Two All-Americans Announce Transfer Destinations

The news from the transfer portal doesn’t slow down on Easter Sunday. Today, a pair of All-Americans announced their transfer destinations. First was Ethan Stiles, a 2025 NCAA sixth-place finisher at 149 lbs. He has committed to Ohio State. 

Stiles took over starting duties for the Beavers in mid-January and never looked back. After a loss in his 149 lb debut, Stiles reeled off seven straight wins to end the regular season. His victims during that stretch were quite impressive - Jordan Williams, Jaden Abas, Chance Lamer, and Lachlan McNeil. He’d eventually finish second at the Pac-12 championship and earn the #12 seed at nationals. 

Stiles advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals after a shocking 8-0 major decision win over four-time All-American Kyle Parco of Iowa. Though he lost in the quarters, Stiles was able to regroup and pinned Malyke Hines in the opening period to secure All-American honors. 

Provided he can continue to make 149 lbs, Stiles will be a perfect fit for the Buckeyes. Ohio State’s two-time All-American Dylan D’Emilio exhausted his final year of eligibility in 2024-25 and there was no clear-cut successor to D’Emilio on the roster. Stiles’ addition gives the Buckeyes three All-Americans in their potential 2025-26 lineup and they could potentially field a lineup with nine returning national qualifiers. 

The other past All-American on the move also involves the state of Ohio. Peyten Kellar is moving from one OU to another. He’s transferring from Ohio to Oklahoma. Kellar shocked the crowd in Kansas City at the 2024 NCAA Championships when he pinned All-American’s Ed Scott and Bryce Andonian, and won a shootout with Peyton Robb before taking fifth place. 

Kellar’s fifth-place finish led to a selection in the 2024 NWCA All-Star Classic. Kellar was beaten by Penn State’s Tyler Kasak, 4-2 on Kasak’s home mat. 

Kellar’s 2024-25 campaign ended in December as he sported a 10-2 official record. He notched notable wins over Johnny Lovett and Chase Saldate. 

The transfer of Kellar will be a welcome addition to a Sooner lineup that did not have a national qualifier at 157 lbs in 2024-25. Oklahoma also did not manage to put any wrestlers on the national podium. 

The former Bobcat All-American can provide experience in an Oklahoma lineup that might feature a handful of freshmen (redshirt/true). 

Stiles will have two years of eligibility remaining. Kellar has one, perhaps two years of eligibility.