World Champion Masanosuke Ono Joins Penn State Wrestling Program

Penn State, PA — Masanosuke Ono, the reigning world champion in wrestling, is joining the Penn State Nittany Lions. The announcement comes as the team prepares for the NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, where they aim for their 12th team title in 14 years.

The 21-year-old Ono, a standout from Japan, has recently been training with head coach Cael Sanderson and the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. His inclusion in Penn State’s student directory was first reported by a national wrestling insider early Thursday morning.

Ono made headlines last September after winning the Under-20 World Championships in the 61-kilogram weight class, subsequently claiming the title at the 2024 non-Olympic World Championships in October. Notably, he defeated Olympic silver medalist Spencer Lee, who hails from Pennsylvania, in a closely contested match earlier this year.

“Just because Penn State is the best in the world,” Ono said when asked why he decided to join the Nittany Lions. His intention to compete in either the 133 or 141-pound weight class remains uncertain, as he is still navigating the transition from freestyle to folkstyle wrestling.

“Penn State will help me,” Ono added, referencing the support he anticipates while undergoing the visa process necessary for his relocation to the United States.

The admission of Ono into the wrestling program adds significant depth to Penn State’s already impressive Class of 2025, a class that must replace three All-Americans for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Despite the changes, the Nittany Lions are still expected to be strong contenders for another national title.

Ono’s achievements include titles at the U20 World Championship, the senior level World Championship, the Japan national championship, and a bronze medal at the 2024 Asian Championships. His most notable recent victories include dominating performances against world champion Vito Arujau and Olympic champion Zaur Uguev.

analyst noted, “On the biggest stage, Ono put together his best performance, cementing himself as one of the best pound-for-pound wrestlers in the world with the potential to secure more international medals in the future.”

As Penn State’s wrestling strategy evolves, Ono will join a roster featuring some of the nation’s brightest emerging talents, including future stars like Marcus Blaze, who recently won his fourth state title in Ohio.

The addition of Ono not only enhances Penn State’s wrestling lineup but also underscores the program’s commitment to excellence on both national and international stages.