PSU Recruiting Thread

[El_Jefe]

I really think the depth at PSU is a major reason why we didn't land Bo. Could he have won the spot? Sure. But it certainly is no guarantee. Of course NIL likely played a huge role as well. He has the talent to win a title anywhere but he's going to have to work for it. It is not a sure thing.

$$$$$

After he took his final official visit, to Rutgers on 1/24 weekend, he said the decision could be mid-summer. Then 1 week later, suddenly he terminated his recruitment and made an announcement.

What changed in that week? He went to BJC and saw PSU roll Iowa. That's it. Unless while there he received a massive offer with a short deadline.

And reportedly that's exactly what happened. Bill Bassett allegedly demanded best/final offers after the Rutgers visit -- wrestling insiders say there are screenshots of this. Rutgers insider (who's a good source) said they offered over $1M and Iowa's offer blew that out of the water.

None of the other supposed reasons changed at all in that 1 week.

 

[LB99]

$$$$$

After he took his final official visit, to Rutgers on 1/24 weekend, he said the decision could be mid-summer. Then 1 week later, suddenly he terminated his recruitment and made an announcement.

What changed in that week? He went to BJC and saw PSU roll Iowa. That's it. Unless while there he received a massive offer with a short deadline.

And reportedly that's exactly what happened. Bill Bassett allegedly demanded best/final offers after the Rutgers visit -- wrestling insiders say there are screenshots of this. Rutgers insider (who's a good source) said they offered over $1M and Iowa's offer blew that out of the water.

None of the other supposed reasons changed at all in that 1 week.

So, to other posters comments…dad is an issue. Good luck Brands.

 

[LB99]

Spitballing on Mocco a little -- no inside info, so take this FWIW:

He has taken visits to PSU, Ohio State, NC State, Iowa, and OKST (that we know of).

Based on the situations at each school, I'd guess 1 Ohio State, 2 NC State, 3 Iowa, 4 PSU, OKST DQ after landing Ross in the same class. NC State and Iowa could switch spots depending on what he values.

Rosters: 4-yr starter at NC State and probably at Ohio State (I think he beats out Neves, but not a guarantee). Overlap at Iowa (1 yr with Kueter) and PSU (2 yrs with Mirasola). Kueter is going back to football this year. Cole dominated Mocco this past summer, clearly well ahead.

RTCs/training partners: PSU has the best situation in the world. Ohio State has Dhesi, Hemida, and Feldman, and Moore as an RTC coach. NC State has Hidlay and Trumble. Iowa's RTC is a wasteland.

Coaching/development: 3 of the 4 have good track records of developing 197/HWTs. 3 of the 4 are also calm, stabilizing influences over their rosters. Iowa lags far behind in both categories.

Relationships: His dad was coached by Brands (assistant coach) both years at Iowa. He's been to State College to work with M2 and Bo Nickal's gym. His dad had no overlap with Ryan at Iowa or Pop at OKST. I don't know if he attended camps at any of these schools.

“He's ineligible to train at any of their RTCs without a USA Wrestling waiver.”

I’m sorry. Forgive my ignorance. What does this mean?

 

[SleepyLion]

“He's ineligible to train at any of their RTCs without a USA Wrestling waiver.”

I’m sorry. Forgive my ignorance. What does this mean?

I also am ignorant on this subject.

 

[lionlover]

I also am ignorant on this subject.

I also am ignorant on all subjects.

 

[Shpsu]

$$$$$

After he took his final official visit, to Rutgers on 1/24 weekend, he said the decision could be mid-summer. Then 1 week later, suddenly he terminated his recruitment and made an announcement.

What changed in that week? He went to BJC and saw PSU roll Iowa. That's it. Unless while there he received a massive offer with a short deadline.

And reportedly that's exactly what happened. Bill Bassett allegedly demanded best/final offers after the Rutgers visit -- wrestling insiders say there are screenshots of this. Rutgers insider (who's a good source) said they offered over $1M and Iowa's offer blew that out of the water.

None of the other supposed reasons changed at all in that 1 week.

Would have loved to been a fly on the wall when Bill Bassett demanded a best final offer from Cael.

 

[El_Jefe]

“He's ineligible to train at any of their RTCs without a USA Wrestling waiver.”

I’m sorry. Forgive my ignorance. What does this mean?

USA Wrestling has restrictions on who may train at an RTC, regardless of age. Generally these are tied to having placed highly at a major USA Wrestling event at Cadet, Junior, U23, or Senior level. Mocco won U17 Worlds last year, so he met this criterion at Trials.

There are additional requirements for "Prospective Student-Athletes." The important one here is that a HS student can only participate at RTCs within 250 miles of home -- and if none are within 250 mi, then the student must apply for a USA Wrestling exemption to practice at the nearest RTC.

