@@vikramray3815 Retherford beat Stieber as a true freshman when Steiber was a redshirt junior. That assumption is crazy. Ruth also lost his senior year and barely beat Dean at Nationals. No way he’s #2
@@vikramray3815 Nickal was probably the most exciting. That guy was nuts. Zain had a dominance out there that just poured on points relentlessly. Magic Man was a monster out there as well.
Craziest thing about that for me is the fact that Penn State had Nolf, Zain, Bo, and Cenzo on the roster for the '16-'17 and '17-'18 seasons. Throw into that Mark Hall who could have also easily made the list being on the roster those two seasons and the talent those two years was just stupid lol. If it was a video game you'd be accused of hacking to get all of them together for 1 let alone 2 years.
Hahah you're spot on with the video game reference. But isn't that crazy to think about? I mean those guys were ABSOLUTE studs who not only never really lost, but also completely dominated. I still can't believe how phenomenal that lineup was from 2016-2018.
@@FancoWrestling Yeah it was a pleasure to watch that lineup. And all 5 of those beasts were relatively humble (not showboating and whatnot) which is a huge tip of the cap to not only Cael's influence and tutelage, but also Casey Cunningham's as well. Just go out there, do your job (maul your opponent) and come back over to cheer for your teammates.
@@caseyschoenleber1760 Naysayers: Pffft, they're just going to reload their pistol Penn State: *Brings out a minigun* Naysayers: *swallows nervously* ....oh...
I remember when I went to a Penn State wrestling camp in State College. I am so thankful that my old youth coach gave me the chance to travel with Quakertown to the camp. I met most of these guys on the list, but my best experience was the 3rd day of camp where I went down to Penn States wrestling room and Bo Nickal taught us his moves. I also met McKnight a few days before, and he was down there as well helping out. At the end of the workout, I asked Nolf if I could get a picture with him and McKnight accidentally recorded a few seconds of me and Nolf. Then, me and Nolf finally got the picture. I really love this memory and it reminds me how many cool experiences I have had as a wrestler.
@@FancoWrestling Morgan McIntosh certainly should be on the list. Constantly top 4 in the country and earned 2nd only to J’den Cox of all people. McIntosh was great.
@@FancoWrestling Matt Brown for sure. Was an NCAA Champ during the punt season in 2015. 3x AA and lost in the finals 2-1 TB to Chris Perry as a sophomore. Dude was always tough
Cael Sanderson has to be the best coach of all time in any spectrum of sports competition. Right up there with Gable, Red Araback, Belichick, Lombardi, Noll, Stengal, Jimmy Johnson, Wooden, Walsh and Bear Bryant.
Tho Cael may get there in no way shape or form can you put anyone over Dan Gable.Dont recall exact number,,but I think its almost double the national titles as Cael.No disrespect to him,but the numbers aren't close YET!
@@normanhuntley5747 Cael will have more titles after he's coached as long as Gable did. Plus Cael's guys are actually technically superior to Gable's Iowa wrestlers. Gable wrestling: lock up and push. Big whoop. Cael wrestling: go out and score a ton of points, have fun. Yeah, Cael is better.
Ruth is #2 all time at PSU. Even possibly #1, he lost at NCAA his redshirt freshman year due to an injury in the semis and still came back to take 3rd. I honestly think he get over looked often.
