ONO

[jtothemfp]

All this speculation is driving me nuts. Most of it is coming from a position of ignorance.

I just hope the kid gets on the mat and shows, one way or the other, how good he can be in Folk.

Agreed, which is why Byers saying, this morning, that "I think fans will be very happy with what they see Thursday night against Bloomsburg."

and

"I think he's just going to get going and make sure he at least gets the most out of this season, which he knows he does have, and then we'll go from there."

is so compelling!

I mean, that from Byers *has to eclipse all the no-info, misinfo & disinfo out there, right?

 

[dicemen99]

To hear Desmond got "both" a reversal and a rideout is not a glowing endorsement for Ono's mat wrestling, especially up a weight. Granted room familiarity and all of that.....

Reversal and rideout - in the same period. It happens a lot.

In case you are not familiar with him - and it's you, so you're not - Desmond is very good on top.

This is not to say that Ono won't struggle with some of the top guys when he is on bottom - but that is also true of 97% of all wrestlers, including NC level guys. It is to say that nothing that happened in the wrestle off seems too surprising and certainly not worth a full page screed.

 

[jtothemfp]

Reversal and rideout - in the same period. It happens a lot.

In case you are not familiar with him - and it's you, so you're not - Desmond is very good on top.

This is not to say that Ono won't struggle with some of the top guys when he is on bottom - but that is also true of 97% of all wrestlers, including NC level guys. It is to say that nothing that happened in the wrestle off seems too surprising and certainly not worth a full page screed.

I like that his ball-knower mom even suggests Desmond should have chosen Top:

 

[vhsalum]

I like that his ball-knower mom even suggests Desmond should have chosen Top:

View attachment 1524892

 

[ElDuce]

Ono at 141 reminds me of mark hall at 174, challenged vertically, snaller than most of his opponents, Zahid length was an isuue, always thought Hall would have been better at 165. I know, in Cael we trust.

 

[zzs006]

I think Marcus at 141 is the favorite. He does well against Bassett and 141 isn’t nearly as tough as 133. I wonder if he has a bad taste in his mouth about last year and wants to get those matches back. We shall find out soon hopefully

 

[WexfordWarrior]

Reversal and rideout - in the same period. It happens a lot.

In case you are not familiar with him - and it's you, so you're not - Desmond is very good on top.

This is not to say that Ono won't struggle with some of the top guys when he is on bottom - but that is also true of 97% of all wrestlers, including NC level guys. It is to say that nothing that happened in the wrestle off seems too surprising and certainly not worth a full page screed.

 

[Joejitsu]

Ono will have a big advantage on his feet... we will see how the season plays out but he is fast, strong and other worldly defense!

 

[McScoreley]

Exactly. I just want to see it. Jax is probably going to torture him in the scrambles. He may be able to blow through Seidel on a few takedowns though.

Plus - Bassett needs some competition - and Blaze is his last domestic loss.

So funny thing is we do have a point of reference. Jax and Seidel both wrestled Reineri Andreu Ortega, who is a very decorated free wrestler with no folk experience. Ono is a superior athlete and wrestler to Ortega.

Neutral did translate, Seidel was down 3-1 after 1. But he took top and got 2 turns and got pinned on the second before the period expired. Would have been 9-3 otherwise and that's pretty insurmountable. One thing also discussed before is Seidel is a funky folk scrambler, he beat Blaze rolling through his back last year but was not close to his own takedown. It's not easy to take Seidel down though in general.

Jax did not take top (probably because he viewed it as a learning experience in a match that didn't count) and won a scramble I think to win 4-0. I suspect in a NCAA match vs Ono, he's taking top and trying to run the ball and chain over and over.

Here's my take on Ono, he has to take bottom as often as possible in regular season. Take a loss or several from it if you need. Getting experience is way more important than seed. Enter tournaments and take bottom. There's no practice like a real match where you know every opponent would love the chance to beat you. People say "he'll get practice in the room", no matter what, teammates (even if they're trying) is not the same thing.

 

[Goggles Paisano]

Reversal and rideout - in the same period. It happens a lot.

In case you are not familiar with him - and it's you, so you're not - Desmond is very good on top.

This is not to say that Ono won't struggle with some of the top guys when he is on bottom - but that is also true of 97% of all wrestlers, including NC level guys. It is to say that nothing that happened in the wrestle off seems too surprising and certainly not worth a full page screed.