Mocco lives near Ft. Lauderdale. There are no RTCs in Florida. The closest is at The Citadel (Charleston SC, 550+ mi away) -- and therefore Mocco would need a USA Wrestling waiver to train at any other RTC. Such a waiver (to go a not-nearest RTC) is not noted in the USA Wrestling rules, so it's not clear if one is even an option for Mocco.

Once the HS student signs an NLI, then the proximity rule no longer applies and the student can "attend the RTC of their choice."

OT to Mocco but related: prior to signing an NLI, a HS student can train at any RTC within 250 mi of home, and can train at multiple RTCs within that radius. For example: the Raneys live in western KY and train at Illinois, even though at least 3 other programs (Indiana, Bellarmine, SIU Edwardsville) are closer to their home.

 

[El_Jefe]

So, to other posters comments…dad is an issue. Good luck Brands.

Eh, maybe. Dad drove a hard bargain.

Whatever Bill Bassett does or doesn't do in the future, can he possibly be a bigger PITA than Terry?

 

[El_Jefe]

Would have loved to been a fly on the wall when Bill Bassett demanded a best final offer from Cael.

This is where BAFO becomes FAFO.

 

[LB99]

USA Wrestling has restrictions on who may train at an RTC, regardless of age. Generally these are tied to having placed highly at a major USA Wrestling event at Cadet, Junior, U23, or Senior level. Mocco won U17 Worlds last year, so he met this criterion at Trials.

There are additional requirements for "Prospective Student-Athletes." The important one here is that a HS student can only participate at RTCs within 250 miles of home -- and if none are within 250 mi, then the student must apply for a USA Wrestling exemption to practice at the nearest RTC.

Mocco lives near Ft. Lauderdale. There are no RTCs in Florida. The closest is at The Citadel (Charleston SC, 550+ mi away) -- and therefore Mocco would need a USA Wrestling waiver to train at any other RTC. Such a waiver (to go a not-nearest RTC) is not noted in the USA Wrestling rules, so it's not clear if one is even an option for Mocco.

Once the HS student signs an NLI, then the proximity rule no longer applies and the student can "attend the RTC of their choice."

OT to Mocco but related: prior to signing an NLI, a HS student can train at any RTC within 250 mi of home, and can train at multiple RTCs within that radius. For example: the Raneys live in western KY and train at Illinois, even though at least 3 other programs (Indiana, Bellarmine, SIU Edwardsville) are closer to their home.

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

 

[LB99]

Eh, maybe. Dad drove a hard bargain.

Whatever Bill Bassett does or doesn't do in the future, can he possibly be a bigger PITA than Terry?

But is that what’s best for the kid? Time will tell. Will Bo reach his goals regardless of where he goes? Or do his goals and development need someone to help him get there? If it’s the second, then perhaps choosing the money wasn’t the best option. Of course, daddy dearest probably thinks Bo can obtain his goals no matter what and with his (Dad) help, so why not take the money. It should be interesting. As for Terry, his kid isn’t in the starting lineup, so he can’t be that big of a PITA.

 

[El_Jefe]

But is that what’s best for the kid? Time will tell. Will Bo reach his goals regardless of where he goes? Or do his goals and development need someone to help him get there? If it’s the second, then perhaps choosing the money wasn’t the best option. Of course, daddy dearest probably thinks Bo can obtain his goals no matter what and with his (Dad) help, so why not take the money. It should be interesting. As for Terry, his kid isn’t in the starting lineup, so he can’t be that big of a PITA.

$4.5M+ over 5 years is life-changing money. I'm not about to say that isn't what's best for the kid.

And while I agree that this isn't his best training option (jeez, just look at the HWC roster) -- the people making the decision probably think they didn't have to sacrifice wrestling goals.

Terry is a massive PITA regardless of parental status. Already in 2025 he called a ref "a--hole" (or was it "a--wipe"?) during a match. He's touched refs during matches. He's challenged parents to fights. He trash talks opposing wrestlers, coaches, and refs.

 

[BobPSU92]

Would have loved to been a fly on the wall when Bill Bassett demanded a best final offer from Cael.

Cael: My offer? 30-8.

 

[Bwifan]

I am going to say PSU lands Jax this morning... nothing other than a gut feeling.

 

[NoSoup4U]

$4.5M+ over 5 years is life-changing money. I'm not about to say that isn't what's best for the kid.

And while I agree that this isn't his best training option (jeez, just look at the HWC roster) -- the people making the decision probably think they didn't have to sacrifice wrestling goals.

Terry is a massive PITA regardless of parental status. Already in 2025 he called a ref "a--hole" (or was it "a--wipe"?) during a match. He's touched refs during matches. He's challenged parents to fights. He trash talks opposing wrestlers, coaches, and refs.

Wonder if he, would or has, trash talked to Cael's face ..... would pay real money to see that go down

 

[Bwifan]

Welp Jax to Okie St....

