Wrestling Penn State Wrestling hopes to add new transfers as portal fires up

[Richie O]

Via @KlenderJoey

Happy Valley Insider - Penn State Wrestling hopes to add new transfers as portal fires up

Penn State Wrestling is hoping to reload it's championship roster via the transfer portal this offseason.

pennstate.rivals.com

 

[CholleyVandine]

"Nagao and Truax were both in State College last week, but there are no indications that either of the wrestlers has (made) any decisions"

Joey Klender doesn't read the same message boards as I do, apparently

 

[Richie O]

 

[Richie O]

"Nagao and Truax were both in State College last week, but there are no indications that either of the wrestlers has (made) any decisions"

Joey Klender doesn't read the same message boards as I do, apparently

If you mean Bernie, he just committed.

 

[mcpat]

Can’t Facundo ORS? I’m not thinking Griffith comes here, but stranger things have happened.

 

[KlenderJoey]

Can’t Facundo ORS? I’m not thinking Griffith comes here, but stranger things have happened.

Actually thought the same when I was writing.

 

[Brian LB-U]

Hmm no mention of Mesenbrink. Did I miss something? It’s tough to keep up with all of the developments.

 

[Random4598375]

Can’t Facundo ORS? I’m not thinking Griffith comes here, but stranger things have happened.

I don't think that there's any realistic chance Griffith comes to PSU, either, but they shouldn't worry about cannibalizing Facundo anyway. They have Barr coming in fairly soon and Levi moving up at some point (at the very latest when Healey comes on board), so Facundo's spot may already be cannibalized unless he can beat those guys in challenges. If they are really looking at Mesenbrink, too, that's just one more land mine in Facundo's path. The challenge matches for 157-197 in the coming years are going to be no-holds-barred mayhem (they should put those on PPV, LOL).

 

[kingslayer_85]

Going to say something and probably get a lot of hate for it but don’t really care if we get any transfers or not. Happy with the team as is and we won by 55 I think last year and I feel the same winning by 10 points or 100. In a way I actually prefer NCAA’s being more competitive and other schools being able to retain their talent. I guess NIL will make that harder but I think it is better for the sport if we can figure out how to increase the number or programs and how to enable smaller schools to keep their studs

 

[mjmirv]

Only 5 schools have won the team title over the last 35 years. Blaming NIL is a convenient excuse, but there hasn’t been parity in forever. I think transferring without a penalty is a bigger problem than NIL. Especially in the non revenue sports.

PSU is dominating because of development. No rule changes, NIL donors, or transfer penalties will change that.

 

[Ja1339]

I don't think that there's any realistic chance Griffith comes to PSU, either, but they shouldn't worry about cannibalizing Facundo anyway. They have Barr coming in fairly soon and Levi moving up at some point (at the very latest when Healey comes on board), so Facundo's spot may already be cannibalized unless he can beat those guys in challenges. If they are really looking at Mesenbrink, too, that's just one more land mine in Facundo's path. The challenge matches for 157-197 in the coming years are going to be no-holds-barred mayhem (they should put those on PPV, LOL).

If Mesenbrink doesn’t transfer to the good guys, I can see a path for Facundo to start the next 2 years. Either Haines staying at 157 or taking a redshirt, sets up a couple of years with a Alex at 165 and C* or Barr at 174. But if Mesenbrink comes to Happy Valley or once Sealy is ready to hit the lineup, I’d think Alex may be the odd man out.

 

[mcpat]

I’ll have to see Messenbrink and Sealey and others wrestle a varsity collegiate season before I assume any beat out Facundo. I think Alex had a tough time finishing TDs, for whatever the reason, as a freshman (after being MOW at U20 nationals, mind you), and I expect that he is working on that as I type this.

 

[GogglesPaizano]

..., I can see a path for Facundo to start the next 2 years. ....

For those with short term memory disorder.

https://nwhof.org/hall_of_fame/bio/...Davison, Michigan,first team title since 2006.