My thoughts Exactly... It's almost like he gets overlooked because of how Easy he made it look. He flowed and was so dominant. It sometimes frustrates me how he Doesn't get the attention he earned
He didn't lose because of an injury. He was down ~11-2 to Amuchastegui and had been ridden for about 4 minutes by the time he stopped Wrestling. He got broke. And he wrestled I believe 6 matches after that. Now if you want to point out the guy he lost to was a stud who was a 2X finalist, 4th place and had a DNP as a Freshmen(though he did beat Nick Marble who'd shortly become the first wrestler to beat Jordan Burroughs in international Competition after JB had won 3 World Titles to put that into context) that's cool. I think Ruth is underrated as well. Just don't tell me he lost because of injury. I went into the NCAAs hurt every year. Torn ACL one year(not THAT rare), separated cartilage in my ribs that was healing, but still hurt, another year a shoulder that was lose(meaning it was susceptible to separating...VERY different than dislocating which is much worse...though the separations are usually caused by a dislocation). -And NONE of these things are rare and I was usually in as good of health as my teammates heading out there. One of the reasons I enjoyed Penn State NLWC so much is that they train differently...and I was there long before Snyder and everyone else jumped ship to train with the best, but I wish I'd wrestled with that type of mentality my College career). Anyway, no, Nick Amuchastegui did not lose 'because Ed Ruth got injured.' He was a Jr, he was a better Wrestler and an absolute hammer on top that Ruth just wasn't ready for. I ALSO think that Ruth is an underrated Wrestler dude to the success of guys like DT, Zain, Bo, Nolf and not Starocci and Brooks. 3/1/1/1 is impressive as hell. Still wish we'd have gotten to see Chris Phillips Wrestle...one of the all-time great HS Wrestlers, up there with Kolat and Fried, but he was just burned out, but he was on the same team, the same CLASS as Logan Stieber and was CLEARLY the #1 recruit at the same weight in HS as Ruth winning FOUR HS Titles at 171 in Ohio...which is just insane. In fact, Phillips won the Ironman as a Freshmen at 171, beating the #1,2 and #3 ranked Wrestlers in the COUNTRY at 171. They called him the "Freshmen mutant." So again, for perspective, on a team with 4-4X State Champs, 3 NCAA AAs and 2 Champs, including a 4X Champ, Phillips was...WITHOUT A DOUBT the best. And then just walked away from a scholarship.
Back in 1988-89, Jim Martin was the very first PSU wrestler I watched back in the days when we had to stay up until 4am watching tape delays. From there on, I had the luxury of attending 15 Big Ten/11 conference tournaments and the 1998 national championships at PSU. Saw a LOT of wrestlers in my day.
@@FancoWrestling it’s ok. You can argue two titles vs one and he was a 3 time AA, as well. I will be honest and admit I am a NY boy as was Prescott. Maybe a little biased 😉
Prescott was a two-time NCAA Division One champion at 118 pounds (1990 & 1991), becoming only the second Penn State grappler to achieve that recognition. His 51 dual meet wins rank 17th in school history and he shares the single season school record for dual wins at 22 (1991-92). A three time NCAA Division One All-American (1990-92), Prescott became the first Penn State wrestler to ever be named the NCAA’s tournament’s most outstanding wrestler; achieving that honor in 1991.
I've always believed Ruth is the most accomplished wrestler. The Hodge is done by voting and is out of the wrestlers control or Nolf would have one. What they can control is conferance and national titles, which is the goal of the season. 3X NCAA Champ and 4X BIG 10 champ. No other Penn State wrestler has achieved that many titles.
I wasn't sold on Ruth until I saw him lose to the Stanford kid as a Freshmen... He got banged up to a dominant Wrestler. I think the kid went 3-2-2 with the 3 coming before Ruth's 1st year, 2nd that year and then Ruth got him his Soph year and dominated him like...13-3 in the finals. Ruth just made it LOOK too east. Also in Ruth's favor...and while it pre-dates PSU, he beat the best HS Wrestler since Cary Kolat, Chris Phillips...the #1 recruit the year Logan Stieber, Hunter, and Cam Tessari, all also 4 timers(Hunter being a College 4X Champ as well) all came from the same HS. Ruth loses points because he made it look too easy maybe. Or, maybe PSU has just been that dominant. Personally, I'd have McCoy and Ruth above Nolf and Bo...but damn this is hard.
@@scourge8097 You may be right. The Hodge is pretty much won by being popular. I recall thinking Ruth's matches were boring because it wasnt much of a contest.
Amazing to think how close he was to being a 4x champion. Amuchestegui tore his cartilage in the first minute. Ruth obviously lost that match, but then was able to run through the rest of the field -while injured- to take third. He had already beaten Mack Lewnes, I think beating Reader was just as likely. But we will never know...
@@miked1606 I wrote too much last time...yes, it IS amazing how close he was. He is definitely one of the most under appreciated Wrestlers in recent memory...and I don't know why...OTHER than he was just so consistently dominant and made it look too easy.
Josiah AWESOME article! Cant argue David Taylor,one of the best ankle picks ever!D.T. got you on youre back he was lights out.Was great seeing him take Olympic Gold for sure! Maybe you can tell me what entity Ed Ruth is mma fighting for.Been looking for him,but yet to catch him.Thanks again!!
Great Video as usual! Josiah, look into Dake and Taylor forming a group to speak out for Medical freedom. They were just on Flo with interview. Please get them on and have them speak about it. We need to get the info out!!!