 

[GregPickel]

Oklahoma State it is

Jax Forrest makes his college choice: Did he pick Penn State, Oklahoma State, Iowa, or Ohio State?

Penn State was one of four finalists for top Class of 2026 wrestler Jax Forrest. Here's which college he will attend.

www.on3.com

 

[GregPickel]

Oklahoma State it is

Jax Forrest makes his college choice: Did he pick Penn State, Oklahoma State, Iowa, or Ohio State?

Penn State was one of four finalists for top Class of 2026 wrestler Jax Forrest. Here's which college he will attend.

www.on3.com

One key note here, even though it's no surprise: He tells FLO he wants to wrestle as a freshman and not sit out. Adding that he sees himself at 141 or 149 as a freshman, the path is not as clear at Penn State as it currently looks like it would be at Oklahoma State.

 

[LB99]

Welp Jax to Okie St....

Meh. No surprise.

 

[J.E.B]

Isn't Coleman Scott back in the Okie State area? I don't think there is an immediate opening when he arrives like there is for Blaze. Van Ness would be a senior when he enrolls. good luck in Stillwater.

What's the scuttlebutt on the Rainey's? and Mocco? Not sure if PSU is in on anyone else at this point with the 2026 class.

 

[LionsAndBears]

I'm glad he didn't go to Iowa. Spread the wealth amongst the competitors rather than having 1 team load up. We will still be sitting at the top with the most talented lineup in the end.

 

[JAS]

$4.5M+ over 5 years is life-changing money. I'm not about to say that isn't what's best for the kid.

And while I agree that this isn't his best training option (jeez, just look at the HWC roster) -- the people making the decision probably think they didn't have to sacrifice wrestling goals.

Terry is a massive PITA regardless of parental status. Already in 2025 he called a ref "a--hole" (or was it "a--wipe"?) during a match. He's touched refs during matches. He's challenged parents to fights. He trash talks opposing wrestlers, coaches, and re

Ok,

 

[El_Jefe]

Isn't Coleman Scott back in the Okie State area? I don't think there is an immediate opening when he arrives like there is for Blaze. Van Ness would be a senior when he enrolls. good luck in Stillwater.

What's the scuttlebutt on the Rainey's? and Mocco? Not sure if PSU is in on anyone else at this point with the 2026 class.

Scott never left Stillwater. He commuted for a while to Columbus but his family remained at OKST. He is no longer with the Ohio RTC and recently opened a youth club in Stillwater.

There was a huge falling out when he was bypassed and then not retained; I'd expect that to heal with time but IDK if it has yet.

Forrest will be the favorite to start at the weight he grows into next year, from 133-149. No way Taylor forces 125 Spratley out of the lineup. 149 Carter Young would be the toughest challenge.

Regarding the Raneys and Mocco: scroll up.

 

[El_Jefe]

I'm glad he didn't go to Iowa. Spread the wealth amongst the competitors rather than having 1 team load up. We will still be sitting at the top with the most talented lineup in the end.

OKST is the much bigger threat, with Merrill coming off shirt, Lockett + Robideau + Vega arriving in the fall, and Ross committed for 2026.

Iowa has Ferrari coming off shirt (possibly benching Arnold), Ludington + DeLuca in 2025, Bassett in 2026, and likely Miller in 2027.

I don't mind OKST getting Forrest, we're still in great shape. The split is good for us because Taylor didn't get Bassett + Miller on top of that. Not because Brands lost on Forrest.

 

[clay lion]

Good for Okie and David Taylor . Hell of a lot better than the Idiots Out Walkin Around!

 

[El_Jefe]

Quick look at 2027 -- IMO this will be another light year for us. It's not as good as 2026, both at the very top and across the board. Plus our roster.

Like I said above, the biggest names so far are either pretty much gone (Miller) or lightweights where we're stacked (Sidun, Bachmann, Kenny).

Maybe another guy advances and becomes a real candidate. But even then, tough fit with all of the talent already on board. I mean, we're tryng to figure out where World Champ Joe Sealey makes the lineup.

So next year we may have to once again settle for the 15 future national champs we already have.

 

[Linebacker_U]

Quick look at 2027 -- IMO this will be another light year for us. It's not as good as 2026, both at the very top and across the board. Plus our roster.

Like I said above, the biggest names so far are either pretty much gone (Miller) or lightweights where we're stacked (Sidun, Bachmann, Kenny).

Maybe another guy advances and becomes a real candidate. But even then, tough fit with all of the talent already on board. I mean, we're tryng to figure out where World Champ Joe Sealey makes the lineup.

So next year we may have to once again settle for the 15 future national champs we already have.

My niece goes to school with Sidun, says he is always talking about how much he wants to go to Penn State.

 

[WV lion]

I think at least the next 2 years, the talk will be, is this the best team ever?