Alex Facundo - Wrestling - Penn State Athletics

Alex Facundo165 - Parents: JULIE AND PABLO FACUNDO Major: DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES CAREER NOTES: Athletic: Pan American Games U20 Champion (2022). 2021-22

gopsusports.com

 

[Random4598375]

If Mesenbrink doesn’t transfer to the good guys, I can see a path for Facundo to start the next 2 years. Either Haines staying at 157 or taking a redshirt, sets up a couple of years with a Alex at 165 and C* or Barr at 174. But if Mesenbrink comes to Happy Valley or once Sealy is ready to hit the lineup, I’d think Alex may be the odd man out.

Somebody really good is going to be the odd man out. Alex will have the same chance as everyone else to prove in the room it shouldn't be him. Screw "iron sharpens iron", we're headed to "platinum sharpens platinum" territory.

 

[Lyons212]

Only 5 schools have won the team title over the last 35 years. Blaming NIL is a convenient excuse, but there hasn’t been parity in forever. I think transferring without a penalty is a bigger problem than NIL. Especially in the non revenue sports.

PSU is dominating because of development. No rule changes, NIL donors, or transfer penalties will change that.

This, PSU is finally getting into the portal, in the past has been a bit player. Iowa has brought in more high profile guys than PSU has with DeSanto, Lugo, Woods and Eierman. The difference is PSU does the best job developing its wrestlers. Ohio State recruits at the same level as PSU but does not have the development.

 

[KidDagger]

This, PSU is finally getting into the portal, in the past has been a bit player. Iowa has brought in more high profile guys than PSU has with DeSanto, Lugo, Woods and Eierman. The difference is PSU does the best job developing its wrestlers. Ohio State recruits at the same level as PSU but does not have the development.

To be fair, Iowa did a pretty good job of developing those 4.. PSU had 3 high profile transfers, Conel, Hindelbrand, and Dean, whom all finished top 4 prior going to PSU.

 

[johnstownsteel]

This, PSU is finally getting into the portal, in the past has been a bit player. Iowa has brought in more high profile guys than PSU has with DeSanto, Lugo, Woods and Eierman. The difference is PSU does the best job developing its wrestlers. Ohio State recruits at the same level as PSU but does not have the development.

On FRL today, found it funny how CP said the NCAA is just giving Cael more tools for his arsenal with NIL and transfer rules. He's such an Iowa homer and you can tell how distraught he is over PSU dominating. Someone should tell him that the NCAA gave EVERY team those same tools. Also, when Ben made mention of Iowa dishing out big money to someone (assume Woods) CP looked so pissed and rolled his eyes and shook his head. It was then that I sensed he kept his trap shut because he was becoming too obvious. One more thing, if he wants to dispute what I'm saying about his Iowa fandom...and quite frankly his cesspoolish attitude he obviously adopted, I point to his kid coming on the show awhile back and saying he hoped PSU got caught juicing or maybe it was cheating...can't recall.

 

[CholleyVandine]

To be fair, Iowa did a pretty good job of developing those 4.. PSU had 3 high profile transfers, Conel, Hindelbrand, and Dean, whom all finished top 4 prior going to PSU.try harder, dude

Kerk is a transfer. He’s developed pretty well.

Hildebrandt and Conel each wrestled in State College for one semester (Hildebrandt because he arrived in second semester of his senior year, Conel because he got hurt) How much development were you expecting?

 

[Chris92]

This, PSU is finally getting into the portal, in the past has been a bit player. Iowa has brought in more high profile guys than PSU has with DeSanto, Lugo, Woods and Eierman. The difference is PSU does the best job developing its wrestlers. Ohio State recruits at the same level as PSU but does not have the development.

DeSanto and Lugo transferred before the portal. But if you want to count them, you have to include Long and Cyler Sanderson and DT coming after being released from his NLI.

