle off with a then-injured Carson Kharchla for the 174-pound once he was healthy, move up to 184, or take a redshirt year. Welsh chose the latter than and is choosing to leave Columbus now.
The best thing for him is to redshirt,” Ryan said at the end of 2024, per FLO. “The best thing for the team long-term is for him to redshirt.”
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