Rocco Welsh is making waves in his debut season with the No. 1 ranked Penn State wrestling team. The redshirt sophomore, who previously wrestled for Ohio State, has settled in comfortably with the Nittany Lions, much to the delight of head coach Cael Sanderson. Sanderson had always envisioned Welsh in Penn State colors, and his return to Happy Valley has been a homecoming of sorts for the Waynesburg, Pennsylvania native.
Welsh's journey back to Penn State is a tale of second chances. Initially, he chose Ohio State, where he competed in the 174-pound weight class and earned All-American second team honors as a freshman. However, after entering the Transfer Portal, Welsh found his way back to where he felt he truly belonged.
Reflecting on his decision, Welsh shared, “I was young and didn’t really know what I was doing. I committed too soon.
I don’t regret it, but if I could go back, I’d definitely come to Penn State from the start. Everything worked out perfectly, and I’m glad to be here now.”
Welsh's impact has been significant. He played a crucial role in helping Penn State clinch the Big Ten Regular Season Championship with a decisive 36-5 victory over his former team, Ohio State. Facing off against Dylan Fishback, Welsh secured a tight 7-6 win, reaffirming his status as the No. 1 wrestler in the 184-pound weight class.
During his time with the Buckeyes, Welsh advanced to the national finalist dual, ultimately falling to Penn State’s Carter Starocci. His record at Ohio State was impressive, finishing 24-5 in 2023-24 and taking third in the Big Ten tournament. In the following season, Welsh moved up to the 184-pound weight class, maintaining an undefeated 12-0 record while redshirting and winning three titles.
Now with Penn State, Welsh is tied for second on the team in wins alongside Levi Haines and Shayne Van Ness, boasting a record of 17 victories. His stats include four technical falls, four major decisions, and one fall.
Welsh’s dual takedown record stands at an impressive 43-4, with dominant performances across all rounds. His presence in the 184-pound class has contributed to Penn State’s undefeated 54-0 run this season.
Welsh’s journey is a testament to finding the right fit and making the most of opportunities. His contributions have not only solidified his place on the team but also elevated the Nittany Lions to new heights. As the season progresses, Welsh and Penn State are poised to continue their dominance on the mat.