World Champion Masanosuke Ono Joins Penn State Wrestling in a Shocking Move
Just days after Penn State Wrestling dominated the NCAA tournament and etched its name into the record books, the program has landed one of the most surprising and impressive commitments in recent memory.
Masanosuke Ono, the 20-year-old reigning world champion from Japan, is officially joining the Nittany Lions. Ono’s explosive performance at the Senior Freestyle World Championships last October turned heads worldwide. His path to the 61kg title included stunning victories over Olympic champion Zavur Uguev and defending world champ, Team USA’s Vito Arujau, showcasing his elite athleticism and razor-sharp technique.
Following his triumph, Ono hinted at his future plans in an interview, stating in broken English that he intended to train at Penn State. What initially seemed like a short-term training stint with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club (NLWC) has now turned into something much bigger. After months of speculation, Ono confirmed on FloWrestling Radio Live and later on Instagram that he will be competing for Penn State’s Folkstyle team.
What Does This Mean for Penn State?
Ono’s decision is unprecedented. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented freestyle wrestlers of his age group—and now, he is stepping into the world of collegiate Folkstyle wrestling for the first time. His commitment raises plenty of questions.
- How long will he stay? Even Ono himself isn’t entirely sure.
- What weight will he compete at? He joked that he could wrestle anywhere from 125 to 157 pounds, though 133 or 141 seems most likely.
- How will he adapt? The transition from Freestyle to Folkstyle is significant. While Ono’s par terre dominance is undeniable, the ability to escape from bottom position—a crucial skill in Folkstyle—remains a major unknown.
Despite these uncertainties, there’s no denying that Ono’s arrival makes an already dominant Penn State program even more dangerous. Head coach Cael Sanderson and his staff now have an elite international talent stepping into their finely tuned system, adding yet another weapon to their arsenal.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Ono’s development and how he fits into Penn State’s loaded lineup. One thing is for sure—this move shakes up the college wrestling landscape in a way few could have predicted.