Penn State University’s wrestling program has secured a monumental commitment from Japanese wrestling sensation Masanosuke Ono, the reigning 61-kilogram (134.4 pounds) World Champion. Ono announced his decision to join the Nittany Lions on March 24, 2025, during an appearance on FloWrestling Radio Live.
Ono’s wrestling journey began in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan, where he started training at the tender age of three. His dedication and talent led him to attend Tosu Technical High School, during which he clinched multiple Japan National tournament titles across various age groups.
In 2024, Ono’s career reached new heights as he dominated the international wrestling scene. He secured the U20 World Championship at 61 kilograms in September, notably defeating Marcus Blaze in the semifinals. The following month, Ono captured the Senior World Championship title in Albania at just 20 years old. His remarkable performance included victories over Olympic champion Zaur Uguev of Russia and reigning World champion Vito Arujau of the United States, outscoring his opponents 55–2 throughout the tournament.
Ono’s commitment to Penn State comes on the heels of his recent training stint with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. During this period, he competed against former Iowa standout and Olympic silver medalist Spencer Lee at the “FloWrestling Night in America” event on February 26, 2025, emerging victorious in the 59.5-kilogram freestyle match.
Ono’s decision to join Penn State was influenced by the program’s esteemed reputation. “Penn State will help me and Penn State is the best in the world,” Ono stated during his FloWrestling Radio Live interview. His commitment is expected to have an immediate impact on the Nittany Lions’ lineup, particularly in the 133-pound weight class. Although Ono has primarily competed in freestyle wrestling, his exceptional skills and adaptability suggest a promising transition to collegiate folkstyle wrestling. He humorously remarked about his potential weight class, indicating flexibility from 125 to 157 pounds.
Penn State’s wrestling program, under the leadership of Coach Cael Sanderson, continues to demonstrate its dominance by attracting top-tier international talent. Ono’s addition to the team not only bolsters the roster but also signifies the program’s global appeal and commitment to excellence. As the Nittany Lions prepare for the upcoming season, fans eagerly anticipate the contributions of this world-class athlete to an already formidable lineup.
