Transfer Portal 2026 + Other team movements

[Kiddagger311]

That is so painfully true for VT!

I am a PSU guy from birth (parents lived in Boalsburg and had season tickets to all sports for many years) who came up watching Prescott, Kolat, McCoy, etc and have lived in Virginia since 1996. I have watched the emergence of the VT program (my son is a 2012 VT grad) and I think everyone is selling them short this year. I will always bleed blue and white but I think they (VT) have 6 top 3 contenders and 4-5 of them could challenge for a title...

125 Ventresca
133 Seidel
141 Bassett
149/157 Henson
149/157 Gaj
165/174 Miller

and I would not rule out Burton as a top 4 sleeper.

This is a formidable lineup!

What’s the best case scenario for VT? Any realistic chance for 2nd?

 

[Sportfan2017]

Really good chance he's paying about 1/4 of the mortgage by renting the extra bedrooms to teammates.

Matt Brown did that years ago -- bought a house in State College and rented to some of his teammates. Though IIRC he did it in his first year after graduating (can't remember the exact timing, might have been his SR year).

Merrill can then sell the house when he leaves Stilly. It's a college town, so there will be a market for it, probably at a profit.

How do we know he bought a nice home? He may have got a rusty trailer on Meth Lane because Slumlord Bob gave him a discount. Then again, maybe not....

 

[Goggles Paisano]

Wrestlestat projections:

1 Penn State 159.9
2 Oklahoma State 115.3
3 Nebraska 91.5
4 Ohio State 60.3
5 Iowa 59.6
6 Virginia Tech 59
7 Stanford 58.3
8 Missouri 53.3
9 Minnesota 49.3

With Penn State and Oklahoma State clearly 1 &2 and Nebraska 30 pts above the crowd (20 pts of transfers), teams 4-7 are all clustered around 60 points. VT 59 pts does not include any points for Bo Bassett.

Yep, and how many points is Oky St. Getting from Ross? They will be way higher than 115.

 

[Acacia]

Yep, and how many points is Oky St. Getting from Ross? They will be way higher than 115.

Agree. None of the true freshman have any value in Wrestlestat at this point.

My point is that VT is definitely in the running for a trophy this year...

 

[HOA242n!]

How do we know he bought a nice home? He may have got a rusty trailer on Meth Lane because Slumlord Bob gave him a discount. Then again, maybe not....

This may be true. I have a cousin that just bought 19 acres, with a home and barn, not too far from Stillwater. I was absolutely floored how cheap it was. I'd never want to live there.

 

[LittleJ]

This may be true. I have a cousin that just bought 19 acres, with a home and barn, not too far from Stillwater. I was absolutely floored how cheap it was. I'd never want to live there.

Few do or the prices would be much higher.

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

This may be true. I have a cousin that just bought 19 acres, with a home and barn, not too far from Stillwater. I was absolutely floored how cheap it was. I'd never want to live there.

Same as San Diego. Homes are so cheap here

 

[BaccaFarmer]

I know what many of you are saying about VTech... it is a prove it approach and I get it. Heck I said the same thing about what Lehigh was building out there a couple of years ago. Then injuries and redshirts and chaos happened and it never came to fruition. Never thought they could knock PSU off but felt like they could have jumped into the top 5 with some degree of consistency.

It fell apart but I do think this with VTech is different. Feel like There is a ton of talent up and down the lineup and even an injury here or there and / or a underperfomer here or there... still leaves the easily a top 10 team... and probably better

Still not ready to compete for the top 2 spots but 3-7 should be realistic for them!

Long time PSU season tix holder, but, I live near VT and attend all their matches that don’t conflict with ours. There a lot of quiet confidence in Blacksburg about the buildout of their wrestling team. I mentioned to some VT faithful that BO likes the money and has shown that social media presence is high on his list of priorities. I opined that he might bolt if things don’t work out perfect or bigger offer comes along. My VT friends said: “oh no that won’t happen because we have a big war chest”. I let it go and wished them the best. In the meantime, a lot of elite wrestlers want to be on the same team as BB.

 

[Cali_Nittany1]

What’s the best case scenario for VT? Any realistic chance for 2nd?

For 2nd, chances are

3rd is within the realm of possibility.

 

[backdrft76-1]

 

[El_Jefe]

With Taylor at 157, assuming Shapiro bounces Araujo at 165.

This puts Nebraska within sniffing range of OKST. The Pokes should still finish 2nd, but with not a ton of margin.

Returning NCAA points:

#	Team	Pts	Not included
1​	Penn State	155.0​	Ono, Desmond, Kasak, Henckel, James
2​	Oklahoma State	109.5​	Raney, Ross
3​	Nebraska	99.5​	Cochran, Ziola
4​	Stanford	78.5​
5​	Iowa	58.5​	DeLuca, Ludington, imports
6​	Ohio State	54.5​	Shaw
7​	Virginia Tech	51.5​	Bassett, Burton

 

[Corby2]

With Taylor at 157, assuming Shapiro bounces Araujo at 165.

