RandolphTJones Posted March 10 Posted March 10 The Hawkeyes are in danger of not finishing top 5 at this year's NCAAs and could very well see zero wrestlers make the finals. A huge down year by Hawkeye standards. Many will call for the Brands to relinquish the throne! With that, I expect them to throw the bag at any viable starter who enters the portal this off season. Iowa donors don't care about overpaying transfers, they just can't fathom to finish outside the top 5. Will some of these kids take the money and underperform as has been the trend at Carver Arena? Probably so, but Iowa will not be outbid in 2026! So, if you're in the portal and at a weight Iowa could use a new face, prepare to start the bidding high. Fret not Iowa City, the Brinks truck is already outside of many universities with check in hand.
Caveira Posted March 10 Posted March 10 10 minutes ago, RandolphTJones said: The Hawkeyes are in danger of not finishing top 5 at this year's NCAAs and could very well see zero wrestlers make the finals. A huge down year by Hawkeye standards. Many will call for the Brands to relinquish the throne! With that, I expect them to throw the bag at any viable starter who enters the portal this off season. Iowa donors don't care about overpaying transfers, they just can't fathom to finish outside the top 5. Will some of these kids take the money and underperform as has been the trend at Carver Arena? Probably so, but Iowa will not be outbid in 2026! So, if you're in the portal and at a weight Iowa could use a new face, prepare to start the bidding high. Fret not Iowa City, the Brinks truck is already outside of many universities with check in hand. I always forget who was the highest paid nil wrestler of all time. Do you remember who that is?
Gene Mills Fan Posted March 10 Posted March 10 (edited) Can we define who has the most and pays the most $ both scholastically and NIL combined?? Please I do concede; they did think a 2 for 1 working project was a bargain sale! Edited March 10 by Gene Mills Fan
RandolphTJones Posted March 10 Author Posted March 10 11 minutes ago, Caveira said: I always forget who was the highest paid nil wrestler of all time. Do you remember who that is? Gonna have to go with Star. As for a transfer, I don't know.
Caveira Posted March 10 Posted March 10 15 minutes ago, RandolphTJones said: Gonna have to go with Star. As for a transfer, I don't know. https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/penn_state_wrestling_star_carter_starocci_suggests_13_million_hes_rumored_to_earn_in_nil_money_well_below_reality/s1_17358_40824342 https://www.threads.com/@z1kub/post/DHvWq-ER2-0/top-5-highest-paid-ncaa-wrestlers-in-nil-carter-starocci-13m-penn-state-gable-st?hl=en looks likes psu may have 2 of the top 5 including #1
SplitTheG Posted March 10 Posted March 10 Well, here's their predicted roster for next season: 125 - DeLuca (R-Fr) 133 - OPEN 141 - Bailey (Sr) 149 - Block (Jr) 157 - Williams (Sr) 165 - OPEN 174 - Arnold (Jr) 184 - Ferrari (R-So) 197 - Ludington (R-Fr) 285 - Kueter (Jr) Prospects Estrada (157) - R-So Bowling IV (174) - R-Fr Miller (184) - R-Fr Mocco (285) - Fr For me, definite spend on 133, possible spending on 165 (they could shuffle some guys to that weight). I wouldn't be surprised if they made a move for Braeden (not the smartest move, but I can see them make that push) and either him or Bailey goes 133. If they go for 165, a guy like Barbosa would make sense. Blaze obviously, but doubt he's leaving Purdue. TLDR: Spending on two weight classes (unless an unbelievable opportunity comes up) max, smaller spend than you'd expect.
RandolphTJones Posted March 10 Author Posted March 10 2 minutes ago, SplitTheG said: Well, here's their predicted roster for next season: 125 - DeLuca (R-Fr) 133 - OPEN 141 - Bailey (Sr) 149 - Block (Jr) 157 - Williams (Sr) 165 - OPEN 174 - Arnold (Jr) 184 - Ferrari (R-So) 197 - Ludington (R-Fr) 285 - Kueter (Jr) Prospects Estrada (157) - R-So Bowling IV (174) - R-Fr Miller (184) - R-Fr Mocco (285) - Fr For me, definite spend on 133, possible spending on 165 (they could shuffle some guys to that weight). I wouldn't be surprised if they made a move for Braeden (not the smartest move, but I can see them make that push) and either him or Bailey goes 133. If they go for 165, a guy like Barbosa would make sense. Blaze obviously, but doubt he's leaving Purdue. TLDR: Spending on two weight classes (unless an unbelievable opportunity comes up) max, smaller spend than you'd expect. If theres someone in the portal Iowa covets over a projected starter they are gonna buy him. No one on that list has their starting spot secured, money talks in Iowa City.
Jimmy Cinnabon Posted March 10 Posted March 10 41 minutes ago, Caveira said: I always forget who was the highest paid nil wrestler of all time. Do you remember who that is? Might actually be Ben Keuter since he got NIL for 2 separate sports.