 

[Random4598375]

Only 5 schools have won the team title over the last 35 years. Blaming NIL is a convenient excuse, but there hasn’t been parity in forever. I think transferring without a penalty is a bigger problem than NIL. Especially in the non revenue sports.

PSU is dominating because of development. No rule changes, NIL donors, or transfer penalties will change that.

Yeah, blaming NIL is pretty dumb when Truax declined the big bag for the better room (I know, I’m sure he’s getting something at PSU, which is fair). If it were just a money race, it would actually be a level playing field.

 

[Mat Burn]

To be fair, Iowa did a pretty good job of developing those 4.. PSU had 3 high profile transfers, Conel, Hindelbrand, and Dean, whom all finished top 4 prior going to PSU.

Exactly what diversity of attacks did Eireman and Desanto develop in the room? Both were one trick pony's on their feet.

 

[KidDagger]

Kerk is a transfer. He’s developed pretty well.

Hildebrandt and Conel each wrestled in State College for one semester (Hildebrandt because he arrived in second semester of his senior year, Conel because he got hurt) How much development were you expecting?

Didn’t say anything bout PSU’s development, obv PSU is top tier.. was just giving Iowa some props and pointing out PSU had their fair share of good transfers too..

 

[mcpat]

The “development” of the Iowa transfers:

- A guy that was 5th, 4th and 3rd for Mizzou placed 2nd at Iowa AFTER redshirting a year at Iowa.

- A guy that was R12 as a true freshman at Edinboro placed 8th for Iowa three years later.

- A guy that was R12 as a true freshman at Drexel finished 5-3-3 at Iowa.

- A guy that was R12 and then 6th at Stanford placed 2nd at an Iowa.

Is that evidence of development at Iowa?

 

[KidDagger]

The “development” of the Iowa transfers:

- A guy that was 5th, 4th and 3rd for Mizzou placed 2nd at Iowa AFTER redshirting a year at Iowa.

- A guy that was R12 as a true freshman at Edinboro placed 8th for Iowa three years later.

- A guy that was R12 as a true freshman at Drexel finished 5-3-3 at Iowa.

- A guy that was R12 and then 6th at Stanford placed 2nd at an Iowa.

I see natural progression. Do others see development?

“Natural progression” is not guaranteed.. a freshman can come in and win it all and never reach the same peak again.

And yeah those 4, objectively speaking, improved at Iowa.. would they have the same “natural progression” if they stayed at their former school is debatable.

 

[PAgeologist]

Going to say something and probably get a lot of hate for it but don’t really care if we get any transfers or not. Happy with the team as is and we won by 55 I think last year and I feel the same winning by 10 points or 100. In a way I actually prefer NCAA’s being more competitive and other schools being able to retain their talent. I guess NIL will make that harder but I think it is better for the sport if we can figure out how to increase the number or programs and how to enable smaller schools to keep their studs

I like the team as is as well. Watching the guys develop and improve weekly and peaking in March is exciting.

But there is nothing wrong with bringing in a high level guy to fill in like Truax. And you don't turn someone down if they want to come compete for a spot like Dean. Those 2 really dont/didn't affect recruiting, other than Beard transferring put.

Nagao and Messenbrink coming in would be a bit different. But I trust the staff to have that worked out.

Plus every high level transfer Cael gets helps in case of injury. And if they are going to transfer, I'd rather it be here, if we got an opening, and not to a rival (Iowa, OSU, etc).

 

[Sportfan2017]

Exactly what diversity of attacks did Eireman and Desanto develop in the room? Both were one trick pony's on their feet.

Desanto used to get ridden like a mule. Remember his attempted arm surgery at Drexel? He couldn't get out that match. By his senior year he was extremely hard to keep down. Give credit where due

 

[zzs006]

The “development” of the Iowa transfers:

- A guy that was 5th, 4th and 3rd for Mizzou placed 2nd at Iowa AFTER redshirting a year at Iowa.