Great video! Now I wish we could see another top ten honorable mention list for best in history. It's not usually a popular subject (going over the people who didn't make the cut or aren't considered "stars"). but I am more fascinated by the "super gifted and talented" athletes that may not have all the points of the top 10 guys, but showed they might have with just a tweak here or there. Jeff Prescott comes to mind.
@@FancoWrestling I'm not even a true PSU fan, I just appreciate great, fun wrestling like Cael has those guys doing at PSU. My fave team, OU, kinda stinks, lol.
Bo is my #1, by far. He was the most spectacular, could dominate from any position, and he never had an opponent who he couldn't eventually beat. Taylor was amazing as well, but he could never figure out Kyle Dake, either during or after college. Nolf and Retherford come right after them, and Quentin Wright/Ed Ruth might tie for #5.
Loved watching zain when I first started wrestling and was looking for college guys to watch to help get better zain was my go to guy simple style but super effective and very physical matched my body type and style
Great list. If I were doing one though I would leave Hodge Trophies out of the criteria simply because it is a subjective title where as NCAA placements and bonus wins are objective. Due to that fact David taylor wouldn't crack the top 3. The real debate would be between Bo and Jason with Ed in third due to the fact they both have a runner up finishes vs Ed's third place finish.
I would like to see the top 10 transfers out of Penn State. It's the elephant in the room. Kolat would be #1, but Billman, Scott Moore, Josh Robbins, Bubba, and Suriano would have to be on that list.
Zain, David Taylor, NOLF, Ed Ruth, and Bo Nickal are my top 5 PSU Wrestlers of all time. Taylor SHOULD have more Nattys, but he did run into one of the Greatest overall Champs, if not THE GREATEST College Wrestler of all time. 4 National Championships out of 4 years. And in different weight classes as well...that's kinda unreal. I couldn't believe Taylor got pinned in the finals his Frosh year. I think his closest match that year was like 7-3.
for his time Andy was very dominant. Best take down artist of all time! He could have been a three time champ but pinned himself while pinning a guy with legs. Andy was way ahead of his time and like Bill Kohl, was as good as anyone today. History is hard to see without anything on you tube.
I think Zain should be #1 and Nolf #2. Taylor might not have even started his freshman year, if Bubba Jenkins had not been kicked off the team. He is certainly great, but his losses to Dake came twice in his SENIOR year. Zain was a true freshman when he beat Stieber who at the time was a senior and a reigning 3x NCAA champion. His only losses came in his true freshman year to a 4x champion (Stieber in the Big 10 finals and NCAA semis) and then to the top seed in the NCAA tournament that year Mitchell Port in the Tie Break 2 round of consolation semis. So both Zain and Taylor lost twice to great 4x champions, but Taylor as a senior and Zain as a true freshman.
Do this video for Iowa next. I’ll give you my list. The only easy pick was #1. 10. Metcalf 9. Ironside 8. Terry Brands 7. Randy Lewis 6. Joe Williams 5. Barry Davis 4. McIlravy 3. Tom Brands 2. Jim Zalesky 1. Spencer Lee
@@johnthazelett8833 It was really really hard to leave them off. My sticking point was that Ed lost 9 matches in college and Lou lost 13. Also, neither of the Banachs ever had a perfect season. This raises the question that Metcalf didn’t either, but he did win 149lbs in 2008 which I would call the 2nd toughest weight ever, behind 133 in 2019.
Honorable mention-Greg elinsky. First PSU 4x AA. Olympic alternate to kenny monday in 1992 while working as an attorney at a high powered law firm. Also jeff prescott and john hughes. I would also add frank molinaro. Possibly kerry colat even though his titles were won at lock haven
David is Number One because of his gold medal and that bs about most bonus points is a way to justify it. The only year he was seriously challenged in his weight class was by Kyle Dake and he lost, a wrestler he has never beaten even in freestyle. He is a great Olympic and world champion but not the best college wrestler let alone the best at Penn state. Zain, Ruth… heck Bo had to beat 2X champion Gabe Dean in the finals to get his third. Should rethink this.
Quentin Wright, Ed Ruth, Bo Nickal, and Aaron Brooks all at 184lb. Penn State has won the National Championship at that weight 7 of the past 11 years, with Brooks looking good for a couple more in the coming years. And oh yeah, Cael Sanderson was a pretty good 184 too, winning 3 of his 4 championships at that weight.
I admired Cenzo's work on the mat. That guy wrestled with heart and courage. I remember how he wrestled aggressively against IMAR, despite IMAR's rep. He wasn't afraid to go up top on IMAR. Much respect. I feel Cenzo was cheated out of getting a 3rd title. I feel all the seniors that year were cheated.
