Will Betancourt opens up about transferring to Penn State wrestling; what does it mean for the Lions?

Penn State wrestling has made a transfer portal splash just days after winning another NCAA Championship.

Former Pennsylvania state champion Will Betancourt, who has wrestled collegiately for Lock Haven and Ohio State, announced on social media Tuesday that the Nittany Lions will be the next team he wrestles for.

While 133 pounds was his weight class with the Buckeyes, Betancourt will fight for a spot at 125 for head coach Cael Sanderson’s team. He is expected to be immediately eligible to compete during the 2022-2023 season.

“I loved the environment and the people [at Ohio State], but just in order for me to reach my goals, I felt like I needed to be somewhere else and at a better weight class for me to compete, which was at 125,” Betancourt said.

A three-time Class AAA place winner and gold medalist as a senior, Betancourt signed with Lock Haven out of Manheim Central High School in Nov. 2019. However, he never wrestled for the school and later transferred to Ohio State before the 2021 season started. As a Buckeye, he participated mostly in tournaments and compiled a 15-6 record in 2021, per WrestleStat. He dropped his own two dual meet opportunities of the year by major decision against Dylan Ragusin of Michigan and by technical fall to Ravon Foley of Michigan State.

How did Penn State land Betancourt?

Betancourt told BWI that he enjoyed his time at Ohio State. But, after a conversation with his family, he realized 125 was the best weight class for him. He said it is where he feels best and is also closer to the 57 kilograms (125.6 pounds) he competes at for the Puerto Rico national team.

After entering the NCAA Transfer Portal about a month ago, Betancourt connected with Penn State associate head coach Cody Sanderson. He said the Lions were looking to make an addition at 125. As a Pa., native, Betancourt said he always dreamed about competing in a blue and white singlet. So, the decision was made quickly.

“I look at it as a great blessing and great opportunity to take advantage of all these great wrestlers,” Betancourt said. “Some of the best wrestlers in the world are training there. I’ve always been close with [133-pounder] Roman Bravo-Young, [125-pounder] Gary Steen, [184-pounder] Aaron Brooks, guys that I’ve looked up to since I was younger.

“Then, just like the environment and the culture, I feel like just getting there, and possibly having an impact right away on the team and setting the tone right away at 125, that’s my goal. I want to go in there and make an impact at 125 and be that guy.”

Betancourt plans to enroll at Penn State for the first summer semester.

What is the Lions’ outlook at 125 in 2022-2023?

Penn State is starting over at 125. Drew Hildebrandt, who joined the team back in January, is out of eligibility after just one semester with the Nittany Lions.

The competition to replace him figures to be fierce. Hildebrandt was added because Robbie Howard, who was the expected starter back in November, was dealing with an injury. It’s unclear where he is in the recovery process, but it’d be a surprise if he’s not a factor in the battle. Then, there’s also the aforementioned Gary Steen, a two-time Pa., state champ who went 5-5 in open competition this past season. Baylor Shunk, who Hildebrandt replaced as the starter, is expected back as well.

“It’s so awesome, and motivating, just stepping in there and, no matter what, I’m going to be friends with Gary, I’m going to be friends with Robbie Howard; we’re scrapping for a spot, but we’re teammates at the end of the day and we always want the best for each other,” Betancourt said.

“Whoever wins, they were the best guy that day. They deserve the spot. They did everything right. You know, it’s on you. We’re always going to have each other’s back. I love how deep it is. I love how you’re going to have competition in the room and if you win the starting job, you’re probably going to be ready to win a national title.”