- A guy that was R12 as a true freshman at Edinboro placed 8th for Iowa three years later.

- A guy that was R12 as a true freshman at Drexel finished 5-3-3 at Iowa.

- A guy that was R12 and then 6th at Stanford placed 2nd at an Iowa.

Is that evidence of development at Iowa?

Woods absolutely got better this year. His top game was on a whole new level. I also think Desanto developed a ton at Iowa. I think he would have at other schools as well but Iowa did a good job with him wrestling wise.

 

[Ja1339]

I also think Desanto developed a ton at Iowa. I think he would have at other schools as well but Iowa did a good job with him wrestling wise.

All while overcoming a significant knee injury 😉

 

[Foreverinbluejeans57]

I don't think that there's any realistic chance Griffith comes to PSU, either, but they shouldn't worry about cannibalizing Facundo anyway. They have Barr coming in fairly soon and Levi moving up at some point (at the very latest when Healey comes on board), so Facundo's spot may already be cannibalized unless he can beat those guys in challenges. If they are really looking at Mesenbrink, too, that's just one more land mine in Facundo's path. The challenge matches for 157-197 in the coming years are going to be no-holds-barred mayhem (they should put those on PPV, LOL).

I’m sure Cael plans on being very open about these battles to the public lol

 

[PD4thespawn]

Hmm no mention of Mesenbrink. Did I miss something? It’s tough to keep up with all of the developments.

Not to mention the other Mirasola brother.

 

[nitlion6]

All while overcoming a significant knee injury 😉

And cradle fear.

 

[RB-Old]

Does anybody follow Fanco Wrestling on Youtube? Josiah seems like a good kid and posts excellent wrestling content and he brought something up today that I had thought about in the past but had forgotten. He said that Carr is going to graduate from Iowa State this spring and that he might be looking to be a grad transfer for his last year. It always seemed like a no-brainer that he'd come to PSU to train with all of his best friends on the team, how crazy would THAT be?

 

[Cali_Nittany]

Somebody really good is going to be the odd man out. Alex will have the same chance as everyone else to prove in the room it shouldn't be him. Screw "iron sharpens iron", we're headed to "platinum sharpens platinum" territory.

Meh, platinum sharpens platinum. It's 💎 sharpens 💎.

 

[Cali_Nittany]

View embedded media

There was a lot of smoke behind this. I was only 83% confident to @WexfordWarrior 's 100% because Eviction Bob has a lot of $$$ to spend to "level the playing field". (@johnstownsteel, learn how to spell "field" correctly you hillbilly.)

 

[James P. Whitters III]

Does anybody follow Fanco Wrestling on Youtube? Josiah seems like a good kid and posts excellent wrestling content and he brought something up today that I had thought about in the past but had forgotten. He said that Carr is going to graduate from Iowa State this spring and that he might be looking to be a grad transfer for his last year. It always seemed like a no-brainer that he'd come to PSU to train with all of his best friends on the team, how crazy would THAT be?

This again? David is extremely close friends with Aaron Brooks and will tell anybody he has tremendous love and respect for many of the PSU guys and coaches, but he is the ultimate example of a guy loyal to his program. He is a legacy guy and the central figure in ISU's rise from the ashes. He is as close to Brent Metcalf as can be, and many of the guys currently at ISU are like family to David. David just ran the table minus one match of an incredible season. He beat KOT twice, beat Hamidi,Grifith,Monday, and everybody else he faced until round three vs KOT. He did all this while being a touch undersized (under powered more like) at the weight. David needs to focus on adding horse power this entire off season. The move up in weight was very good for him, but he needs that little extra power to finish on some of these guys. PSU is in on a guy with 4 years remaining who embodies everything Cael looks for in a recruit imo. David Carr is in a place where he feels very loved and appreciated by an entire fan base. When David beat KOT in the first Mizzu dual they put the result on the scoreboard in Hilton during the basketball game and the place went crazy. PSU may have many David Carr types, but we have only one and we are not letting him go anywhere!