Taylor should definitely be behind Ruth. You definitely included Taylor’s Olympics success in your ranking. The Jenkins match was no fluke. I’ll take 3 titles vs 2.
Josiah, I'd like to see a list as to wich wrestler did the most to push his team to NATIONAL TITLE!!Wether it be no. of total wins,pins,tech,or superior decision. Would take some work to figure wich team isn't as successful without 1 particular wrestler!! Personally I think Spencer Lee catapulted the hawks win ,last year,without him,they don't get that natty.Not only that I think some guys make the team better.Personally I think David Taylor always made teams he was on better,because he was a great leader,by example.
I think he got this list right except for excluding mark hall. I am a big fan fan of DT and am always amazed by his bouts even when he came up on the losing end with Dake. It was great he got final redemption by taking Olympic gold
Bill Koll(Rob Kill’s dad) wrestled for Penn State in the 1950’s and was a .3x UNDEFEATED NCAA Champ during the 3 year era(1927-1970) for division 1 wrestling
Personally Ed Ruth would be top 3 for me he was dominate, creative, and fun to watch every year he was there, if he didn’t get hurt freshman year I’d say he’d definitely be a 4 timer. I like David more so in freestyle than when he was in college
Hmmmm....I'd probably go with Zain, if I had to pick. He was such a brute on top that he just ground guys to dust. But I've always been more of a mat guy. Zane was pretty good in neutral and on bottom, but on top I think he was the toughest of the PSU guys.
You completely forgot Bill Koll!!!…He was a 3x NCAA Champ in the 1950s) and NEVER LOST!..He is one of 13 undefeated wrestlers during the 3 year era(1927-1970)..Yes,undefeated..Many think Cael Sanderson was the only undefeated NCAA wrestler..Not true..Dan Hodge was also UNDEFEATED as well as Oklahoma State’s Yojiro Uetake(who also won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1964 while in college)..
During an Olympics, Bill Koll injured a Turk seriously when he lifted him off the may and slammed him down. Because of that, rules were changed that if you lifted someone off the mat, you had to "return him safely to the mat."
@@ORWELL_USA Andy dominated everyone. He pinned himself while pinning a guy with legs (my opinion a bad referee decision) so he was only a two time national Champ! He could take anyone down and knew it.
The two most impressive wrestlers of that era that I saw wrestle were Andy Matter and Wade Schalles. I've been a fan of Andy Matter since his days at Upper Darby High School.
I would put Zane and maybe even nolf over Taylor which don't get me wrong Taylor is a Penn State legend and kind of got the ball rolling also at 9 or 10 I think Jeremy Hunter should definitely be there
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Who is Penn State's BEST National Champion of All-Time?
@@vikramray3815 Retherford beat Stieber as a true freshman when Steiber was a redshirt junior. That assumption is crazy. Ruth also lost his senior year and barely beat Dean at Nationals. No way he’s #2
@@vikramray3815 Nickal was probably the most exciting. That guy was nuts. Zain had a dominance out there that just poured on points relentlessly. Magic Man was a monster out there as well.
Dave Taylor
I’d say Ed Ruth. He barely lost and dominated during college
1. Taylor
2. nickel
3. Zane
4. Ruth
5. Nolf
Craziest thing about that for me is the fact that Penn State had Nolf, Zain, Bo, and Cenzo on the roster for the '16-'17 and '17-'18 seasons. Throw into that Mark Hall who could have also easily made the list being on the roster those two seasons and the talent those two years was just stupid lol. If it was a video game you'd be accused of hacking to get all of them together for 1 let alone 2 years.
Hahah you're spot on with the video game reference. But isn't that crazy to think about? I mean those guys were ABSOLUTE studs who not only never really lost, but also completely dominated. I still can't believe how phenomenal that lineup was from 2016-2018.
@@FancoWrestling Yeah it was a pleasure to watch that lineup. And all 5 of those beasts were relatively humble (not showboating and whatnot) which is a huge tip of the cap to not only Cael's influence and tutelage, but also Casey Cunningham's as well.
Just go out there, do your job (maul your opponent) and come back over to cheer for your teammates.
Was spectacular to watch,,, n made everyone who questioned the reload strategy the year/two leading up to it swallow their words
@@caseyschoenleber1760
Naysayers: Pffft, they're just going to reload their pistol
Penn State: *Brings out a minigun*
Naysayers: *swallows nervously* ....oh...
