Rising American wrestling star Bo Bassett has not shied away from sharing his thoughts on the powerhouse Penn State Wrestling team, a squad that has reigned supreme in collegiate wrestling in recent years. Now a high school senior in the class of 2026, Bassett has chosen to launch his college wrestling journey at Virginia Tech. He is set to hit the mats for the Hokies starting in the 2026-27 NCAA season.
Bassett represents Bishop McCort High School, alongside his brother, Melvin Miller, who is also set to join Virginia Tech as part of the class of 2027.
Bo Bassett on Almost Joining Penn State Wrestling
Bassett has quickly become one of the nation’s most electrifying wrestling prospects, racking up honors that include back-to-back PIAA Class AA state titles and an impressive four Super 32 and four Ironman championships. Though he first pledged to the University of Iowa in February 2025, heartfelt family conversations led him to change course and commit to Virginia Tech that October.
Bassett had many programs to choose from, including Penn State, with head coach Cael Sanderson even attempting to visit Bassett’s home to convince him. However, Bassett had other ideas.
“I have nothing but respect for what (Sanderson) is doing, and this wasn’t a decision I took lightly,” Bassett said. “If I can add some trophies for Virginia Tech, that would be an amazing opportunity,” he said, as per PSU Collegian.
Since Sanderson took over as head coach in 2006, the Penn State Wrestling team has secured 12 NCAA Championships (through the 2025 season), including multiple streaks, such as six in seven years early in his tenure, and dominating recent years with record-breaking performances. Bassett’s decision to join Virginia is certainly one that looks to challenge Sanderson’s dynasty.
Bassett Reveals Chances of Competing in MMA
Bassett’s most recent appearance came at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 05, where he dominated Cayden Henschel with a 14-4 technical fall victory in their featherweight clash at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. This win built on the momentum from his RAF debut just two months earlier.
In an interview after the victory, Bassett discussed his chances of doing MMA: (1:50 onwards)
“I think it’s very serious. I really enjoy combat and one-on-one sports. When you’re the man in the arena, there’s nothing quite like that feeling. I was at Kill Cliff earlier this week – an awesome experience. I’ve never been in such a high-level fight club or MMA gym, and it was incredible to be around top fighters. I have a lot to learn and a huge transition ahead, but I’m going to start early and take it seriously,” he said.
During the interview, Bassett also named his favorite wrestlers who have made the leap to MMA, highlighting Merab Dvalishvili, Bo Nickal, and Islam Makhachev, all of whom have become standout stars in the UFC.
