How the Recruiting National Title was won

[El-Jefe]

Very good article, definitely read the whole thing.

A couple things I found interesting:
1. Ryan cut back to 5.5 scholarships this past year, to facilitate the moon shot.
2. Feldman wants to be a Navy SEAL. An admiral told Ryan that's incompatible with wrestling, so Ryan had to devise work-around plans for non-wrestling training.

 

[mjmirv]

Well, this should end the debate about NIL being the reason Ohio State did so well this class. And the narrative that we can’t compete with Ohio State wrestling on NIL.

This was exactly what most of us assumed. A perfect storm of holes all over the Ohio State lineup, and Penn State and Oklahoma State not needing much of anything out of the 22 class. As I’ve stated for a while, this Ohio State class is more of a failure of Iowa. This shows why Tom Ryan out-places Iowa over the long term. Coaches need to look for those gap years at Penn State and exploit them. Ohio State did a few years ago and won a title.

He essentially gutted his roster, having several busts helped, saved scholarships, and went all in this year. Ryan will have a 1 to 2 year window in 2025-28. Kudos to him.

 

[STAND with PRIDE]

Well, this should end the debate about NIL being the reason Ohio State did so well this class. And the narrative that we can’t compete with Ohio State wrestling on NIL.

This was exactly what most of us assumed. A perfect storm of holes all over the Ohio State lineup, and Penn State and Oklahoma State not needing much of anything out of the 22 class. As I’ve stated for a while, this Ohio State class is more of a failure of Iowa. This shows why Tom Ryan out-places Iowa over the long term. Coaches need to look for those gap years at Penn State and exploit them. Ohio State did a few years ago and won a title.

He essentially gutted his roster, having several busts helped, saved scholarships, and went all in this year. Ryan will have a 1 to 2 year window in 2025-28. Kudos to him.

#endlesswindowsatPSU

 

[mjmirv]

#endlesswindowsatPSU

I agree. A lot is being made of this Ohio State triplets. Depending on them redshirting or not, they’ve gotta at least match our next group of Howard, SVN, Facundo, and Haines to even break even. We’ve got a 2nd wave coming right behind them.

My point is that as a coach my strategy would not be to go toe to toe with Cael. Id strategically try to find an opening and go all in then. Michigan tried this year. It didn’t work but it made sense. Some of Brand’s moves make no sense long-term. I applaud Ryan.

 

[nitlion6]

I agree. A lot is being made of this Ohio State triplets. Depending on them redshirting or not, they’ve gotta at least match our next group of Howard, SVN, Facundo, and Haines to even break even. We’ve got a 2nd wave coming right behind them.

My point is that as a coach my strategy would not be to go toe to toe with Cael. Id strategically try to find an opening and go all in then. Michigan tried this year. It didn’t work but it made sense. Some of Brand’s moves make no sense long-term. I applaud Ryan.

T&T truly believe they are right there neck and neck with Cael, and if Cael ever stops getting all of the lucky breaks. Well, then they just know it will be their turn.

 

[WreslingFan0314]

Very good article, definitely read the whole thing.

A couple things I found interesting:
1. Ryan cut back to 5.5 scholarships this past year, to facilitate the moon shot.
2. Feldman wants to be a Navy SEAL. An admiral told Ryan that's incompatible with wrestling, so Ryan had to devise work-around plans for non-wrestling training.

View embedded media

So how does that work? Do scholarship $$ carry over? If they used 5.5 last year, do they have 14.4 next? Or are they just saying he brought in less guys the previous year to clear a runway for this class to get on the mat?

 

[nitlion6]

So how does that work? Do scholarship $$ carry over? If they used 5.5 last year, do they have 14.4 next? Or are they just saying he brought in less guys the previous year to clear a runway for this class to get on the mat?

There is no carry over.

 

[dunkej01]

I agree. A lot is being made of this Ohio State triplets. Depending on them redshirting or not, they’ve gotta at least match our next group of Howard, SVN, Facundo, and Haines to even break even. We’ve got a 2nd wave coming right behind them.

My point is that as a coach my strategy would not be to go toe to toe with Cael. Id strategically try to find an opening and go all in then. Michigan tried this year. It didn’t work but it made sense. Some of Brand’s moves make no sense long-term. I applaud Ryan.

Brands and Ryan are just different.

One will try to take the hill with grit and conviction of the mission.

The other is a planner and while still passionate is defined by more than the sport he loves.

Both are paths worth running. Just how you want your journey to be.

 

[El-Jefe]

So how does that work? Do scholarship $$ carry over? If they used 5.5 last year, do they have 14.4 next? Or are they just saying he brought in less guys the previous year to clear a runway for this class to get on the mat?