 

[El_Jefe]

My niece goes to school with Sidun, says he is always talking about how much he wants to go to Penn State.

Good, but we'll see. Hopefully for him Cael agrees.

 

[lionlover]

Terry is a massive PITA regardless of parental status. Already in 2025 he called a ref "a--hole" (or was it "a--wipe"?) during a match. He's touched refs during matches. He's challenged parents to fights. He trash talks opposing wrestlers, coaches, and refs.

Yo @Tom McAndrew has Terry ever touched you? If so, was it a gentle touch or mean spirited? Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[lionlover]

I am going to say PSU lands Jax this morning... nothing other than a gut feeling.

You must have had gas at the time.

 

[lionlover]

OKST is the much bigger threat, with Merrill coming off shirt, Lockett + Robideau + Vega arriving in the fall, and Ross committed for 2026.

Iowa has Ferrari coming off shirt (possibly benching Arnold), Ludington + DeLuca in 2025, Bassett in 2026, and likely Miller in 2027.

I don't mind OKST getting Forrest, we're still in great shape. The split is good for us because Taylor didn't get Bassett + Miller on top of that. Not because Brands lost on Forrest.

You ought to consider doing a wrestling podcast. You know as much, or more, wrestling scuttlebutt than Flo Wrestling!

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Yo @Tom McAndrew has Terry ever touched you? If so, was it a gentle touch or mean spirited? Inquiring minds want to know...

LOL. Fortunately for me, I'm not a college wrestling ref.

I've commented over the years, when videos of him are posted, that if I had been the ref in the match shown, his actions would have resulted in a team point deduction. I caveat that with the fact that in matches in front of packed high school gyms, you (as a ref) are so focused on the wrestlers, that you're only vaguely aware of the coaches on either side, or the fans in the stands. Plus (in HS), until you get to postseason competition or certain tournaments, there isn't a 2nd official there to take notice of the antics of coaches on the sidelines (though their focus, like that of the main ref, is mostly on the wrestlers, though the 2nd ref also monitors the clock).

 

[El_Jefe]

LOL. Fortunately for me, I'm not a college wrestling ref.

I've commented over the years, when videos of him are posted, that if I had been the ref in the match shown, his actions would have resulted in a team point deduction. I caveat that with the fact that in matches in front of packed high school gyms, you (as a ref) are so focused on the wrestlers, that you're only vaguely aware of the coaches on either side, or the fans in the stands. Plus (in HS), until you get to postseason competition or certain tournaments, there isn't a 2nd official there to take notice of the antics of coaches on the sidelines (though their focus, like that of the main ref, is mostly on the wrestlers, though the 2nd ref also monitors the clock).

My caveat here is that I'm not a ref and don't know the specific rule ...

I was referencing the infamous Iowa-Illinois dual that made Deuce Rachal a household name.

Sadly I can't find video, but here's what happened: Illinois led by 5 going into HWT. Stoll needed a pin to rescue the dual. Rachal threw himself to his back, aka The Rachal, at the boundary.

Terry ran around the boundary to get a closer look at the pin, and he clearly and deliberately tapped the ref on the back as he ran past. The ref was down on the mat, checking for the fall.

IMO the ref should've stopped the match, awarded Stoll NF3, ejected Terry, and docked Iowa a team point. Terry was so far away from the Iowa bench that there was no defense for it.

If that cost Iowa the dual,

 

[Mstan85]

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/12JxBsEMtpx/. You can see a bit in this, can't tell where brands is coming from


Another angle, in a Twitter post on this page https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com...inez-brandon-sorensen-sam-stoll-brands-carver

 

[El_Jefe]

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/12JxBsEMtpx/. You can see a bit in this, can't tell where brands is coming from


Another angle, in a Twitter post on this page https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com...inez-brandon-sorensen-sam-stoll-brands-carver

Good finds!

My memory was a little off -- the Iowa bench was on that side. Terry was near the bench but clearly matside, and on the wrong side of the bodies to see the pin.

The poke was plain as day.

Hilarious that Tom grabbed Terry from behind and pulled him away before he could interfere any more.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Willie's tweet kind of puts things into perspective:

 

[WV lion]

Any truth?

 

[Gronky]

Chalk his query up to a lazy Monday afternoon, but amidst all his amazing recruiting success, I wondered who was the best recruit (non-Spencer Lee division) that Cael has really wanted & has not gone to PSU? I ask with the caveat that the recruit also went on to achieve significant success at his chosen school. Thoughts?

 

[ElDuce]

Chalk his query up to a lazy Monday afternoon, but amidst all his amazing recruiting success, I wondered who was the best recruit (non-Spencer Lee division) that Cael has really wanted & has not gone to PSU? I ask with the caveat that the recruit also went on to achieve significant success at his chosen school. Thoughts?

Zahid? O'Tool? Carr?