Rumor claims Penn State wrestling has poached rising star from top rival to replace Carter Starocci

A new rumor claims Penn State wrestling has locked up one of the Big Ten’s top rising stars to replace program legend Carter Starocci.

To the surprise of no one, Penn State wrestling dominated the sport again during the 2024-25 season. They took their 15-0 record into the Big Ten tourney and brought home another conference title. Then they rolled into the NCAA Tournament last week and bull dozed their way to a fourth straight national championship. However, maintaining that level of excellence isn’t easy.

Head coach Cael Sanderson and his staff must look for the next big thing in the sport each year. Sometimes, that comes from the high school ranks. But in the era of NIL, the transfer portal offers an even better route to add wrestlers who can make an immediate impact. And it seems that Penn State landed an elite talent that just became available.

Penn State wrestling is rumored to have lured Rocco Welsh away from Ohio State

On Thursday afternoon, Intermat reported that NCAA Finals 174-pound runner Rocco Welsh is looking to leave Ohio State and has entered the transfer portal. Soon after the report, Mat Scouts claimed they were informed that Penn State is where he’s headed and a deal is already done.

Welsh posted an 11-0 record for Ohio State this past season. He earned Clarion Open, Cleveland State Open, and Franklin and Marshall titles, with nine of his 11 wins coming by bonus points. He fell in the NCAA Tournament to PSU legend Carter Starocci, who won his fifth straight natty.

Welsh could end up replacing the man who beat him in the biggest match of the year last week. Not only would the addition be a huge coup for Penn State, but it would damage a top rival in Ohio State. It is a classic if you can’t beat them, then join them scenario.

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