SplitTheG Posted March 10 Posted March 10 17 minutes ago, RandolphTJones said: If theres someone in the portal Iowa covets over a projected starter they are gonna buy him. No one on that list has their starting spot secured, money talks in Iowa City. If I were the AD and not changing from Brands, I'd limit the spend and force youth development (up the budget in recruiting, utilize guys like DeLuca, Estrada, Ludington). If I am changing from Brands, then I'd give the new coach a war chest. Not necessarily what's going to happen, but that's where my mind would be.
Caveira Posted March 10 Posted March 10 13 minutes ago, Jimmy Cinnabon said: Might actually be Ben Keuter since he got NIL for 2 separate sports. This is wrestling .. ira lubert and Galen dreibelbis Throw around plenty of $$$ in their bags of cash
Tyler Posted March 10 Posted March 10 59 minutes ago, Caveira said: I always forget who was the highest paid nil wrestler of all time. Do you remember who that is? C Star wasn’t a transfer. As far as Iowa next season? Yikes, that’s not a very good roster
Caveira Posted March 10 Posted March 10 9 minutes ago, Tyler said: C Star wasn’t a transfer. As far as Iowa next season? Yikes, that’s not a very good roster Paying is paying. Some of these guys are getting big bags from Ira Notable Transfers into Penn State (2020–2026) Rocco Welsh (2025):Transferred from Ohio State after finishing as the 174lb NCAA runner-up in 2024. He is expected to compete for a starting spot at 184lbs in the 2025–26 season. Mitchell Mesenbrink (2023): Joined from California Baptist as a freshman with all four years of eligibility. He quickly became a cornerstone, winning a national championship at 165lbs for Penn State in 2024. Bernie Truax (2023): A three-time All-American at Cal Poly, he transferred for his final year of eligibility and finished 4th at 184lbs for the Nittany Lions in 2024. Aaron Nagao (2023):Transferred from Minnesota after an All-American (5th place) finish at 133lbs. He served as a high-level starter to fill the gap left by Roman Bravo-Young's graduation. Max Dean (2021):Transferred from Cornelland won the 197lb national championship in 2022, eventually becoming a two-time All-American for Penn State. Christian Carroll (2024):A highly-touted recruit who initially signed with Oklahoma State but transferred to Penn State before the 2024–25 season. Santino Robinson (2024):Transferred into the program from SIUE as a freshman. AJ Heeg (2024): Joined the Nittany Lions from Oklahoma State as a freshman. FloWrestling +6
Jimmy Cinnabon Posted March 10 Posted March 10 2 minutes ago, Caveira said: Paying is paying. Some of these guys are getting big bags from Ira Notable Transfers into Penn State (2020–2026) Rocco Welsh (2025):Transferred from Ohio State after finishing as the 174lb NCAA runner-up in 2024. He is expected to compete for a starting spot at 184lbs in the 2025–26 season. Mitchell Mesenbrink (2023): Joined from California Baptist as a freshman with all four years of eligibility. He quickly became a cornerstone, winning a national championship at 165lbs for Penn State in 2024. Bernie Truax (2023): A three-time All-American at Cal Poly, he transferred for his final year of eligibility and finished 4th at 184lbs for the Nittany Lions in 2024. Aaron Nagao (2023):Transferred from Minnesota after an All-American (5th place) finish at 133lbs. He served as a high-level starter to fill the gap left by Roman Bravo-Young's graduation. Max Dean (2021):Transferred from Cornelland won the 197lb national championship in 2022, eventually becoming a two-time All-American for Penn State. Christian Carroll (2024):A highly-touted recruit who initially signed with Oklahoma State but transferred to Penn State before the 2024–25 season. Santino Robinson (2024):Transferred into the program from SIUE as a freshman. AJ Heeg (2024): Joined the Nittany Lions from Oklahoma State as a freshman. FloWrestling +6 When was Christian Carroll part of Penn State wrestling? And who are Santino Robinson and AJ Heeg? Stop relying on AI and do your own research.
