Penn State wrestling weekend roundup: 3 former Lions win Saturday; 3 commits at Clarion Open today

Three former Penn State wrestlers picked up victories while debuting at their new schools on Saturday. Aurelius Dunbar, Zack Ryder, and David Evans all left the Lions via the transfer portal following the 2024-2025 national championship season. Each has a starting role at his new school and is starting off on the right foot.

We’ll start with Dunbar. A career backup at Penn State who wrestled just 20 matches in blue and white, he left for Duke. The redshirt senior from Greencastle beat two of his Blue Devils teammates in wrestle-offs last month to win the 165-pound starting job. However, on Saturday, he dropped down to 157 pounds to help his team beat Sacred Heart 19-18. Dunbar beat AJ Falcone by decision, 4-2.

“After a scoreless first period, Dunbar collected a takedown to take a 3-1 lead,” Duke writes in a news release. “With the match even, 3-3, Dunbar escaped and a forced a second stalling call on Falcon to close with a 4-2 decision.”

Moving across the country to Utah Valley, senior David Evans won the 149-pound job during wrestle-offs in October. Then, he won his first match with a thrilling throw to help beat Aden Valencia while lifting his team over Stanford.

“Evans and Valencia treated the crowd to a thrilling bout between two ranked foes,” UVU writes in a news release. “Valencia scored a takedown in each of the first two periods and led 7-2 after two. Evans escaped 12 seconds into the third and quickly converted a takedown to make it 7-6. He cut Valencia with 1:15 remaining to set up the final flurry.

“A head throw from Evans with just under 13 seconds left gave him a 9-8 lead, and the near fall added four more for a 13-8 victory.”

More: Penn State wrestler Tyler Kasak enters Bill Farrell Open; does it signal PJ Duke will start as a freshman?

Last but certainly not least, Zack Ryder, who moved on from Penn State to David Taylor’s Oklahoma State program this offseason, beat Maryland’s Jaxon Smith by major decision, 14-4.

Three commits take on the Clarion Open today

Three Penn State wrestling commitments will be the latest high school wrestlers to try and win the Clarion Open.

Norwin, Pa., junior and Class of 2027 commit Landon Sidun is already 1-0 as of 9:30 a.m. Wrestling in the 125-pound bracket, he beat Perrysburg, Ohio junior and fellow top Class of 2027 commit Grey Burnett in round one. He faces Shay Korhorn of Bellarmarine College in Round 2. The winner will likely see Ohio State’s Brendan McCrone in the quarters.

Delbarton, N.J., Class of 2026 commit Jayden James is in the 165-pound weight class. He will start his tournament against fellow Delbarton native Alessio Perentin. Perentin beat him 4-1 to send James into the consolation bracket. Class of 2026 Penn State commit Sam Herring is also there at 141 pounds after losing his opener to Elijah Cortez by major decision, 10-1.

Follow live updates for both future Nittany Lions inside The Wrestling Room forum.