How did Penn State land Masanosuke Ono and Rocco Welsh this offseason? Cael Sanderson discusses the additions

Penn State added plenty of star power to its roster this offseason ahead of the 2025-2026 season. Two of the newcomers, freshman Marcus Blaze and PJ Duke, are part of the nation’s No. 1 Class of 2025 and are expected to start at 133 and 157 pounds, respectively. Then, there are two other headline additions: Masanosuke Ono and Rocco Welsh. The former is a Japanese superstar and world champ who has junior eligibility. He is likely to redshirt this year. The latter is a Pa. native and former Ohio State All-American who transferred and will start at 184 pounds.

Speaking at the team’s media day on Monday, head coach Cael Sanderson described how Penn State went about adding both, starting with Ono.

“I think he really likes it here,” Sanderson said. “But, you know, I can’t speak for him, but it was just one of those deals where he was scheduled, that he was coming in here to train, and then it kind of, it looked like, I think he went to maybe our first match, or wasn’t our first match, but when he was here, went to a match, and kind of wanted to see if there was any way he could wrestle here, and it just kind of went from there.

“It was a lot of work, a lot of work on his part to make it happen. But yeah, he loves folk style, right? He spent time trying to get better on the mat, which he’s doing very well. That’s just him, just being a competitor and just loving the sport. He’s a great wrestler, great energy, just a good person, and we’re grateful that he’s on our team.”

Penn State picked up Rocco Welsh but lost Zack Ryder

Many thought Zack Ryder would be the replacement for Carter Starocci had 184 pounds. However, Welsh hit the portal and ended up leaving Columbus for Penn State. That, in turn, led Ryder to hit the portal and go to Oklahoma State with David Taylor.

“Very difficult couple of days,” Sanderson said. “You just have to make a decision. He’s a PA kid and had a lot of interest in Penn State. Wrestles hard. Is tough. And so made a decision to get him, and he has been a great blessing. I mean, fits right in with our mentality. He’s very humble kid, just very motivated, hard working, obviously, extremely talented, great competitor. So, yeah, it was tough, you know, but it was a great decision. We love him.”