The Nittany Lions have enjoyed a successful reign in the NCAA Wrestling Championships. Not only do they have the most individual titles (38) since 2011, but they are also one of the teams to have 5 individual champions in one year twice throughout NCAA history. However, after the feast comes the reckoning. In May, David Taylor made a surprise move to Oklahoma State. Having created a domino effect, Penn State has experienced another punch in the gut.

Roman Bravo-Young made a stellar debut in the French capital this year. Even though his stint was abruptly cut short, many were excited to see him return to familiar grounds. But it looks like the 2x NCAA champion had something else in mind. In a bid to explore a different avenue, Bravo-Young announced his Penn-State exit on August 17. Could this possibly be the last blow to their dominance in the championships? Or will it be yet another thorn in their side? Fans seem to be divided about this so far.

After David Taylor, another Nittany Lion bites the dust

Early on Saturday evening, Roman Bravo-Young caught fans by surprise. He announced his departure from Penn State on X. He kept it pretty sweet and simple: “Something new.” While it is unknown if he will be on the coaching staff, the 25-year-old will now join Oklahoma State’s Cowboy RTC. This is not the first time RBY has left fans in suspense. Right before 2022-2023, he had teased his return, and many hoped it would be the same this time. 

However, the 3x Big Ten Champion officially shut that door for now. Bravo-Young’s move is one of the many changes Penn State has experienced since David Taylor’s exit in May this year. The Magic Man decided to step away from his wrestling home to take up the role of Oklahoma State’s new head coach. In his first appearance in the role, he addressed his plans for the Cowboys RTC program. “The RTC is a foundation,” he stated.

Taylor further expressed how he will bring in resources to bring this vision to life. “As we continue to build out the RTC, it’s gonna be selected with the right group of people. As our athletes finish, and if they have the same aspirations to be world and Olympic champions, then they’re gonna have a path and place to do that.” With the addition of the former Nittany Lion, it looks like this plan is now slowly taking shape. 

Wrestling community is on the fence over Roman Bravo-Young’s move

It’s no surprise that fans love the former Nittany Lion. But after he announced his move to the Cowboy RTC, many fans weren’t sure how to react. One fan exclaimed, “Nah gang what are you doing.” After enjoying a stacked career as a Nittany Lion, this fan believes the move doesn’t sit well. However, another fan disagrees: “Knew you were always a Cowboy 🤠 😉” But this isn’t the only fan who is ecstatic about the announcement. 

A fan simply stated, “Wrestling world needs the ripple effect this has. It’s gonna show u dont have to go to penn state to be a big time wrestler.“ Roman Bravo-Young ended his collegiate career on a high. But based on David Taylor’s plan for the RTC, it looks like he can build upon his aspirations with the OSU wrestlers. Another fan chimed in, “Former Penn State wrestler follows David Taylor to Stillwater.” The 2020 Tokyo gold medalist’s departure seemed to have started a domino effect, seeing as RBY is one of the many who have followed suit. 

One fan expressed, “I thought he was going to MMA! Sounds like Nolf is done competing too. Maybe (hopefully) the first signs of PSU coming down to earth. Obviously they have a lot in the tank but losing DT, Kennedy, Gilman, Nolf, and RBY in a matter of a few months has to hurt them.” After becoming Head Coach, David Taylor recruited Thomas Gilman as the assistant coach. Jimmy Kennedy has joined them as the associate head coach. What a power-packed team. Do you agree with the fans? Let us know in the comments!