What’s going on with Penn State? Back-to-back transfers are fueling the current scenario within the team, and things have gotten on a roll with the very recent one with Zach Ryder. Zach Ryder’s move to the transfer portal is a shocker for many. Earlier, we saw Alex Facundo and Gary Steen, two former Penn State wrestlers, heading to Oklahoma State to wrestle under head coach David Taylor. Both were starters at Penn State but eventually found themselves in backup roles, so a fresh start makes sense. However, Zach’s move to the transfer portal has propelled a disruption amongst the fandom.

Meanwhile, Penn State just snagged its fourth straight national title and has been stacking its roster with top-tier talent. It looks like a shake-up all around. And now Zach’s move to the transfer portal is just hitting the nail right on the head.

Ryder, a four-time New York state champ from Minisink Valley High, was a big-name recruit, ranked No. 6 overall in the 2024 class by FloWrestling. He had a strong debut season for Penn State, hitting at 8-0 and bagging Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after dominating the Southern Scuffle at 184 pounds. He spearheaded the tournament with a 5-0 run where he took down two ranked opponents before sealing the title with a 6-1 sudden-victory win. He also made it to the final at the Army Black Knight Invitational, where he was set to face Starocci, but that match ended up being a no-contest. And before he started with Penn State, he clinched a silver medal at the U20 World Wrestling Championships in Spain.

Now, given that, Zach Ryder is one of the team’s most promising. While the entire community has venerated Cael Sanderson’s coaching, why are wrestlers persistently leaving the team? Announcing Zach’s move, an insider revealed on the internet, “A portal surprise! PSU’s Zack Ryder has officially entered the transfer portal after the arrival of Rocco Welsh…” and that’s something that got fans losing it on the ground and are all there to give a solid backup to the star on the internet.

Fans hand in support for Zach Ryder’s decision to move to the transfer portal

“Great young man with a great future ahead of him!! Penn State lose!!!” a fan hailed Zach Ryder. Apparently, yes! Zach Ryder has already proven himself to be a top-tier wrestler. With a banger skill set that he has acquired over the years, therefore, wherever Ryder lands, he is going to be an asset for the team, undoubtedly.

Another added, giving it to be a hint to Cael, “That was quick! I don’t blame him, and I’d feel betrayed. I think this sorta thing is going to hurt PSU’s reputation with recruits. Beware, Cael.” That goes without saying; while Zach has kept it all zipped about his decision, it shows that his disappointment with the future placement in the team has regulated the decision. While Sanderson has done well, if top-tier wrestlers feel undervalued, it could hurt Penn State’s ability to attract top talent in the long run. Another added, “More PSU guys should leave as well—it’s ridiculous what’s going on there lol.” Penn State has recently lured in Welsh and Masanosuke Ono, a Japanese world champion, who trained with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club and joins a Penn State roster featuring seven All-Americans for the 2025-2026 season.

Another added, “Hopefully, this could be a wake-up call for Cael to not push the whole ‘optimizing’ each part of the lineup. I feel like Ryder didn’t even get a chance to prove himself. Hopefully, this decision works out.” Well, keeping talented individuals in backup roles always backfires, and this move by Zach can be a wake-up call for Cael. It’s so necessary to give the ones that deserve it a healthy chance! “Hate to see him go. Would’ve hoped he’d have at least tried to win the spot, but I’m not in his shoes, so idk what else is going on in his mind. Hope it goes well for him,” another fan wrote. It’s obvious that fans wanted to witness Zach at a starting position, and his departure from the team comes as a heartbreak for Zach. However, it still remains why he left in the first place, as Zach hasn’t spilt anything about it. But when you undervalue and do not appreciate the ones who put in the effort, it’s natural that they move out.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to seek opportunities where they feel valued. As a fan writes, “Hopefully, this decision works out.” It is with fingers crossed that we all want this to work out in favor of Zach and that he finds the success where he is given the value that he deserves.