Bo Bassett, regarded as one of the top-ranked high school wrestlers in the nation, is gearing up to make a monumental decision; he will announce his college commitment soon. Regarded as the best overall wrestler of the 2026 class, Bassett has whittled down his options to four elite wrestling programs: Penn State, Oklahoma State, Iowa, and Virginia Tech. With his final decision scheduled for February 4, 2025, wrestling enthusiasts eagerly await his announcement, which is set to be broadcast live on FloWrestling.
Bassett, hailing from Bishop McCort High School, boasts an astonishing career record of 109-0 as of now, showcasing his dominance on the mat. At just 17, he has already made waves by winning significant titles, including the 2024 PIAA individual championship, the Cadet World Wrestling Championship, and earning third place at the U20 World Championships. His reputation precedes him, and many have dubbed him a wrestling prodigy.
The recruitment process has been nothing short of intense for Bassett, who shared on FloWrestling's live show, “The recruiting process has been incredible... It’s been more challenging than I thought it would ever be, but it was fun. It was something I’ve worked for my whole life.” His statements reflect the commitment he has shown toward wrestling and the great care he is taking with his future choices.
The significance of Bassett’s upcoming decision cannot be understated. Penn State, known for its strong wrestling program, has already secured commitments from three of FloWrestling's top-seven pound-for-pound wrestlers, indicating their serious pursuit of excellence. The Nittany Lions aim for their fourth consecutive NCAA team title under the tutelage of legendary head coach Cael Sanderson, and securing Bassett would be another coup for the program.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma State, helmed by head coach David Taylor, has also made headlines recently by securing another top recruit, Dreshaun Ross. His commitment to OSU was seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Cowboys' recruiting class for 2026. Observers on social media speculated about the potential of Bassett joining Ross at OSU, particularly after the successful scouting efforts by Taylor. His ability to attract top wrestling prospects has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike.
Virginia Tech rounds out the final four schools vying for Bassett’s commitment. Having hosted him on visits, the Hokies have been actively involved throughout his recruitment. Should Bassett choose Virginia Tech, he could potentially fill the shoes of current standout wrestler Caleb Henson at the 157-pound weight class. The Hokies have had notable success landing top recruits over the years, but Bassett could be their biggest signing yet.
Iowa, another perennial contender, is well-aware of the recruitment race, too. Their program has historically been one of the strongest, placing significant emphasis on wrestling excellence. With Bassett’s announcement looming, the battle for his commitment intensifies among these powerhouse programs.
Fans and analysts predict Bassett’s decision will set the tone for the 2026 wrestling recruiting class. His choice is likely to impact not only the programs involved but also the wider collegiate wrestling community and its future dynamics.
With high expectations and pressure mounting from all sides, Bassett's decision will undoubtedly leave his mark on the collegiate wrestling scene. Since his prowess as an athlete may affect the recruiting strategies of these schools, the stakes are exceptionally high. Regardless of where he chooses to go, Bo Bassett's commitment will be pivotal, marking the beginning of his next chapter as he transitions from high school wrestling dominance to collegiate competition.
His decision will be revealed after his team competes at the PIAA Class 2A Team Championships, with his commitment expected to follow shortly thereafter. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, adding to the anticipation surrounding both the competition and the announcement.
Bo Bassett’s future is bright, and the excitement surrounding his college commitment is palpable. Who will secure this top talent will surely have reverberations throughout collegiate wrestling for years to come.