Although the 2024-25 wrestling season has concluded, the intrigue surrounding the sport continues unabated. Penn State redshirt freshman Zack Ryder has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. This is a move prompted by the recent recruitment of Rocco Welsh to the Nittany Lions’ roster. Welsh, who finished as the runner-up in the NCAA championships at 174 lbs in 2024, has made the move from Ohio State. He is anticipated to compete at 184 lbs, the same weight class as Ryder.

This shift created immediate competition for the starting position, leading Ryder to explore other avenues in pursuit of a more significant role. Ryder showcased an outstanding redshirt season, finishing with an unblemished 8-0 record. This is also by a championship at the Southern Scuffle and significant wins against NCAA qualifiers.

His departure signifies a pivotal shift for Penn State’s wrestling lineup. As he seeks to advance his collegiate career at a program where he can take on the role of primary starter in his weight class. Yet another significant shift now awaits the Nittany Lions as the latest developments in the transfer portal unfold. The Wrestling Room reported on X, announcing, “PSU’s Erik Gibson has entered the portal!”

In the 2024-25 season, Erik Gibson, a redshirt freshman from Penn State, took to the mat in the 174 lbs weight class. He took part in open tournaments, achieving notable success as the runner-up at the National Collegiate Open on February 25, 2024. There he recorded a 3-1 performance, featuring a major decision and a technical fall against Cornell’s Christian Hansen.

Despite his determination, Gibson encountered obstacles in his quest to secure a position in the Nittany Lions’ starting lineup. Understandably, this was due to the team’s strong depth in his weight class. As a result, the wrestler is now actively pursuing avenues to advance his collegiate wrestling journey. Nevertheless, his departure from Penn State will, in turn, create an opportunity for other wrestlers currently in the transfer portal.

A possible opportunity with Penn State

AJ Ferrari took to social media to express his thoughts, saying, “I am so thankful for Cal State Bakersfield. I am entering the portal today and am considering all opportunities. I still have 2-3 years of eligibility left. I am starving for success on and off the wrestling mat.”

This has created numerous opportunities for him. There is now a potential scenario in which Ferrari could align with Penn State.

Nonetheless, since there has been no official confirmation, this remains merely a speculation within the college wrestling community. Moreover, contradictory reports surfaced, with certain sources indicating that Penn State was not actively seeking Ferrari.

“I’ve been told that Penn State wrestling and Cael Sanderson are NOT in contact with AJ Ferrari. There is no plan to make him the heavyweight next season,” stated Zach Seyko from Locked on Nittany Lions.

Wrestling Room on X reported that “both Penn State & Oklahoma State (yes, OSU) have been in contact with AJ Ferrari in the portal, with several other teams vying for his services. I would expect a decision in the next few weeks.”

The community is rife with speculation, as only time will reveal the future direction of Ferrari.