Rocco Welsh on Originally Choosing Ohio State Over Penn State: 'Didn't Really Know What I Was Doing'

The No. 1 wrestler at 184 pounds reflects on his transfer saga and why he ultimately landed at Penn State.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rocco Welsh, the top-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds, initially chose to attend Ohio State over Penn State, but has no regrets about the path that ultimately led him to State College. After two seasons with the Buckeyes, including an NCAA finals appearance as a true freshman, Welsh entered the transfer portal and landed at Penn State, where he is undefeated so far this season. Welsh admits he was 'young and didn't really know what I was doing' when he originally committed to Ohio State, but is grateful for the journey that brought him to Penn State.

Why it matters

Welsh's transfer saga highlights the increasing fluidity of college sports, as top athletes like him are willing to change schools to find the best fit. His decision to ultimately choose Penn State, a perennial wrestling powerhouse, also speaks to the program's continued ability to attract elite talent.

The details

Welsh was initially recruited by Penn State but ended up committing to Ohio State, where he had an impressive freshman campaign at 174 pounds, reaching the NCAA finals. However, when he moved up to 184 pounds the following season, he was placed on redshirt and entered the transfer portal. After landing at Penn State, Welsh is now 16-0 on the season and is considered the favorite to win the NCAA title at 184 pounds.

  • Welsh committed to Ohio State as a high school recruit.
  • As a true freshman, Welsh reached the NCAA finals at 174 pounds while at Ohio State.
  • Welsh entered the transfer portal after his second season at Ohio State.
  • Welsh landed at Penn State and is currently undefeated in his first season with the Nittany Lions.
  • The NCAA Championships are scheduled for next month in Cleveland.

The players

Rocco Welsh

The top-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds, who initially committed to Ohio State but later transferred to Penn State, where he is undefeated so far this season.

Cael Sanderson

The head coach of the Penn State wrestling team, who had his eye on Welsh as a high school recruit and welcomed him to the program after his transfer.

Dylan Fishback

An Ohio State wrestler who transferred from NC State to essentially replace the departed Rocco Welsh on the Buckeyes' roster.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was kind of just young and didn't really know what I was doing, I committed kind of too soon. I don't regret it, but, you know, if I could go back, I would definitely come here in the beginning.”

— Rocco Welsh (on3.com)

“He's just a kid who continues to get better when we watched him in high school, everything we heard about him was just all the things you look for in a student athlete. He was just getting better every year, and he was also a kid who just wanted to come here.”

— Cael Sanderson, Head Coach, Penn State Wrestling (on3.com)

What’s next

The NCAA Championships are scheduled for next month in Cleveland, where Rocco Welsh will look to capture the national title at 184 pounds.

The takeaway

Rocco Welsh's transfer saga from Ohio State to Penn State highlights the increasing fluidity of college sports, as top athletes are willing to change schools to find the best fit. His decision to ultimately choose Penn State, a perennial wrestling powerhouse, speaks to the program's continued ability to attract elite talent.