In a seismic shift within collegiate wrestling, Penn State has officially secured the commitment of former Ohio State standout and 2024 NCAA runner-up, Rocco Welsh. The Waynesburg, Pennsylvania native announced his decision to transfer to the Nittany Lions on March 30, 2025, just three days after entering the transfer portal .
Welsh’s addition bolsters an already dominant Penn State program that recently clinched its fourth consecutive NCAA team title, breaking the all-time points record with 177 and achieving the rare feat of having all 10 starters earn All-American honors .
After a stellar freshman season at Ohio State, where he posted a 26-5 record and finished as the national runner-up at 174 pounds, Welsh redshirted the following year, competing unattached at 184 pounds and maintaining an unblemished 15-0 record in open tournaments . With the graduation of five-time NCAA champion Carter Starocci, Welsh is poised to fill the 184-pound weight class for Penn State .
In discussing his decision, Welsh emphasized the opportunity to train alongside the nation’s elite wrestlers and under the guidance of Penn State’s esteemed coaching staff. “In order for me to be my best, I have to be in the room with the best partners,” he stated, highlighting the program’s culture of excellence .
With three years of eligibility remaining, Welsh’s transfer not only strengthens Penn State’s lineup but also underscores the program’s continued appeal to top-tier talent. As the Nittany Lions aim for a fifth consecutive national title, Welsh’s presence is expected to play a pivotal role in their pursuit of sustained dominance in collegiate wrestling.
