Penn State is where it’s at. Besides Cael Sanderson’s Nittany Lions dominating the NCAA championships since the last decade, the Lions just won their fourth consecutive national title. In fact, they didn’t just win it but broke their own point record. However, with Carter Starocci’s historic career at 184 lbs ending, Zach Ryder, one of their brightest prospects, just dropped a bombshell.

Ryder shocked the wrestling world as he entered the off-season transfer portal. However, Penn State’s stellar record of dominance begs the question: Why would someone leave the Lions? Even 61 kg world champion Masanosuke Ono committed to joining the Nittany Lions. Ono called Sanderson’s team “the best in the world” when asked about his choice. Then again, his decision to transfer may not have anything to do with Penn State.

That’s because Zach Ryder’s transfer portal move came shortly after another highly rated prospect’s arrival. The Wrestling Room’s Pat Mineo explained in his tweet. “A portal surprise! PSU’s Zack Ryder has officially entered the transfer portal after the arrival of Rocco Welsh…” wrote the insider. With Starocci out of the picture, Welsh also aims to take up the 184-lb mantle.

And that is the point of the conflict. Or rather, it was the point of conflict. Welsh, originally a 174-lb weight-class wrestler, spent this season as a red shirt, getting comfortable at 184 lbs. Not starring in the starting line for Ohio State allowed the All-American to put on size and rack up a cool 15-0 undefeated record in unattached tournaments. Coincidentally, Ryder did the same.

The former #6 prospect spent his freshman year at Penn State as a redshirt competing in unattached tournaments and training with Carter Starocci. What’s more? Zach Ryder also racked up an undefeated 8-0 record. Naturally, fans looked forward to a wrestle-off between the two for the starting lineup position.

Unfortunately, that will no longer materialize with Ryder choosing to move on. So did the U20 World Wrestling Championships silver medalist move on because he didn’t want to contest for his spot? Well, Ryder has remained tight-lipped about his decision, and there’s nothing but speculation about where he’s heading. Meanwhile, Cael Sanderson remains confident.

Will Zach Ryder’s departure hurt Penn State?

Losing a prospect familiar with the process is never the best news. Yet, Ryder’s departure is just another addition to the continuing churn at the Nittany Lions camp. After Starocci’s final year in college wrestling, Alex Facundo, lightweight Gary Steen, and now Ryder have left the team. However, Sanderson isn’t worried because he knows the core staff are staying with the Lions.

“Yeah, everything’s changed a lot. But our values haven’t changed. What we focus on as coaches and what we offer and bring to the table, that’s not going to change.” Coach Sanderson said in a conversation with On3, ahead of Zach Ryder’s departure. The 45-year-old is well aware of the transfer portal and the fact that some wrestlers might venture on to look for greener pastures.

“As everything else changes, and maybe it’s hard. But it’s not hard for us,” the dominant NCAA wrestling coach said about the Nittany Lions. And it’s not like the NCAA’s biggest wrestling powerhouse has a shortage of young talents coming out of the pipeline. Besides experienced talents such as Rocco Welsh and Masanosuke Ono, many prospects are joining the class of 2025.

Prospects Marcus Blaze (Ohio), Nate Desmond (Wyoming), in-state standout Dalton Perry, and more are on their way to becoming Nittany Lions. Yet, what do you think? Will Rocco Welsh, who lost to Starocci in the NCAA finals in the past, be a worthy successor? Let us know in the comments.