Rising Star Bo Bassett Chooses Virginia Tech Over Penn State Wrestling

Bassett, a high school senior, discusses his decision to join the Hokies over the dominant Nittany Lions program.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Bo Bassett, a highly touted high school wrestling prospect, has chosen to join the Virginia Tech Hokies over the powerhouse Penn State Nittany Lions program. Bassett, who has won multiple state and national titles, had been recruited heavily by Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson, but ultimately decided to take his talents to Blacksburg. Bassett also discussed his interest in potentially transitioning to MMA in the future.

Why it matters

Bassett's decision to join Virginia Tech over Penn State is seen as a challenge to Sanderson's dynasty, as the Nittany Lions have won 12 NCAA championships since he took over as head coach in 2006. Bassett's choice to join the Hokies could shake up the balance of power in collegiate wrestling.

The details

Bassett, a senior at Bishop McCort High School, had originally committed to the University of Iowa in February 2025 before changing course and pledging to Virginia Tech the following October. Sanderson even attempted to visit Bassett's home to convince him to join the Nittany Lions, but Bassett ultimately decided he wanted to "add some trophies for Virginia Tech" instead. Bassett also discussed his interest in potentially transitioning to MMA in the future, citing top wrestlers like Merab Dvalishvili, Bo Nickal, and Islam Makhachev as inspirations.

  • Bassett committed to Virginia Tech in October 2025.
  • Bassett won back-to-back PIAA Class AA state titles and four Super 32 and four Ironman championships.

The players

Bo Bassett

A high school senior wrestling star who has chosen to join the Virginia Tech Hokies over the dominant Penn State Nittany Lions program.

Cael Sanderson

The head coach of the Penn State wrestling team, which has won 12 NCAA championships since he took over in 2006.

Virginia Tech

The university that Bo Bassett has chosen to join, challenging the dominance of the Penn State wrestling program.

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What they’re saying

“I have nothing but respect for what (Sanderson) is doing, and this wasn't a decision I took lightly. If I can add some trophies for Virginia Tech, that would be an amazing opportunity.”

— Bo Bassett

“I think it's very serious. I really enjoy combat and one-on-one sports. When you're the man in the arena, there's nothing quite like that feeling.”

— Bo Bassett

What’s next

Bassett is set to join the Virginia Tech wrestling team starting in the 2026-27 NCAA season.

The takeaway

Bassett's decision to join Virginia Tech over the dominant Penn State program signals a potential shift in the balance of power in collegiate wrestling, as the rising star looks to challenge Sanderson's dynasty and build his own legacy with the Hokies.