Nick lee rby starocci brooks dean
I remember when I went to a Penn State wrestling camp in State College. I am so thankful that my old youth coach gave me the chance to travel with Quakertown to the camp. I met most of these guys on the list, but my best experience was the 3rd day of camp where I went down to Penn States wrestling room and Bo Nickal taught us his moves. I also met McKnight a few days before, and he was down there as well helping out. At the end of the workout, I asked Nolf if I could get a picture with him and McKnight accidentally recorded a few seconds of me and Nolf. Then, me and Nolf finally got the picture. I really love this memory and it reminds me how many cool experiences I have had as a wrestler.
Thanks!
The amount of research and work that you put in your videos is top notch. Thank you.
Solid video, as always. Thank you!
Guys like Retherford are what make me wish international wrestling was folkstyle.
no
Facts folk style is so much better than freestyle
Folkstyke is more brutal for sure . Go Zain
I would have liked to see Aaron Pico and Zane wrestle in college.
Folkstyle too boring. There's a reason why freestyle is the standard everywhere else.
I think with how dominate Penn State has been over the years. There should be a top 10 underrated Penn State wrestlers
Who would you put on the list? For whatever reason my mind goes to Jimmy Gulibon.
@@FancoWrestling Morgan McIntosh certainly should be on the list. Constantly top 4 in the country and earned 2nd only to J’den Cox of all people. McIntosh was great.
@@berk6413 Yep. Was just about to say Morgan. He'd def be in top 5 underrated Penn State Wrestlers
@@FancoWrestling Matt Brown for sure. Was an NCAA Champ during the punt season in 2015. 3x AA and lost in the finals 2-1 TB to Chris Perry as a sophomore. Dude was always tough
@@berk6413 right, one of my favorite psu wrestlers that never won one. Although Matt Brown eventually won one he’s was super underrated and tough
Jason Nolf was the most dominant college wrestler I’ve ever seen. Excellent list.
I agree, he dominated his opponents
Jason Nolf... wow... You don't normally think of him to be top 5 on this list but, when you crunch the numbers it's undeniable. Great list.
Nolf was a pinning machine.
Jason Nolf was my favorite to watch. Definitely top 5.
How do you not think of him as a top five without even having to run any numbers
In what world is he not top 5?
@@mryan9675 Nah, Zain's my favorite. He's the one that started the 4-year streak back in 2016 that lasted 4 straight wins for PSU.
Cael Sanderson has to be the best coach of all time in any spectrum of sports competition. Right up there with Gable, Red Araback, Belichick, Lombardi, Noll, Stengal, Jimmy Johnson, Wooden, Walsh and Bear Bryant.
Tho Cael may get there in no way shape or form can you put anyone over Dan Gable.Dont recall exact number,,but I think its almost double the national titles as Cael.No disrespect to him,but the numbers aren't close YET!
@@normanhuntley5747 cael has already lost more dual meets then Gable did in his entire career.
Red "Auerbach." Also, why is Jimmy Johnson on your list?
I think Sanderson is better than Gable was.
@@normanhuntley5747 Cael will have more titles after he's coached as long as Gable did. Plus Cael's guys are actually technically superior to Gable's Iowa wrestlers. Gable wrestling: lock up and push. Big whoop. Cael wrestling: go out and score a ton of points, have fun. Yeah, Cael is better.
Abe was my coach as a kid! He was amazing. Also, you didn’t mention his Olympic run.
Me too lol his practices were pretty rough as a 6 year old at least 15 pounds smaller than everyone there 😂
Ruth is #2 all time at PSU. Even possibly #1, he lost at NCAA his redshirt freshman year due to an injury in the semis and still came back to take 3rd. I honestly think he get over looked often.
Ed ruth was the truth. I do think Nolf outperforms him.... I dont think there is any question who number 1 is though.
My thoughts Exactly... It's almost like he gets overlooked because of how Easy he made it look. He flowed and was so dominant. It sometimes frustrates me how he Doesn't get the attention he earned
He didn't lose because of an injury. He was down ~11-2 to Amuchastegui and had been ridden for about 4 minutes by the time he stopped Wrestling. He got broke.