 

[mcpat]

Desanto used to get ridden like a mule. Remember his attempted arm surgery at Drexel? He couldn't get out that match. By his senior year he was extremely hard to keep down. Give credit where due

Im not sure that a guy being ridden as a true freshman but not as a 5th year senior is evidence of Iowa development.

 

[Sullivan]

Yeah, blaming NIL is pretty dumb when Truax declined the big bag for the better room (I know, I’m sure he’s getting something at PSU, which is fair). If it were just a money race, it would actually be a level playing field.

True. Iowa chose to put most of their money into their building project.

 

[WexfordWarrior]

There was a lot of smoke behind this. I was only 83% confident to @WexfordWarrior 's 100% because Eviction Bob has a lot of $$$ to spend to "level the playing field". (@johnstownsteel, learn how to spell "field" correctly you hillbilly.)

 

[johnstownsteel]

This again? David is extremely close friends with Aaron Brooks and will tell anybody he has tremendous love and respect for many of the PSU guys and coaches, but he is the ultimate example of a guy loyal to his program. He is a legacy guy and the central figure in ISU's rise from the ashes. He is as close to Brent Metcalf as can be, and many of the guys currently at ISU are like family to David. David just ran the table minus one match of an incredible season. He beat KOT twice, beat Hamidi,Grifith,Monday, and everybody else he faced until round three vs KOT. He did all this while being a touch undersized (under powered more like) at the weight. David needs to focus on adding horse power this entire off season. The move up in weight was very good for him, but he needs that little extra power to finish on some of these guys. PSU is in on a guy with 4 years remaining who embodies everything Cael looks for in a recruit imo. David Carr is in a place where he feels very loved and appreciated by an entire fan base. When David beat KOT in the first Mizzu dual they put the result on the scoreboard in Hilton during the basketball game and the place went crazy. PSU may have many David Carr types, but we have only one and we are not letting him go anywhere!

Good stuff.

 

[slushhead]

Going to say something and probably get a lot of hate for it but don’t really care if we get any transfers or not. Happy with the team as is and we won by 55 I think last year and I feel the same winning by 10 points or 100. In a way I actually prefer NCAA’s being more competitive and other schools being able to retain their talent. I guess NIL will make that harder but I think it is better for the sport if we can figure out how to increase the number or programs and how to enable smaller schools to keep their studs

Only 5 schools have won the team title over the last 35 years. Blaming NIL is a convenient excuse, but there hasn’t been parity in forever. I think transferring without a penalty is a bigger problem than NIL. Especially in the non revenue sports.

PSU is dominating because of development. No rule changes, NIL donors, or transfer penalties will change that.

Both of these points are fair. A few thoughts:

(1) If we measure parity based on the team champion alone, then yes, NCAA DI wrestling has not even sniffed parity . . . maybe ever.

(2) If we measure parity based on the Top 10, I think we do see more turnover or cycling there in team finishes.

(3) Another measure of parity might be the # of teams per season with an individual champ. I don’t have time right now to analyze what those numbers look like over the past 10+ years, but it would be a valid measure.

(4) While the answer may ultimately be that — based on an averaging of the above 3 measures —parity and NCAA DI wrestling have never really been strong partners, it is reasonable to expect NIL & lax transfer rules to decrease parity even further, perhaps in all 3 messures.

Nagao might end up being the best “first example” of how traditional powers could utilize smaller programs (or any program in a down cycle) as farm teams to maintain a stanglehold on Top 1-5 team and/or individual champion finishes. This new era is really early in the going, and so we’ll just have to wait and see how it actually influences parity.

We might point to Woods and Truax as examples of the rich getting richer, but a move like Griffith to Rutger would temper that a tad. We’ll just need more data before declaring a trend.