NCAA Runner-Up Welsh Enters the Transfer Portal

The big names continue to roll into the transfer portal! InterMat has learned that today’s portal watch is headlined by Rocco Welsh who was a 2024 NCAA finalist at 174 lbs for Ohio State. 

Welsh’s run to the 2024 championship match came as a freshman who held the sixth seed that season. On the way to the finals, Welsh had overtime wins over Big Ten champion Edmond Ruth in the quarterfinals and another against Lennox Wolak in the semis. He would eventually get stopped by Carter Starocci, 2-0, in the finals - which accounted for Starocci’s four NCAA title. 

As a true freshman, Welsh went 26-5 with two losses coming to Starocci and two to Ruth. 

This year, Welsh redshirted and competed at 184 lbs. He had a perfect 15-0 record with tournament titles at the Clarion Open, the Cleveland State Open, and the F&M Open. Only two of his matches ended in regular decisions. 

Even with a star-studded group of wrestlers already in the portal, Welsh should draw as much attention as anyone. He’ll have three years of eligibility remaining and could fit at 174 or 184 lbs.