And he wrestled I believe 6 matches after that. Now if you want to point out the guy he lost to was a stud who was a 2X finalist, 4th place and had a DNP as a Freshmen(though he did beat Nick Marble who'd shortly become the first wrestler to beat Jordan Burroughs in international Competition after JB had won 3 World Titles to put that into context) that's cool. I think Ruth is underrated as well. Just don't tell me he lost because of injury. I went into the NCAAs hurt every year. Torn ACL one year(not THAT rare), separated cartilage in my ribs that was healing, but still hurt, another year a shoulder that was lose(meaning it was susceptible to separating...VERY different than dislocating which is much worse...though the separations are usually caused by a dislocation).
-And NONE of these things are rare and I was usually in as good of health as my teammates heading out there. One of the reasons I enjoyed Penn State NLWC so much is that they train differently...and I was there long before Snyder and everyone else jumped ship to train with the best, but I wish I'd wrestled with that type of mentality my College career).
Anyway, no, Nick Amuchastegui did not lose 'because Ed Ruth got injured.' He was a Jr, he was a better Wrestler and an absolute hammer on top that Ruth just wasn't ready for.
I ALSO think that Ruth is an underrated Wrestler dude to the success of guys like DT, Zain, Bo, Nolf and not Starocci and Brooks. 3/1/1/1 is impressive as hell.
Still wish we'd have gotten to see Chris Phillips Wrestle...one of the all-time great HS Wrestlers, up there with Kolat and Fried, but he was just burned out, but he was on the same team, the same CLASS as Logan Stieber and was CLEARLY the #1 recruit at the same weight in HS as Ruth winning FOUR HS Titles at 171 in Ohio...which is just insane.
In fact, Phillips won the Ironman as a Freshmen at 171, beating the #1,2 and #3 ranked Wrestlers in the COUNTRY at 171. They called him the "Freshmen mutant."
So again, for perspective, on a team with 4-4X State Champs, 3 NCAA AAs and 2 Champs, including a 4X Champ, Phillips was...WITHOUT A DOUBT the best. And then just walked away from a scholarship.
Back in 1988-89, Jim Martin was the very first PSU wrestler I watched back in the days when we had to stay up until 4am watching tape delays. From there on, I had the luxury of attending 15 Big Ten/11 conference tournaments and the 1998 national championships at PSU. Saw a LOT of wrestlers in my day.
I have a hard time picking Abe over Jeff Prescott considering he dominated his two title years at 118. And I loved watching Abe wrestle.
For sure, I get the argument. Prescott just missed the list, and being a 4X AA helped Abe in criteria.
@@FancoWrestling it’s ok. You can argue two titles vs one and he was a 3 time AA, as well.
I will be honest and admit I am a NY boy as was Prescott. Maybe a little biased 😉
Prescott was a two-time NCAA Division One champion at 118 pounds (1990 & 1991), becoming only the second Penn State grappler to achieve that recognition. His 51 dual meet wins rank 17th in school history and he shares the single season school record for dual wins at 22 (1991-92).
A three time NCAA Division One All-American (1990-92), Prescott became the first Penn State wrestler to ever be named the NCAA’s tournament’s most outstanding wrestler; achieving that honor in 1991.
@@rocco8002 well said
I wrestled there with Chappy and once Lorenzo got him to take the academics seriously Jeff really shined and is definitely one of my favs.
Surprised Nico Megaludis didn't make the top 10. Man was a killer at 125
I SOO wanted to put him in the top 10, but he just missed the list.
Yeah when i saw top 10 i instantly thought megaludis,ruth, or sanderson
@@nicholasfedorchak3148 If you're talking about Cael, he went to Iowa St... he only coaches for Penn St.
@@tylernicholson5319 he might be talking about Cyler
Never saw anyone try harder than Megaludis.
I've always believed Ruth is the most accomplished wrestler. The Hodge is done by voting and is out of the wrestlers control or Nolf would have one. What they can control is conferance and national titles, which is the goal of the season. 3X NCAA Champ and 4X BIG 10 champ. No other Penn State wrestler has achieved that many titles.
I wasn't sold on Ruth until I saw him lose to the Stanford kid as a Freshmen...
He got banged up to a dominant Wrestler. I think the kid went 3-2-2 with the 3 coming before Ruth's 1st year, 2nd that year and then Ruth got him his Soph year and dominated him like...13-3 in the finals.
Ruth just made it LOOK too east.
Also in Ruth's favor...and while it pre-dates PSU, he beat the best HS Wrestler since Cary Kolat, Chris Phillips...the #1 recruit the year Logan Stieber, Hunter, and Cam Tessari, all also 4 timers(Hunter being a College 4X Champ as well) all came from the same HS.
Ruth loses points because he made it look too easy maybe.
