ACC Champion Hipolito to Transfer to Oklahoma

One of the biggest remaining names in the transfer portal announced his future plans this afternoon as Rafael Hipolito announced that he will transfer to the University of Oklahoma. 

As a redshirt freshman at Virginia Tech in 2024-25, Hipolito amassed an 18-5 record at 157 lbs and captured an ACC title. To win his ACC crown, Hipolito posted a 7-3 win over former All-American Ed Scott of NC State - his second victory of the year over Scott. 

Unfortunately, in his NCAA Tournament debut, Hipolito went 1-2 and missed the NCAA podium - despite starting with the #4 seed. 

Over the course of the year, Hipolito downed three wrestlers who were previous or future All-Americans. Scott, Caleb Fish (Oklahoma State), and Peyten Kellar (Ohio). 

Speaking of Kellar, he also transferred to Oklahoma in the offseason. Since both wrestlers have used redshirts, Hipolito might be the logical choice to move up. 

Oklahoma has gotten a serious facelift over the last couple of months through the transfer portal. In addition to Hipolito and Kellar, they’ve also picked up NCAA qualifiers Jack Gioffre (Virginia), Brian Soldano (Rutgers), and Tyler Wells (Minnesota). 

Hipolito came to Virginia Tech as the #47 recruit in the Class of 2023. He also is a multiple-time world champion in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu.