Ohio State wrestling star Rocco Welsh enters NCAA transfer portal, expected to commit to Penn State

Ohio State NCAA wrestling finalist Rocco Welsh entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to InterMat. Welsh stepped into the lineup in 2023-24 as a true freshman and went 24-5, en route to an appearance in the NCAA finals at 174 pounds. He fell to Penn State’s now five-time champion Carter Starocci.

Ironically, Welsh could be in line to replace Starocci in 2025-26. He’s expected to commit and sign with Penn State, according to Willie Saylor of MatScouts.

This season, Welsh was bumped up to 184 pounds as a sophomore and put into redshirt. Carson Kharchla, a senior, was slated to return from injury and go in at 174 pounds while sophomore Ryder Rogotzke manned 184 pounds. Kharchla was a top-10 seed at NCAAs but ended up going 0-2, failing to become an All-American once again

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Welsh sported an 11-0 record for Ohio State in 2024-25, wrestling unattached. He claimed Clarion Open, Cleveland State Open and Franklin and Marshall titles with nine of his 11 wins coming by bonus points.

Rocco Welsh to transfer from Ohio State

It’s certainly an eye opening situation, considering Welsh came into the season as a returning NCAA finalist. Ohio State locked in head coach Tom Ryan to a three-year contract extension as well. The head coach also dispelled any rumors that Welsh would look to transfer earlier this season. Now, that is no longer the case.

Carly Grimshaw Rusnov, senior associate athletics director for compliance and the sport administrator for wrestling, released a statement. Regarded as one of the best coaches in the sport, Ryan is at least here to stay.

“We are excited to announce Tom has accepted a contract extension to continue leading our wrestling program,” Grimshaw Rusnov said prior to the season. “Tom is an exceptional leader and has demonstrated a strong commitment to our student-athletes, both on and off the mat. This extension is well deserved and we are confident that Tom’s vision for the program will continue to elevate Buckeye wrestling in the future.” 

Going into his 19th season at Ohio State, Ryan was thankful he’ll pass the two decade mark at the school.

“Columbus is a special city and the Ohio State Athletics Department brings a sense of community, connection and pride,” Ryan said. “It has been a blessing for my wife and me to raise our children here and to be given the sustained trust in building a championship wrestling program.”