Penn State wrestling legend David Taylor could land a third Nittany Lions veteran for his Oklahoma State program, according to a college wrestling insider.
Taylor had massive shoes to fill this past season in trying to maintain the level of success John Smith developed during a memorable 33-year run overseeing the Oklahoma State wrestling program. Despite the lofty expectations, the 2021 Olympic gold medalist performed well in his first season as a head coach.
While they did not end Penn State’s dominant run as the top program in the sport, the Cowboys ended the regular season as the No. 3 team in the nation and held on to the same spot to end the year after finishing third in the NCAA Tournament last month. However, this is just the beginning, and Taylor must continue to find impact talent to help the legendary program bring home its first Natty since 2006.
Well, that has started in haste this month as Taylor was able to lure Alex Facundo and Gary Steen from his alma mater in the transfer portal. And USA Today college wrestling reporter Frank Bodani believes Oklahoma State could add a third very soon.
Could Oklahoma State land Penn State 174-pounder Zack Ryder next?
“[Zack Ryder’s] the eighth and arguably the highest-regarded Nittany Lion to transfer away from Penn State since it won its 12th national championship in 14 years and broke its own NCAA points record in Philadelphia. Could Ryder soon join two of his former teammates at Oklahoma State?” Bodani wrote.
“That’s certainly a potential landing spot, which would reunite him with Alex Facundo and Gary Steen, former PSU starters who had been relegated to backup status over the past year. Both announced this week that they would head to Oklahoma State to wrestle for PSU icon and first-year head coach David Taylor.”
Ryder entered the portal after Penn State lured Ohio State star Rocco Welsh to State College to be the heir apparent to Carter Starocci. He redshirted in 2024-25 but went 8-0 and earned tournament titles at the Black Knight Invite and Southern Scuffle. However, his accolades outside the US are notable.
Ryder earned bronze medals at the U17 World Championships in 2022 and 2023. Last summer, Ryder moved up to the U20 age group and made the world finals. He would be a big addition for the Cowboys if they can lure him to Stillwater.
More college wrestling news and rumors:
- Ohio State star reveals why he betrayed program for Penn State wrestling and passed on Oklahoma State move
- Penn State star Carter Starocci, Gable Stevenson speak out on Donald Trump appearing at 2025 NCAA wrestling championships
- Door opens for Ohio State to score huge revenge blow on Penn State wrestling after losing Rocco Welsh