Weeks ago, Masanosuke Ono sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, defeating the legendary Spencer Lee by 3-2 in a showdown that will go down in history. The Japanese phenom’s dominance was undeniable—but was it just the beginning? As the dust settles, a new question looms: What’s next for Ono? With whispers of a life-changing decision and a moment that had fans on edge, the wrestling world is left wondering—is something even bigger about to happen?
At just 20, Ono stormed onto the senior international scene at the 2024 Yasar Dogu tournament, clinching gold with a commanding 42-2 point differential over five matches. His dominance continued at the U20 World Championships, where he outscored opponents 38-2, including a 7-2 victory over top U.S. prospect Marcus Blaze. Ono’s crowning achievement came at the 2024 World Championships, where he overpowered world-class competitors like Vito Arujau and Zaur Uguev with decisive 12-0 and 10-2 wins, respectively.
During his recent appearance on FloWrestling, Masanosuke Ono sat across from the interviewer, a subtle smirk on his face. “I understand you have an announcement to make. What is your announcement?” the interviewer asked. Ono nodded and stated, “Oh yep, and I’m saying that I’m going to Penn State,” he said, his words deliberate. “We’re saying this is a decision for my life. So, you know, Penn State will help me, and Penn State is the best in the world.”
Masanosuke Ono commits to wrestle at @pennstateWREST live on FRL pic.twitter.com/1wVM1D2fOj
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) March 24, 2025
The moment felt surreal—a world-class wrestler committing to a dynasty that has already produced legends. The interviewer leaned in. “So you’re going to go to Penn State as a student and wrestle on the Penn State wrestling team?” Ono’s response was simple but firm. A nod. A smile. And just like that, he sealed the deal. Then, with a confident gesture, the Japanese wrestling star gripped the edges of his jacket and pulled it open to reveal a T-shirt with ‘Penn State’ written across the chest.
For those who’ve followed Ono’s journey, this step makes sense. After all, he has long admired Penn State’s dominance and watched them claim yet another NCAA championship this past weekend. “Yeah, I watched every NCAA competition, like, so… so everything is cool. It is cool,” he said, clearly captivated by the program’s excellence.
With Ono now set to train under Cael Sanderson, wrestling fans eagerly question just how high his ceiling is. If history is any indication, the best is yet to come.
Is it a Cael Sanderson effect on Masanosuke Ono?
Time and again, Penn State has produced wrestling’s biggest stars. Moreover, the mastermind behind it all is none other than Cael Sanderson himself. Since taking over in 2009, he hasn’t just built a dominant program—he’s created a winning culture. His coaching is not just about making the athletes score points; growing a personality into a champion is the key. Athletes underneath Cael enter the competition and undergo a transformation. Is Masanosuke Ono the new Sanderson product who will reach the top?
Even Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson couldn’t help but marvel at what Sanderson has done. In fact, as per Sports Illustrated, he recently remarked, “What Cael has done for the program is mind-boggling.” And it truly is. Year after year, the best wrestlers walk into his room and walk out as legends. It’s no longer about whether Penn State dominates—it’s about who rises next under Sanderson’s mentorship.
Just take a look at the names he’s shaped. David Taylor—a two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist. Aaron Brooks—a three-time NCAA champ with a relentless drive. Shakur Rasheed, Bo Nickal—each of them electrifying, each of them forged under Sanderson’s system. His coaching intricately refines talent the talent it comes across, it creates wrestlers who define eras.
With a staggering dual meet record, NCAA team titles, and many other championships in his coaching and athletic career, Sanderson has built a legacy. Now, with Masanosuke Ono stepping onto the mat under his guidance, the only question is: how far will Sanderson take him?
The post Weeks After Thrashing Spencer Lee, Masanosuke Ono Drops Massive News as Japanese Star Announces NCAA Commitment appeared first on EssentiallySports.