 

[Efejle]

So, hang on....in his first wrestling match, up a weight at 141, against Nate Desmond, the preseason #15 or so ranked guy...Ono won 6-4 but gave up a reversal, followed by a ride out? The "ride out" clearly not being more than 30-45 seconds. Then Ono won the match in the third.

Yep. Absolutely time to freak out

 

[a_mshaffer]

If Masa Ono is really good in folk style this year, my favorite pivot for haters will be the inevitable - why are we letting foreigners take the spot of American kids in college!!!!!

name a sport where this isn't so? Especially olympic sports

 

[Corby2]

So, hang on....in his first wrestling match, up a weight at 141, against Nate Desmond, the preseason #15 or so ranked guy...Ono won 6-4 but gave up a reversal, followed by a ride out? The "ride out" clearly not being more than 30-45 seconds. Then Ono won the match in the third.

Yep. Absolutely time to freak out

Are we sure the match was at 141? Both guys did cert 133 so did Blaze

 

[JoeBagobagels]

Are we sure the match was at 141? Both guys did cert 133 so did Blaze

I did hear it was at 141.

 

[Efejle]

I did hear it was at 141.

Shoulder shrug

 

[Ernie Ladd]

I took a couple of things from the Byers interview:

(a) Not sure that we will see Blaze on Thursday. Almost sounds like a ramp-up period.
(b) No mention of Braeden Davis.

 

[dicemen99]

I took a couple of things from the Byers interview:

(a) Not sure that we will see Blaze on Thursday. Almost sounds like a ramp-up period.
(b) No mention of Braeden Davis.

I don't think there has been an announcement, but my expectation is that Davis is not currently in play for a starting role on the team (I think that should be the correct wording).

 

[dbldoofus]

I don't think there has been an announcement, but my expectation is that Davis is not currently in play for a starting role on the team (I think that should be the correct wording).

Davis still has a Red Shirt, too. Even with all the noise around him, keep that in mind.

 

[z28lt1]

Davis still has a Red Shirt, too. Even with all the noise around him, keep that in mind.

That's not a thing anymore....

 

[vhsalum]

That's not a thing anymore....

It is if you chose to have it.

 

[McScoreley]

I think redshirt is a term that's just hard not to say. Similar to saying two when it's three. It's semantics.

But yes, you can "redshirt" but it doesn't mean anything other than that you're not the starter and lost a year. It used to mean you're not using a year of eligibility but you had 5 for 4 anyays. Now you're using a year but you still have 4 when the dust settles.

There are some beneifts, I think you can wrestle attached at tournaments, which allows the school to pay for your costs directly and also I think there's insurance stipulations and all that stuff. Also, the free dates for freshman is no longer a thing, you can just keep wrestling since the year counts regardless and you can do it for everyone now, not just freshman.

 

[vhsalum]

I think redshirt is a term that's just hard not to say. Similar to saying two when it's three. It's semantics.

But yes, you can "redshirt" but it doesn't mean anything other than that you're not the starter and lost a year. It used to mean you're not using a year of eligibility but you had 5 for 4 anyays. Now you're using a year but you still have 4 when the dust settles.

There are some beneifts, I think you can wrestle attached at tournaments, which allows the school to pay for your costs directly and also I think there's insurance stipulations and all that stuff. Also, the free dates for freshman is no longer a thing, you can just keep wrestling since the year counts regardless and you can do it for everyone now, not just freshman.

No, no, no.

All students enrolled prior to 2026-2027, could choose the "old" system or the new. You could use a redshirt, medshirt but you only get 4 years to compete.

 

[McScoreley]

No, no, no.

All students enrolled prior to 2026-2027, could choose the "old" system or the new. You could use a redshirt, medshirt but you only get 4 years to compete.

I know about the "opt in" rules but why would you opt into the old rules unless you have a medshirt? Are Olympic Redshirts still a thing? I thought they got rid of those.

I'll use two examples:

Luke Lilledahl, he never redshirted. Why would he opt into the old rules? He basically has 3 years to compete now. If he wants to "redshirt", he can just sit a year as a nonstarter no?

Tyler Kasak is another example, he already redshirted last year. What difference does it make if he opts into the new or old rules.

If he opts into the new rules, he has 2 years left to compete (since last year counts since he's been in college for 3 years)
If he opts into the old rules, he has 2 years left to compete.