He also had some guys transfer out and graduate, and did not reallocate their scholarships.

 

[tullfan68]

only 1 problem they wont know if this recruiting class in number 1 for 4 or 5 yrs!

 

[tullfan68]

He also had some guys transfer out and graduate, and did not reallocate their scholarships.

isnt it 9.9 over 4 yrs not 9.9 yearly??

 

[mcpat]

Well, this should end the debate about NIL being the reason Ohio State did so well this class. And the narrative that we can’t compete with Ohio State wrestling on NIL.

Yep. And I thought it was NIL.

Will be interesting to see how it pans out. With great power comes great responsibility.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Yep. And I thought it was NIL.

Will be interesting to see how it pans out. With great power comes great responsibility.

Honestly, without teaching better mat wrestling, that program is going to struggle to meet the expectations set by this insane class

 

[mcpat]

Honestly, without teaching better mat wrestling, that program is going to struggle to meet the expectations set by this insane class

It’ll make or break Ryan as a coach. Get a couple of them a couple national championships… okay. Get none from any…

 

[dicemen99]

isnt it 9.9 over 4 yrs not 9.9 yearly??

It is 9.9 yearly.

Technically Ryan did not have to operate at 5.5 for a year, he could have given the whole 9.9 without directly affecting this incoming class. He could have allocated the remaining 4.4 to existing wrestlers with the caveat it was a one-year-only allocation. Maybe that is what he did.

What I think he meant is that he did not want to recruit with that 4.4 the year before, because he did not want to fill that with freshmen who would then expect the same 4.4 the next year, and the year after. Or he would have had to count on some unusual processing or turnover.

 

[Lyons212]

From what I have read, the SEALS love guys with a wrestling background. They also like guys with backgrounds in water polo, lacrosse and tri-athletes. Problem for Feldman is, big guys have a really tough time making it through training, Feldman's size may be incompatible with being a SEAL. Good luck to him.

 

[tullfan68]

It is 9.9 yearly.

Technically Ryan did not have to operate at 5.5 for a year, he could have given the whole 9.9 without directly affecting this incoming class. He could have allocated the remaining 4.4 to existing wrestlers with the caveat it was a one-year-only allocation. Maybe that is what he did.

What I think he meant is that he did not want to recruit with that 4.4 the year before, because he did not want to fill that with freshmen who would then expect the same 4.4 the next year, and the year after. Or he would have had to count on some unusual processing or turnover.

if thats the case why are coaches complaing about schollies hell thats almost 40 in a 4 yr period so basically a whole team yrly!!I dont know just doesnt sound right!

 

[mcpat]

if thats the case why are coaches complaing about schollies hell thats almost 40 in a 4 yr period so basically a whole team yrly!!I dont know just doesnt sound right!

?

Each year you have around 35 wrestlers and 9.9 scholarships.

 

[BruceK-PSU83]

if thats the case why are coaches complaing about schollies hell thats almost 40 in a 4 yr period so basically a whole team yrly!!I dont know just doesnt sound right!

Yes, and there are about 35 guys on a legit college wrestling squad.

Conversely, football has 85 full-ride scholarships (i.e., one 'ship per player, can't be split among multiple guys). Yet there are only 22 starters, plus a couple kicking specialists.

Basketball has 13 full-ride scholarships, but only five guys can be on the court.

 

[nitlion6]

isnt it 9.9 over 4 yrs not 9.9 yearly??

9.9 annually.

 

[El-Jefe]

if thats the case why are coaches complaing about schollies hell thats almost 40 in a 4 yr period so basically a whole team yrly!!I dont know just doesnt sound right!

Everyone please practice fireworks safety this weekend.

 

[KidDagger]

I agree. A lot is being made of this Ohio State triplets. Depending on them redshirting or not, they’ve gotta at least match our next group of Howard, SVN, Facundo, and Haines to even break even. We’ve got a 2nd wave coming right behind them.

My point is that as a coach my strategy would not be to go toe to toe with Cael. Id strategically try to find an opening and go all in then. Michigan tried this year. It didn’t work but it made sense. Some of Brand’s moves make no sense long-term. I applaud Ryan.

I think Ohio state has a lot of memories wit there big 3 triplet recruit of Tomasello, Snyder, and Bo Jordan (brought them a title)…so it makes sense they go all in wit this big 3…

What do u feel has more upside possibility though?? Ohio state big 3 freshman vs RH, Facundo, SVN, Haines….??

 

[mjmirv]

I’m biased, but I’ll ride with Cael and his guys. Ryan’s problem is he has to account for those guys, plus Kasak, Barr, Davis and maybe more. Ryan has to bat 100% with those 3, plus find more guys and develop them. It’s a tough task, tho the portal helps. Betting against PSU thru at least 2025 seems crazy.