SplitTheG Posted March 10 Posted March 10 4 minutes ago, Caveira said: Paying is paying. Some of these guys are getting big bags from Ira Notable Transfers into Penn State (2020–2026) Rocco Welsh (2025):Transferred from Ohio State after finishing as the 174lb NCAA runner-up in 2024. He is expected to compete for a starting spot at 184lbs in the 2025–26 season. Mitchell Mesenbrink (2023): Joined from California Baptist as a freshman with all four years of eligibility. He quickly became a cornerstone, winning a national championship at 165lbs for Penn State in 2024. Bernie Truax (2023): A three-time All-American at Cal Poly, he transferred for his final year of eligibility and finished 4th at 184lbs for the Nittany Lions in 2024. Aaron Nagao (2023):Transferred from Minnesota after an All-American (5th place) finish at 133lbs. He served as a high-level starter to fill the gap left by Roman Bravo-Young's graduation. Max Dean (2021):Transferred from Cornelland won the 197lb national championship in 2022, eventually becoming a two-time All-American for Penn State. Christian Carroll (2024):A highly-touted recruit who initially signed with Oklahoma State but transferred to Penn State before the 2024–25 season. Santino Robinson (2024):Transferred into the program from SIUE as a freshman. AJ Heeg (2024): Joined the Nittany Lions from Oklahoma State as a freshman. FloWrestling +6 Don't forget Kerkvliet 1
Caveira Posted March 10 Posted March 10 (edited) 4 minutes ago, Jimmy Cinnabon said: When was Christian Carroll part of Penn State wrestling? And who are Santino Robinson and AJ Heeg? Stop relying on AI and do your own research. Bags a plenty given out by Ira boss Someone added kerk above. Good spot Edited March 10 by Caveira
Tyler Posted March 10 Posted March 10 Maybe TnT should see if Ira would spend some money on the hawks. Seems like his money is better spent than Bob’s lol
CHROMEBIRD Posted March 10 Posted March 10 Brands' is getting a (normal, contractual) salary bump to $750K after this season, so there's that. Clarissa may also have done him a solid with the women's team finishing 2nd at NCAAs. Winning championships is hard.
juniorvarsity Posted March 10 Posted March 10 1 hour ago, SplitTheG said: Well, here's their predicted roster for next season: 125 - DeLuca (R-Fr) 133 - OPEN 141 - Bailey (Sr) 149 - Block (Jr) 157 - Williams (Sr) 165 - OPEN 174 - Arnold (Jr) 184 - Ferrari (R-So) 197 - Ludington (R-Fr) 285 - Kueter (Jr) Clearly holes at 133 and 165. And there are two brothers at Arizona state who might be persuadable with a fat check. Willie said on X that Kaleb Larkin already looking at possibility of moving up next year. ASU to Iowa pipeline is established. What they spend depends on who is in the portal or who they encourage to enter the portal. Do they think they can do better with someone else at 197? A lot of people returning from 197 for next year, but it is hard for me to say who is a clear point scorer at this weight.
SplitTheG Posted March 10 Posted March 10 1 minute ago, juniorvarsity said: Clearly holes at 133 and 165. And there are two brothers at Arizona state who might be persuadable with a fat check. Willie said on X that Kaleb Larkin already looking at possibility of moving up next year. ASU to Iowa pipeline is established. What they spend depends on who is in the portal or who they encourage to enter the portal. Do they think they can do better with someone else at 197? A lot of people returning from 197 for next year, but it is hard for me to say who is a clear point scorer at this weight. Larkin brothers have a heavy connection with ASU though.
OMW Posted March 10 Posted March 10 2 hours ago, Caveira said: Bernie Truax (2023): A three-time All-American at Cal Poly, he transferred for his final year of eligibility and finished 4th at 184lbs for the Nittany Lions in 2024. your hard-on for Penn State is noted, but at least get the information correct from however you source it: Truax was 5th, not 4th, at the 2024 NCAA tournament.
Caveira Posted March 10 Posted March 10 Just now, OMW said: your hard-on for Penn State is noted, but at least get the information correct from however you source it: Truax was 5th, not 4th, at the 2024 NCAA tournament. There have been 83,000. Anti Iowa threads started this week alone. That is noted too.
Nak21 Posted March 10 Posted March 10 I’m sure they’ll be active and generous in the portal. They have too. They’ve struggled to recruit and slipped into a pattern (culture) of a mixed team of recruited guys and paid mercenaries. The bigger problem I see is HOW they spend the money. Like it or not, the Portal and NIL are a part of the game now, but even there Iowa is struggling. Slumlord millionaire doesn’t get very good ROI it seems. It’s very much boom (Buchanan) or bust (a long and growing list). And boy did this thread trigger someone. Whose turn is it to do a wellness check?? Expect to see lipstick, high heels, Cheeto stained sweat pants and a Cael collectors item Wheaties box on a dart board.
Jimmy Cinnabon Posted March 10 Posted March 10 25 minutes ago, OMW said: your hard-on for Penn State is noted, but at least get the information correct from however you source it: Truax was 5th, not 4th, at the 2024 NCAA tournament. I think the bigger error was claiming Christian Carroll transferred to Penn State when that never happened. And also the transfers of 2 guys nobody has ever heard of to Penn State, which also never happened.
WrestlingRasta Posted March 11 Posted March 11 It takes a special kind of derangement syndrome to enter a thread about paid transfers (and not panning out) and whatabout it with two non transfers who accounted for eight finals and seven championships.
Aidan Gore Garner, North Carolina Class of 2027 Committed to North Carolina State Projected Weight: 157, 165
Will Clanton New York Military Academy, New York Class of 2027 Committed to Mercyhurst Projected Weight: 125
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