This puts Nebraska within sniffing range of OKST. The Pokes should still finish 2nd, but with not a ton of margin.

Returning NCAA points:

#	Team	Pts	Not included
1​	Penn State	155.0​	Ono, Desmond, Kasak, Henckel, James
2​	Oklahoma State	109.5​	Raney, Ross
3​	Nebraska	99.5​	Cochran, Ziola
4​	Stanford	78.5​
5​	Iowa	58.5​	DeLuca, Ludington, imports
6​	Ohio State	54.5​	Shaw
7​	Virginia Tech	51.5​	Bassett, Burton

Raney at 141 would be a cut and Jamison is no slouch. Gotta add Henson back for VA tech as well

 

[El_Jefe]

Raney at 141 would be a cut and Jamison is no slouch. Gotta add Henson back for VA tech as well

Henson's most recent NCAA points are included (because he shirted in 2026). That's why he's not listed in the RH column.

Jamison is not listed because he got beaten out in 2026, so he returns 0 points. TBD if he wins the job in 2027.

 

[Corby2]

Henson's most recent NCAA points are included (because he shirted in 2026). That's why he's not listed in the RH column.

Jamison is not listed because he got beaten out in 2026, so he returns 0 points. TBD if he wins the job in 2027.

Then why are others who RS last year listed ?
I think Jamison will be the guy is what I meant

 

[psu83]

Agree. None of the true freshman have any value in Wrestlestat at this point.

My point is that VT is definitely in the running for a trophy this year...

Participation Trophy?

 

[El_Jefe]

Then why are others who RS last year listed ?
I think Jamison will be the guy is what I meant

I included most recent year for every 2027 projected starter who shirted last year. (Same for guys who missed 2026 NCAAs due to injury, including Crookham.) Jamison did not shirt last year, he shirted in 2023 and got beaten out in 2026 --> 0 pts.

Create your own if you don't like mine

 

[Corby2]

I included most recent year for every 2027 projected starter who shirted last year. (Same for guys who missed 2026 NCAAs due to injury, including Crookham.) Jamison did not shirt last year, he shirted in 2023 and got beaten out in 2026 --> 0 pts.

Create your own if you don't like mine

Nah I'm good thanks though

 

[Joejitsu]

Long time PSU season tix holder, but, I live near VT and attend all their matches that don’t conflict with ours. There a lot of quiet confidence in Blacksburg about the buildout of their wrestling team. I mentioned to some VT faithful that BO likes the money and has shown that social media presence is high on his list of priorities. I opined that he might bolt if things don’t work out perfect or bigger offer comes along. My VT friends said: “oh no that won’t happen because we have a big war chest”. I let it go and wished them the best. In the meantime, a lot of elite wrestlers want to be on the same team as BB.

Your not wrong and with Melvin there too- I think he is less likely to move - you never know but he will attract talent if he lives up to the hype

 

[Joejitsu]

Mark Manning building a team - they can make a legit run at second and of any injuries happen for DT nebby can be a legit runner up

 

[WexfordWarrior]

I included most recent year for every 2027 projected starter who shirted last year. (Same for guys who missed 2026 NCAAs due to injury, including Crookham.) Jamison did not shirt last year, he shirted in 2023 and got beaten out in 2026 --> 0 pts.

Create your own if you don't like mine

@Corby2

 

[PSUer89]

I am imagining the Shapiro-Manning conversations before the PSU dual… the gif button won’t work for me but the hate is strong!

 

[El_Jefe]

I am imagining the Shapiro-Manning conversations before the PSU dual… the gif button won’t work for me but the hate is strong!

 

[Lil Nicky Scarfo]

I am imagining the Shapiro-Manning conversations before the PSU dual… the gif button won’t work for me but the hate is strong!

Either guy we put out there is going to beat the **** out of him.

 

[gabletrained1990]

I am imagining the Shapiro-Manning conversations before the PSU dual… the gif button won’t work for me but the hate is strong!

I might be mistaken (very often am) but I don’t think we wrestle Nebraska in a dual this year. And I get the rotation for the B10, but imo that’s a huge miss in doing everything possible to grow the sport. Clearly we should wrestle Nebraska every year (again, hope I’m wrong).

 

[Sunshine88!]

We need a # 1 recruiting Class in 2028. Must get the Doners involed to pay and maintain our momentum. Simply the name of the game. Hopefully Ira will step up again for us.

 

[Lil Nicky Scarfo]

We need a # 1 recruiting Class in 2028. Must get the Doners involed to pay and maintain our momentum. Simply the name of the game. Hopefully Ira will step up again for us.

Doners don’t have much spending money, but they are tasty

 

[SkiSkiSki]

Doners don’t have much spending money, but they are tasty

I prefer Adana kebabs, but they won't buy much in the way of players either.