Or, maybe PSU has just been that dominant.
Personally, I'd have McCoy and Ruth above Nolf and Bo...but damn this is hard.
@@scourge8097 You may be right. The Hodge is pretty much won by being popular. I recall thinking Ruth's matches were boring because it wasnt much of a contest.
Amazing to think how close he was to being a 4x champion. Amuchestegui tore his cartilage in the first minute. Ruth obviously lost that match, but then was able to run through the rest of the field -while injured- to take third.
He had already beaten Mack Lewnes, I think beating Reader was just as likely. But we will never know...
@@miked1606 I wrote too much last time...yes, it IS amazing how close he was.
He is definitely one of the most under appreciated Wrestlers in recent memory...and I don't know why...OTHER than he was just so consistently dominant and made it look too easy.
Great video. I remember watching Jim Martin he was a beast. I forgot about Kerry McCoy.
Aaron Brooks and Carter are now the top two with 4 NCAA titles each
Josiah AWESOME article! Cant argue David Taylor,one of the best ankle picks ever!D.T. got you on youre back he was lights out.Was great seeing him take Olympic Gold for sure! Maybe you can tell me what entity Ed Ruth is mma fighting for.Been looking for him,but yet to catch him.Thanks again!!
David Taylor after college...one of the all time greats
Great video
This what I've been waiting for fanco great video
Awesome, glad that you enjoyed it Bennett!
For teams like Penn State, Iowa or Ohio state you almost need to have a top 20 list. Also Jeremy Hunter was a beast…
This video was recommended to me recently. RIP Fanco
Great Video as usual! Josiah, look into Dake and Taylor forming a group to speak out for Medical freedom. They were just on Flo with interview. Please get them on and have them speak about it. We need to get the info out!!!
Great video! Now I wish we could see another top ten honorable mention list for best in history. It's not usually a popular subject (going over the people who didn't make the cut or aren't considered "stars"). but I am more fascinated by the "super gifted and talented" athletes that may not have all the points of the top 10 guys, but showed they might have with just a tweak here or there.
Jeff Prescott comes to mind.
It's not just that PSU has produced a lot of national champs in the last 10 years, but the vast majority of them won 2 or more titles.
And they've produced the most 3x champs in the past 20 years.
@@FancoWrestling I'm not even a true PSU fan, I just appreciate great, fun wrestling like Cael has those guys doing at PSU. My fave team, OU, kinda stinks, lol.
Do this for every team that's in the top ten this year
Simply put good video
John Fritz is one of the greats of PSU. Best takedown artist of the bunch.
Nice job on the video
Bo is my #1, by far. He was the most spectacular, could dominate from any position, and he never had an opponent who he couldn't eventually beat. Taylor was amazing as well, but he could never figure out Kyle Dake, either during or after college. Nolf and Retherford come right after them, and Quentin Wright/Ed Ruth might tie for #5.
Bo wouldn't have figured out Dake either. Still one hell of a wrestler. :)
We need an updated list after this season!
Loved watching zain when I first started wrestling and was looking for college guys to watch to help get better zain was my go to guy simple style but super effective and very physical matched my body type and style
He had the best bow & arrow I've ever seen.
Very good. I agree with your picks.
My dad is really good friends with Kerry McCoy (My dad is John Lange, all American at PSU). I've met Kerry a bunch of times and he's a great guy.
I would put Zain at #1. He was so dominating on top, Ive never seen anyone just break the will of the opponent like he did.
Great video. Zain 5th speaks of the greatness of the program.
As a massive Hawk fan.. this video makes me happy. And jealous. 😂
great list
Great list. If I were doing one though I would leave Hodge Trophies out of the criteria simply because it is a subjective title where as NCAA placements and bonus wins are objective. Due to that fact David taylor wouldn't crack the top 3. The real debate would be between Bo and Jason with Ed in third due to the fact they both have a runner up finishes vs Ed's third place finish.
I though 2018 was when he pinned Myles Martin and 2019 is when he beat Moore of Ohio state 5-1
Not a Penn State fan but it was fun watching Nolf, Taylor and Ruth. All three were class acts.
Greatjob
I’ve got an idea for a video. Rank the top five fan supported college wrestling programs. I’m assuming Iowa is number one?
I agree with this list as always and like you said the top 5 had to be hard but the numbers don’t lie.
Do you have any plans to put your podcasts on YT?
PSU vs Iowa dual is going to be good!
Yes it definitely is!