 

[dicemen99]

if thats the case why are coaches complaing about schollies hell thats almost 40 in a 4 yr period so basically a whole team yrly!!I dont know just doesnt sound right!

You are not getting it. There can be 9.9 scholarships used each year. Scholarships are counted yearly, not you count it one year and then never again.

 

[AndEEss]

tOSU’s problems are:

1) They have 2 133s in Bouzakis and Mendez unless one gets taller, quickly. They’d both make BB look like a giant at 141.
2) If Feldman wants to be a SEAL he’s going to have to shrink his body.
3) They have another 133 coming in with Kilkeary.

 

[backdrft76]

You are not getting it. There can be 9.9 scholarships used each year. Scholarships are counted yearly, not you count it one year and then never again.

Why do you guys keep responding to a poster I have on Ignore?

 

[Love the lions]

New player here guys. I’ve read your forum for ten years. Thank you for the insight you’ve all provided over those years. I love my lions. Although I didn’t go to PSU (was a D3 athlete) I have been to State College dozens of times for football and wrestling. You will find my comments sarcastic at times, because I question conventional thinking. Don’t be afraid to offend me with one of your own. I’m 68 and have developed a thick skin. As for recruiting champion? Isn’t that kinda like winning the award for the prettiest bride? See where you stand 5 years later.

 

[Folkstylefan]

Ryan picked up some great recruits but they still need to develop into great D1 wrestlers. I’m not in the group that says they did great in freestyle they’ll do great in folk

 

[zzs006]

Ryan picked up some great recruits but they still need to develop into great D1 wrestlers. I’m not in the group that says they did great in freestyle they’ll do great in folk

I hear you but I’d be shocked if Feldman, Bouzakis, and Mendez don’t all end up great D1 wrestlers. How great? That is the question. Multiple time AA or multiple time champ? I think Feldman wins a title or 2. The other 2 I’m super interested in because I just have no idea.

 

[Folkstylefan]

Yes agree they are top recruits and should have multiple AA’s for each. Just cringe when i hear guys say he’s a freestyle champ he’ll kill it in D1

 

[BFosr1]

Many on the Ohio State side are speculating Kilkeary could get recruited over if they can get the right guy. He has just taken way too many bad losses as of late, including one with a kid who took 5th in DIII.

 

[mcpat]

Many on the Ohio State side are speculating Kilkeary could get recruited over if they can get the right guy. He has just taken way too many bad losses as of late, including one with a kid who took 5th in DIII.

Help me out here… Kilkeary is still in high school, right? Where’d he take these bad losses?

 

[El-Jefe]

Kilkeary lost 2x at Powerade to kids that he should've beaten: 2-1 to NDGP's Adam Schweitzer (who DNP at states) and 6-1 Gavin Caprella from Ohio (who took 5th at Ohio states). I presume Caprella was the "DIII" kid and that refers to the Ohio state classification.

Both of those losses were 6 weeks after he committed to Ohio State.

I don't know if he had any other past "bad" losses at offseason events like Super 32 or Fargo, or how he's done this offseason.

It also wouldn't surprise me if Ryan recruited additional 125 prospects. IMO Kilkeary will be a good but not great college wrestler, and not an immediate AA threat. Plus Ryan is trying to recruit future champions.

 

[nitlion6]

Recruiting over is the dumbest term used on wrestling forums. Successful coaches are always recruiting kids who the coaches believe can help their program win, now and in the near future. Not even David Taylor was promised a starting position.
If Spencer Lee is your 125 pounder and Jack Cuvo wants to wrestle for you, the answer is "come on down", not "no, i don't want to hurt Spencer's feelings." Spencer either reconditions himself to wrestle full throttle for 7 minutes, or he bulks up to 133 or sits. Spencer did not get recruited over, he possibly got beat out by another great wrestler who wanted on the same team.

 

[mcpat]

Kilkeary lost 2x at Powerade to kids that he should've beaten: 2-1 to NDGP's Adam Schweitzer (who DNP at states) and 6-1 Gavin Caprella from Ohio (who took 5th at Ohio states). I presume Caprella was the "DIII" kid and that refers to the Ohio state classification.

Both of those losses were 6 weeks after he committed to Ohio State.

I don't know if he had any other past "bad" losses at offseason events like Super 32 or Fargo, or how he's done this offseason.

It also wouldn't surprise me if Ryan recruited additional 125 prospects. IMO Kilkeary will be a good but not great college wrestler, and not an immediate AA threat. Plus Ryan is trying to recruit future champions.

Thanks. I wonder if he just had a bad weekend. He did go on to win his second AAA state championship in March and wasn’t really challenged in doing so.