Masanosuke Ono had already shocked the wrestling world once this year when he beat Spencer Lee. But it seems that the Japanese grappler isn’t done yet. The wrestling community is going through shockwaves as the reigning 61kg world champion decided to join the Nittany Lions. Yes, you heard that right. Ono will now be a part of NCAA and training under coach Sanderson. But his status as an established international champion at senior level is something that has kept many at the edge. But what lead to this decision?

Well, not everyone is questioning Ono, though. Penn State supporters are celebrating the addition of yet another powerhouse athlete, others see this as a disruption to the NCAA’s competitive balance. “Just because Penn State is the best in the world,” Ono said about his decision, but to those who have followed the sport for years, it feels like a loaded statement. Is this move simply about finding new challenges? Or is it a power play that further tilts the scales in favor of an already dominant program?

“Masanosuke Ono commits to wrestle at @pennstateWREST live on FRL 🇯🇵🦁.” That single tweet from FloWrestling sent the wrestling world into a frenzy. Ono, a global standout and reigning world champion, is now bringing his elite-level skills to the NCAA. His decision to join an already stacked Penn State roster only adds to the frustration of fans who argue that this further cements the Nittany Lions as an unstoppable force.

With the program already securing the best recruiting class of 2025, Ono’s arrival feels like an unfair bonus. While Penn State needs to replace three All-Americans, there’s little doubt they will remain heavy favorites to dominate once again. Ono himself isn’t concerned about the pushback. His mindset remains locked on competition and growth. “I mean, honestly, it couldn’t be a better way to end the season. I’m so excited for next year and for Cortina. But now, you know, I think it just solidifies the fact that I can compete for a medal,” he said.

Even as he transitions from freestyle to folk style—a shift that many believe could be a challenge—his track record suggests he’ll adapt quickly. With wins over world-class names like Vito Arujau, Zaur Uguev, and Spencer Lee already on his résumé, Ono is not coming to learn—he’s coming to dominate. But where will he wrestle? That’s the next big question.

Ono has primarily competed at 61kg internationally (about 134.5 pounds), making 133 pounds in college the logical choice. However, he has left the door open for other options, jokingly mentioning that he could compete anywhere from 125 to 157. Whatever weight class he ends up in, one thing is certain: Penn State has landed an immediate NCAA title contender. And for fans outside of Happy Valley, that’s a tough pill to swallow.

NCAA wrestling community blasts Ono’s decision to join Penn State

Penn State’s latest blockbuster addition isn’t sitting well with fans, and some are already calling for drastic measures. “Time for David Taylor to start recruiting wrestlers from Mazandaran, Iran 😉,” one fan joked, highlighting the growing concern that powerhouse programs need to go global just to keep up with Penn State. David Taylor, now coaching at Oklahoma State, has been vocal about building a world-class program that can challenge the Nittany Lions.

“I think we laid out a plan when I got to Oklahoma State… You’ve got to recruit. You’ve got to surround your program with the best individuals. And it takes time.” With Penn State continuing to dominate recruiting, fans of rival programs are left wondering. Does anyone else even stand a chance? For many, Ono’s arrival only widens the gap between Penn State and the rest of the NCAA.

“The rich get richer,” another fan complained, summing up what has become a frustrating reality in college wrestling. Under Cael Sanderson, the Nittany Lions have turned their program into a dynasty, racking up championships with little resistance. They already had the best recruiting class of 2025, and now they add a reigning world champion?

It’s hard not to see this as another step toward complete NCAA dominance. Their lineup for next season is already stacked, featuring top-tier talent like Beau Bartlett, Shayne Van Ness, and Greg Kerkvliet. With the addition of Ono, Penn State’s lineup isn’t just great. It’s overwhelming. Some fans took an even stronger stance, seeing this move as a disruption to the spirit of college wrestling.

“Collusion with the enemy will not be tolerated.” The frustration stems from the idea that the NCAA is meant to develop young talent, not serve as a landing spot for international stars who have already proven themselves at the highest level. NIL deals have also come under fire. One fan stated, “This is sick & would never happen without NIL.” The argument?

Money and opportunity are turning Penn State into an unstoppable recruiting machine. Whether true or not, it’s clear that fans are uneasy with how the balance of power is shifting. But perhaps the most eye-opening reaction came from a fan who compared Ono’s move to an all-time NCAA “what if” scenario. “To me, this is pretty much equivalent to if Spencer Lee had four more years of eligibility.”

The comparison is striking. Lee was a generational talent, and imagining him with four extra years would have been a nightmare for his competitors. Yet, that’s exactly how some fans feel about Ono. His presence adds a level of dominance that makes the NCAA feel less like a proving ground and more like Penn State’s personal playground.