 

[vhsalum]

I know about the "opt in" rules but why would you opt into the old rules unless you have a medshirt? Are Olympic Redshirts still a thing? I thought they got rid of those.

I'll use two examples:

Luke Lilledahl, he never redshirted. Why would he opt into the old rules? He basically has 3 years to compete now. If he wants to "redshirt", he can just sit a year as a nonstarter no?

Tyler Kasak is another example, he already redshirted last year. What difference does it make if he opts into the new or old rules.

If he opts into the new rules, he has 2 years left to compete (since last year counts since he's been in college for 3 years)
If he opts into the old rules, he has 2 years left to compete.

I agree with you, and definitely doesn't make sense. But it does exist.

Now try to get Cael to tell us which he picked.

 

[BriantheLion]

I took a couple of things from the Byers interview:

(a) Not sure that we will see Blaze on Thursday. Almost sounds like a ramp-up period.
(b) No mention of Braeden Davis.

So then we may see Ono/Desmond or Desmond/Ono

No, no, no.

All students enrolled prior to 2026-2027, could choose the "old" system or the new. You could use a redshirt, medshirt but you only get 4 years to compete.

Davis has gone 3/3 so far… whether he uses this year or not, he has next year, then is done.

 

[McScoreley]

I agree with you, and definitely doesn't make sense. But it does exist.

Now try to get Cael to tell us which he picked.

The only way I see it making sense is if opting into the old rules mean you can continue to apply for medshirts indefinitely (for example if you get hurt 2028-2029, you can get it back) but I was told there was a deadline for that also.

But an example that would make sense, Connor Mirasola qualified for a medshirt last year since he got hurt against Wyoming and didn't wrestle again. He can opt into the old rules and get the year back.

 

[McScoreley]

Everyone will take top on Ono this year, there really isn't a path to score on him otherwise.

The way I see it, it's 2 paths
1. Rollthrough his takedowns with a leg pass (definitely possible)
2. Take top and turn him

If Ono wants to just stand in front of you and control center, it's almost impossible to take him down and if he controls center, he's not going to get a ton of stall calls. The only person who has taken Ono down is Marcus and Ono 100% just conceded it up 7-0 after Marcus got an ankle with like 2 seconds left (almost seemed like a friendly thing like "you worked hard, you can have it") Uguev couldn't, Vito couldn't, Spencer couldn't when Ono was sucked down a bit.

I would not be shocked to see Ono be kind of a "boring" folk wrestler and just play chess matches to win.

 

[Corby2]

Everyone will take top on Ono this year, there really isn't a path to score on him otherwise.

The way I see it, it's 2 paths
1. Rollthrough his takedowns with a leg pass (definitely possible)
2. Take top and turn him

If Ono wants to just stand in front of you and control center, it's almost impossible to take him down and if he controls center, he's not going to get a ton of stall calls. The only person who has taken Ono down is Marcus and Ono 100% just conceded it up 7-0 after Marcus got an ankle with like 2 seconds left (almost seemed like a friendly thing like "you worked hard, you can have it") Uguev couldn't, Vito couldn't, Spencer couldn't when Ono was sucked down a bit.

I would not be shocked to see Ono be kind of a "boring" folk wrestler and just play chess matches to win.

Jax and Seidel obviously on top are gonna be problems for everyone. Besides those guys Knox and Willochell are funky and long

 

[Joejitsu]

Everyone will take top on Ono this year, there really isn't a path to score on him otherwise.

The way I see it, it's 2 paths
1. Rollthrough his takedowns with a leg pass (definitely possible)
2. Take top and turn him

If Ono wants to just stand in front of you and control center, it's almost impossible to take him down and if he controls center, he's not going to get a ton of stall calls. The only person who has taken Ono down is Marcus and Ono 100% just conceded it up 7-0 after Marcus got an ankle with like 2 seconds left (almost seemed like a friendly thing like "you worked hard, you can have it") Uguev couldn't, Vito couldn't, Spencer couldn't when Ono was sucked down a bit.

I would not be shocked to see Ono be kind of a "boring" folk wrestler and just play chess matches to win.

Ono...looks incredibly strong and maybe be difficult to dominate from the top position. Plus.. hard to believe that with SVN and others riding him every day.. that he hasnt improved. Also.... I agree... I see him being a boring but dominant folk style wrestler. Ono with a take down can win most matches

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

Everyone will take top on Ono this year, there really isn't a path to score on him otherwise.

