Former Michigan State wrestler Chase Saldate commits to Michigan

Chase Saldate committed to Michigan out of the transfer portal, the former Michigan State wrestler revealed on Twitter.

“I’m Excited to announce my commitment to the University of Michigan,” Saldate wrote. “Thank you to everyone at Michigan State University it was a great 4 years. I’m excited for this next chapter of chasing my dreams. #GoBlue.”

A career 157 pounder, Saldate will presumably replace Will Lewan, a former two-time All-American for the Wolverines. However, the latter did not place on the podium this past season.

Saldate actually lost 4-3 to Lewan in this year’s NCAA Tournament and was 2-5 against Lewan in his career. Joining the Michigan room could level up Saldate’s game going into his graduate year.

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.