Bo Bassett’s ambition to step into the octagons of UFC cages is no secret. And fans, despite Bo still being in high school, are enjoying the spirals of speculation. During a Q&A session earlier today, Bo went on to hint about how his ultimate dream might just be to transition into MMA. While this journey is palpable yet distant, there’s another one brewing in the wayside. One that has kept the wrestling community questioning for almost sixteen weeks! So where will Bo Bassett go to fulfill his collegiate dreams?

As of week seventeen, the list still has 15 more schools. The numbers are falling, and the fandom is slicing and dicing every move. One fan boldly commented, “He is keeping Pitt-Johnstown there for the school to get some publicity, I’m sure. It’s going to come down to Cael (PSU) or Taylor (OSU), imo. The choice between the dynasty or the rebuild.” A fair speculation, considering Bo’s strategy has been a rather meticulous one. David Taylor and Oklahoma State University, as the fan pointed out, still hold their position on the reducing list.

And fans might just be right; David is, after all, Bo’s hero. Knowing the same, Coach David Taylor has left no stone unturned to convince Bo. The strategy of the new head coach seems to be working, as, soon after the meet, Bo went on to say, “DT’s resume speaks for itself. What he’s done for himself is unbelievable.” But as the fan rightly pointed out, Taylor isn’t fighting for Bo Bassett alone.

On the other side of this battle stands Penn State and the legacy of Cael Sanderson. The David Taylor the world knows today was trained by Sanderson himself. PSU’s legacy is one that is hard to compete with. Under Sanderson, PSU has won 11 NCAA Division I team titles and 39 individual NCAA Division I titles! The question now is, can Taylor’s long game pay off against his alma mater, which has an impeccable legacy? While the OSU-PSU battle continues, fans have some more theories.

Another fan went on to mention another college on the list. “I think Cornell or one of the OSU’s. He already practices with a lot of those guys up at Cornell.” It is true that Cornell has a special place in Bo’s heart. It is, after all, one of the only two schools to have won two four-time national champions. Additionally, with Mike Grey heading the team, they are just as unstoppable as a team can be! Amidst the 15 also lies another coveted name!

The dark horse of this race has to be Iowa State. One fan sarcastically wrote, “Iowa state “checks all his boxes.” Sarcasm aside, the Cyclones have been doing bits. Recently, they even signed the U23 World Silver Medalist Kennedy Blades for the upcoming season. A sneaky but smart move. Additionally, Iowa State has also recruited Christian Carroll, who recently transferred from Taylor’s Oklahoma State. So, will Bo take a leap into Taylor’s renewed wrestling program and vision? Or will he go back to the comforts or legacy? Before concluding, there are a few other names on the list that are giving PSU and OSU competition.

65 schools cut off, and another 15 to go!

The fandom was quick to point out another school on the list. “I think Ohio State is a really high chance. I can see him really getting along with the coaching staff there.” The comment comes as no surprise, considering coach Tom Ryan is heading to Ohio State. Ryan has led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2015 and since produced some of the best in wrestling. Under Ryan, six freshmen qualified for the 2024 NCAA championships! There is no doubt Ohio State is also capable of turning Bo into the next face of collegiate wrestling. But then, there’s Michigan!

Some fans are questioning why the Wolverines aren’t getting more attention in this heated recruitment battle. One fan, finding it rather amusing, wrote, “No one bought into the Michigan hype?” It is a valid point. Michigan had pulled some of the biggest moves when they hosted Bo Bassett. This also included a parent’s visit that none of the other big names saw.

Coach Sean Bormet, after all, is still the head coach, and he is the man who led Michigan to their first Big Ten championship since 1973! Now, that is the kind of rise that creates history. And Bo was sure impressed. He took it to Instagram to sing Michgan’s praises. “Michigan Weekend was amazing. Taking my time, looking at every option, and enjoying this recruiting process. Go Blue!!” he wrote. While the Wolverines seem like they are high up on the list, there is one more name that stands out.

Last but not least, there is Rutgers. A fan suggested, “I think Rutgers is more likely than people are willing to admit. He’d be a great fit for the East Coast, jersey tough mindset, he’d definitely be the face of the program and would have a genuine shot at being the GOAT of Rutgers wrestling.” No objection there, folks! Rutgers, under Scott Goodale, has seen itself morph into one of the top programs in the country. Scott took over the program 17 years ago. Since then, he has taken the Scarlet Knights to two individual national championship wins, six conference titles, and 19 All-Americans in the past decade.

As the clock continues to tick, fans, analysts, and enthusiasts have their eyes sealed on Bo Bassett.