A few days after it was reported that Penn State wrestling was losing Zack Ryder to the transfer portal, heโs found a new home.
Report: Penn State Wrestling Losing Zack Ryder to Transfer Portal
Many expected that Ryder would link up for Penn State wrestling great David Taylor at Oklahoma State, and thatโs exactly whatโs going to happen.
Official: Zack Ryder will be transferring to Oklahoma State. pic.twitter.com/Mm577Zm4dP
— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) April 4, 2025
Ryder will take his talents to Stillwater with three seasons of eligibility.
Had Ryder began his career at just about any other program, heโd have been a starter by now, but, well, this is Penn State, winners of 12 national titles in 14 seasons. Ryder spent his true freshman season behind five-time national champ Carter Starocci at 184.
This season, the former top 10 recruit would have had to fight to make the starting lineup.
ROCCO WELSH HAPPENED
Photo by KD Training Center: Rocco Welsh
Many feel that a big reason for Ryder leaving Penn State was because Rocco Welsh happened.
Welsh, a former national runner-up who entered the portal after two years at Ohio State, decided to stay in the Big Ten and return to the state he grew up in.
Yep, the Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, native is coming to Penn State and in doing so, becomes the clear favorite to succeed Starocci at 184 pounds.
Being the next Carter Starocci is a lot to ask for anybody but Welsh is focused on becoming the first Rocco Welsh. Heโs already well on his way, with a national championship match appearance under his belt. With three years of eligibility left, Welsh has plenty of time to add on to his college wrestling legacy.
RYDER ISNโT ALONE
Ryder isn’t the only Penn Stater joining up with Taylor at Oklahoma State. Earlier in the week, Alex Facundo and Gary Steen transferred.
So there will be some familiar Penn State wrestling faces in Stillwater next season.
Ryder will have all four years of eligibility left.
