Michigan State wrestler Chase Saldate plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

Michigan State wrestler Chase Saldate plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to a statement on Twitter.

Saldate spent four years with the Spartans and will have one year of eligibility remaining. The California native was a four-time NCAA qualifier and made it to the Blood Round last season.

He released a statement regarding his intentions for his final season.

“With careful consideration, I’ve decided to enter the Transfer Portal for my final year of eligibility in college wrestling,” Saldate wrote. “After four amazing years at Michigan State University, filled with irreplaceable memories and bonds that will last a lifetime, this decision marks a new phase in my journey.

“This move was made after thoughtful discussions with my family and is about embracing new opportunities ahead. To my Spartan brothers, thank you for everything. Here’s to facing new challenges and seizing every opportunity that comes my way. #NewBeginnings #NextChapter #onemoreyear.”

Saldate went 82-33 in four years at Michigan State and made it to NCAAs each season. However, he went 0-2 this year in Kansas City at 157 pounds (his career weight).

After losing in the first round of the 2023 tournament, Saldate won three matches in a row to make it to the Blood Round. But he lost to Virginia Tech’s Bryce Andonian, falling one match shy of All-American status.

He wrestled at Gilroy (Calif.) High prior to high school, coached by former two-weight UFC champion Daniel Cormier.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The NCAA Transfer Portal, which covers every NCAA sport at the Division I, II and III levels, is a private database with names of student-athletes who wish to transfer. It is not accessible to the public.

The process of entering the portal is done through a school’s compliance office. Once a player provides written notification of an intent to transfer, the office enters the player’s name in the database and everything is off and running. The compliance office has 48 hours to comply with the player’s request and that request cannot be refused.