 

[El_Jefe]

Doners don’t have much spending money, but they are tasty

Maybe Alberto Pastor has some spare pesos from volume sales.

 

[TwoJoints]

Doners don’t have much spending money, but they are tasty

I’ll pass!

 

[backdrft76-1]

Not surprised by this portal retraction one bit. After entering the portal and then taking 3rd at the Open back in April, Iowa fans desperately wanted Williams back and Nicolls was gonna have to pay him for that to happen.

Also, I hope the Brands never leave Iowa for the non-stop entertainment they unknowingly provide.

 

[HikeNatParks]

Not surprised by this portal retraction one bit. After entering the portal and then taking 3rd at the Open back in April, Iowa fans desperately wanted Williams back and Nicolls was gonna have to pay him for that to happen.

Also, I hope the Brands never leave Iowa for the non-stop entertainment they unknowingly provide.

For specifically flaunting the cash aspect of the decision and obliterating any thought JW did it for skill improvement or team chemistry, I’d consider rescinding the offer. Of course, if the uber-macho twins are really okay with this kid having them look submissive to his demands, fine. Then again, if financial surrender to athletes is now Iowa’s freely advertised norm (the kid didn’t photoshop the Brands into the pic, right?), the smarter move would’ve been to start with Bassett and Miller.

 

[gabletrained1990]

For specifically flaunting the cash aspect of the decision and obliterating any thought JW did it for skill improvement or team chemistry, I’d consider rescinding the offer. Of course, if the uber-macho twins are really okay with this kid having them look submissive to his demands, fine. Then again, if financial surrender to athletes is now Iowa’s freely advertised norm (the kid didn’t photoshop the Brands into the pic, right?), the smarter move would’ve been to start with Bassett and Miller.

Hmmm, I just assumed the coaches were photoshopped in. When I saw this I thought, not the greatest look but kids will be kids and who am I to judge. But, if the Brands sat for this photo or did not say “hey, not the greatest look and you shouldn’t have included us in that picture “ then I would imagine the Iowa AD is none too happy. Not firing happy but I imagine a conversation about how an Iowa coach is expected to conduct oneself is forthcoming.

 

[jack66]

Not surprised by this portal retraction one bit. After entering the portal and then taking 3rd at the Open back in April, Iowa fans desperately wanted Williams back and Nicolls was gonna have to pay him for that to happen.

Also, I hope the Brands never leave Iowa for the non-stop entertainment they unknowingly provide.

I didn't realize that wrestling on one's belly was a sellable skill. Last I checked, mat wrestling is still a thing in Folk.

 

[El_Jefe]

For specifically flaunting the cash aspect of the decision and obliterating any thought JW did it for skill improvement or team chemistry, I’d consider rescinding the offer. Of course, if the uber-macho twins are really okay with this kid having them look submissive to his demands, fine. Then again, if financial surrender to athletes is now Iowa’s freely advertised norm (the kid didn’t photoshop the Brands into the pic, right?), the smarter move would’ve been to start with Bassett and Miller.

Why pretend that money wasn't the reason Williams went to Iowa a year ago?

 

[98lberEating2Lunches]

Hmmm, I just assumed the coaches were photoshopped in. When I saw this I thought, not the greatest look but kids will be kids and who am I to judge. But, if the Brands sat for this photo or did not say “hey, not the greatest look and you shouldn’t have included us in that picture “ then I would imagine the Iowa AD is none too happy. Not firing happy but I imagine a conversation about how an Iowa coach is expected to conduct oneself is forthcoming.

AI. How is Terry's hair so less grey than Tom's? Terry looks so much younger!

Google Image Result for https://lookaside.instagram.com/seo/google_widget/crawler/?media_id=3910775991853223313

Nah, not a current Terry pic.

 

[Corby2]

People really can't tell that's photoshopped .

 

[98lberEating2Lunches]

People really can't tell that's photoshopped .

Well, pretty much anybody who uses "photoshopped" as a verb also fits into the demographic of most likely to misplace their reading glasses.

 

[HugoHugo]

People really can't tell that's photoshopped .

Does it really matter? Terrible look if it is, horrible look if it isn't.

 

[PSU Mike]

Haven’t been following closely. Is HR thinking 149?

 

[KH1984]

Reported by Mineo...Shapiro signs with Nebraska

There is no room for him there (without moving someone else out)

125 Robinson (from NCST)
133 Van Dee
141 I thought this would maybe be Zinkin...Echemendia (from Iowa St) now?
149 SHAPIRO (I thought Ech would land here...guess not)
157 Taylor
165 Araujo
174 Minto
184 Cochran (from PSU)
197 McDanel
285 Andrews

UNLESS everyone shifts up 1 weight and Cochran goes 285

125 Robinson
133 Van Dee
141 Zinkin
149 Echemendia
157 Shapiro
165 Taylor
174 Araujo
184 Minto
197 McDanel
285 Cochran

Either way, they will be tough