The way I see it, it's 2 paths
1. Rollthrough his takedowns with a leg pass (definitely possible)
2. Take top and turn him

If Ono wants to just stand in front of you and control center, it's almost impossible to take him down and if he controls center, he's not going to get a ton of stall calls. The only person who has taken Ono down is Marcus and Ono 100% just conceded it up 7-0 after Marcus got an ankle with like 2 seconds left (almost seemed like a friendly thing like "you worked hard, you can have it") Uguev couldn't, Vito couldn't, Spencer couldn't when Ono was sucked down a bit.

I would not be shocked to see Ono be kind of a "boring" folk wrestler and just play chess matches to win.

Ono's height will be helpful to defend against leg passes.

 

[Nitlion1986]

It is if you chose to have it.

If you have 3 years in without a redshirt, you still have 2 years. You can use both years, there is no need for a redshirt.

Sorry, I posted immediately after reading and didn't see the follow-up posts until after I posted this.

 

[J.E.B]

Ono is a PSU treasure who will entertain. A instant fan favorite and great for the sport. Must be nice to only worry about being turned while on bottom. The guy’s a fire hydrant. Good luck trying to ride and turn a mass of muscle.

He has been training with the best for over a year. I suspect he will do quite well. Besides he’ll probably have a couple TDs in the first period. Riding time will be of no value if you are behind by 3-4 pts.

 

[FlyingLion]

Definitely like the idea of Ono at 133 over 141.

As long as the cut in under control, he will have much more horsepower in relation to the field which will come in handy from down position. Also will have fewer "tall" guys to deal with.

It will be nice to see him finally compete for PSU after two years of discussing.

 

[Cstroke]

I'm sure Ono is getting worked from top in the room, I don't think there is anyone in the Ncaa's better than the "retired" dudes he's rolling with daily.

 

[jtothemfp]

I'm sure Ono is getting worked from top in the room, I don't think there is anyone in the Ncaa's better than the "retired" dudes he's rolling with daily.

Ahem, Casey Cunningham is not at all retired.

 

[SJP80]

Everyone will take top on Ono this year, there really isn't a path to score on him otherwise.

The way I see it, it's 2 paths
1. Rollthrough his takedowns with a leg pass (definitely possible)
2. Take top and turn him

If Ono wants to just stand in front of you and control center, it's almost impossible to take him down and if he controls center, he's not going to get a ton of stall calls. The only person who has taken Ono down is Marcus and Ono 100% just conceded it up 7-0 after Marcus got an ankle with like 2 seconds left (almost seemed like a friendly thing like "you worked hard, you can have it") Uguev couldn't, Vito couldn't, Spencer couldn't when Ono was sucked down a bit.

I would not be shocked to see Ono be kind of a "boring" folk wrestler and just play chess matches to win.

Conversely, instead of being a boring folkstyle wrestler, couldn’t he take the more typical PSU approach and use the first period to rack up 3-4 takedowns and releases, go into the second up 12-3, and potentially be just a couple takedowns away from a tech fall? Especially if one of his biggest strengths is getting to guys’ legs.

That seems a lot more fun to me than hand fighting and holding center, which actually plays into the only real way some of these guys can beat him: turning it into a one-takedown match.

 

[TwoJoints]

Ono...looks incredibly strong and maybe be difficult to dominate from the top position. Plus.. hard to believe that with SVN and others riding him every day.. that he hasnt improved. Also.... I agree... I see him being a boring but dominant folk style wrestler. Ono with a take down can win most matches

Can’t wait to see him double arm bar someone and then take his time to methodically walk around the head!

 

[watoos]

I'm sure Ono is getting worked from top in the room, I don't think there is anyone in the Ncaa's better than the "retired" dudes he's rolling with daily.

I heard (not really) that Z-Pain put the double boots on him and parallel rode him and it only took him 45 minutes to escape.

 

[Honcho]

I'm excited to see Ono finally get his opportunity. In my mind I keep going back to Ono vs Davino in RAF. Neither were really close to scoring a TD. Ono won with 3 push outs and a shot clock point. While I'm simply stating the obvious, his matches against the elite very well could come down to him being able to escape. It makes me nervous, but nervous in the best kind of fan way.

 

[Sir Pin Alot]

The hype surrounding Ono is only surpassed by my desire to see the season start. I cannot wait to see him making pretzels out of his opponents.