Penn State Wrestling picks up big-time transfer

Max Dean of the Cornell Big Red (Photo by Hunter Martin/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Max Dean of the Cornell Big Red (Photo by Hunter Martin/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /
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Former Cornell wrestling standout is bringing his talents to Happy Valley

There’s nothing like Penn State Wrestling Wrestling news in mid-May!

Two-time All-American Max Dean is transferring from Cornell and making his new home at Penn State. The 184 pounder will then have eligibility as a junior going into the 2022 season.

In his first two seasons at Cornell (2018-2019), Dean put up an overall record of 56-12 and finished 8th in the 2018 NCAA Championships and runner-up in the 2019 NCAA Championships. Dean did not wrestle in any collegiate dual meets in either 2020 or 2021.

Max Dean is good.

And it’s no shock considering Penn State Wrestling coach Cael Sanderson wanted him. If he wants you, then it’s a pretty decent sign you’re fairly talented at wrestling.

So, what does this mean for the 2022 Nittany Lions squad? They already have a freshman NCAA Champion at 184 with Aaron Brooks. Well according to Max’s brother Gabe Dean, Max will most likely bump up to 197.

And here’s where it gets interesting. Penn State already has an All-American at 197 as Michael Beard secured the honor in the 2021 NCAA Championships. Does Beard then redshirt?

Only Sanderson and the Penn State Wrestling coaching staff will know for sure.

But, either way, it’s a huge get for the Nittany Lions.