Two-time Pennsylvania state champion Conner Harer commits to Rutgers

Two-time Pennsylvania state champion Conner Harer committed to Rutgers University Thursday, making him one of the highest rated recruits reeled in by the Scarlet Knights.

Harer is ranked No. 4 in the country at 150 pounds and is just a junior. The Class of 2024 hammer is 136-5 in his high school career and chose Rutgers over some other solid wrestling programs.

He even decided on the state school of New Jersey over the national champions.

“I was looking at Penn State, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Pitt, Lehigh, Bucknell and Princeton,” Harer said, via PA Power Wrestling. “I took time in the offseason to experience the process, but in-season I had a job to complete and didn’t want any distractions.”

As far as the Big Ten programs, Penn State and Purdue were in on the Montgomery (Pa.) star. But Rutgers was the final choice for Harer.

“After much thought, I will be continuing my athletic and academic career at Rutgers University!,” Harer wrote on Instagram. “The recruiting process was an amazing experience and opened my eyes, but no place stands out like Rutgers. I’m beyond stoked for the next chapter, but it wouldn’t be possible without ALL of my family, friends, coaches, and mentors. Can’t wait to chase and achieve more goals at the next level!”

Harer didn’t stop with his high school season in 2022-23. At the NHSCA National Tournament, he finished 1st at 152 pounds in the junior bracket. That national high school tournament is split into high school classes freshman through senior.

It only gets better. Four of Harer’s five career losses came as a freshman. 

If he’s already a high school national champion, an NCAA champion goal has to be on his mind. Rutgers has two national champions in program history: Anthony Ashnault and Nick Suriano, both in 2019.

“When I first visited Rutgers, I had the gut feeling that this was my new home,” Harer said. “I was treated great by the coaching staff and team. We are like-minded and have big goals to achieve, and with coaching and support, Rutgers allows us to surpass those goals.”

A closer to home school like Penn State, produced five national finalists in 2023 and two national champions.

The team also won its 10th national title under Cael Sanderson since 2010.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the On3 YouTube channel today for all of the latest news on college football, recruiting, NIL, more! 

But, Harer will see the Nittany Lions from across the mat beginning in 2024-25.