Confirmed: Penn State wrestling loses recruit Alex Facundo Ohio State,since Penn State cannot……

Alex Facundo, a standout wrestler from Michigan’s Davison High School, has been a significant asset to the Penn State wrestling team since his arrival. In his redshirt freshman season (2022-2023), Facundo achieved a 19-6 record, earning a spot at the NCAA Championships and securing a Pan American Games U20 Championship in 2022. citeturn0search5

However, recent developments have seen Facundo depart from Penn State. In the 2023-2024 season, he took an Olympic redshirt, choosing not to compete to focus on international wrestling opportunities. This period allowed him to train and prepare for higher-level competitions without the commitments of collegiate wrestling. citeturn0search5

As of March 2025, reports indicate that Facundo has committed to Ohio State University, marking a significant shift in his wrestling career. This move is noteworthy, considering Penn State’s longstanding dominance in collegiate wrestling under Coach Cael Sanderson. While the specific reasons for Facundo’s transfer have not been publicly detailed, such decisions often involve a combination of personal, academic, and athletic considerations.

This development adds to a series of recent changes within Penn State’s wrestling program. Notably, Mason Gibson, a top-15 recruit for the 2024 class, decommitted from Penn State in April 2024, citing concerns over roster competition and weight class overlaps. citeturn0search1 Additionally, Bo Bassett, the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class and a Pennsylvania native, committed to Iowa over Penn State in February 2025, influenced by his admiration for Iowa’s wrestling legacy. citeturn0search4

Despite these departures, Penn State continues to attract top talent. The 2025 recruiting class includes Marcus Blaze, ranked as the No. 1 recruit nationally, who chose Penn State over Ohio State and Purdue. citeturn0search2 Coach Sanderson’s emphasis remains on developing wrestlers holistically, focusing on long-term success both on and off the mat. citeturn0search0

In summary, while Alex Facundo’s departure to Ohio State represents a shift in the wrestling landscape, Penn State’s program remains robust, continually adapting and securing top-tier recruits to maintain its competitive edge.

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