Great work!! Go Penn State
Make more like this for other programs please!!!
For sure, glad that you liked the concept. Which program do you want to see next?
I think you might blow a gasket trying to do a top ten for Iowa 😂.
Maybe Oklahoma State?
@@FancoWrestling Ohio State
@@FancoWrestling Cornell
@@FancoWrestling Iowa!!!!
I would like to see the top 10 transfers out of Penn State. It's the elephant in the room. Kolat would be #1, but Billman, Scott Moore, Josh Robbins, Bubba, and Suriano would have to be on that list.
Zain, David Taylor, NOLF, Ed Ruth, and Bo Nickal are my top 5 PSU Wrestlers of all time. Taylor SHOULD have more Nattys, but he did run into one of the Greatest overall Champs, if not THE GREATEST College Wrestler of all time. 4 National Championships out of 4 years. And in different weight classes as well...that's kinda unreal. I couldn't believe Taylor got pinned in the finals his Frosh year. I think his closest match that year was like 7-3.
i liked the top 5 in that order!
How do you leave PSU’s 1st 2x NCAA champion off of the list?
Andy Matter! He wrestled in a different era but was dominate
Andy Matter is top 15 on my list. The only thing keeping him off is he is a 2X All-American at Penn State compared to others who are 3X & 4X AAs.
It was a different time and he was the 1st
"Dominant" not dominate.
for his time Andy was very dominant. Best take down artist of all time! He could have been a three time champ but pinned himself while pinning a guy with legs. Andy was way ahead of his time and like Bill Kohl, was as good as anyone today. History is hard to see without anything on you tube.
Koll- not Kohl!
It's pretty crazy to have Zain at #4 but even crazier that I can't argue with that!
I think Zain should be #1 and Nolf #2. Taylor might not have even started his freshman year, if Bubba Jenkins had not been kicked off the team. He is certainly great, but his losses to Dake came twice in his SENIOR year. Zain was a true freshman when he beat Stieber who at the time was a senior and a reigning 3x NCAA champion. His only losses came in his true freshman year to a 4x champion (Stieber in the Big 10 finals and NCAA semis) and then to the top seed in the NCAA tournament that year Mitchell Port in the Tie Break 2 round of consolation semis. So both Zain and Taylor lost twice to great 4x champions, but Taylor as a senior and Zain as a true freshman.
Do this video for Iowa next. I’ll give you my list. The only easy pick was #1.
10. Metcalf
9. Ironside
8. Terry Brands
7. Randy Lewis
6. Joe Williams
5. Barry Davis
4. McIlravy
3. Tom Brands
2. Jim Zalesky
1. Spencer Lee
Love it - if the video idea gains interest I'll definitely do one for Iowa. I'd have to agree with #1 as well!
@@FancoWrestling That would be awesome. Thanks for all you do for this sport.
No Banachs?
@@johnthazelett8833 It was really really hard to leave them off. My sticking point was that Ed lost 9 matches in college and Lou lost 13.
Also, neither of the Banachs ever had a perfect season. This raises the question that Metcalf didn’t either, but he did win 149lbs in 2008 which I would call the 2nd toughest weight ever, behind 133 in 2019.
@@johnthazelett8833 It’s also hard to reconcile my list with the fact that T.J. Williams had a career record of 98-1.
For a second I was like “where the hell is David Taylor” and then you put him as #1. Couldn’t agree more.
Honorable mention-Greg elinsky. First PSU 4x AA. Olympic alternate to kenny monday in 1992 while working as an attorney at a high powered law firm. Also jeff prescott and john hughes. I would also add frank molinaro. Possibly kerry colat even though his titles were won at lock haven
KOLAT
@@ORWELL_USA A little boozed up at the time. Kolat. Noted
You should do an all time team
My brother wrestled Abe in Las Vegas
David is Number One because of his gold medal and that bs about most bonus points is a way to justify it. The only year he was seriously challenged in his weight class was by Kyle Dake and he lost, a wrestler he has never beaten even in freestyle. He is a great Olympic and world champion but not the best college wrestler let alone the best at Penn state. Zain, Ruth… heck Bo had to beat 2X champion Gabe Dean in the finals to get his third. Should rethink this.
Quentin Wright, Ed Ruth, Bo Nickal, and Aaron Brooks all at 184lb. Penn State has won the National Championship at that weight 7 of the past 11 years, with Brooks looking good for a couple more in the coming years. And oh yeah, Cael Sanderson was a pretty good 184 too, winning 3 of his 4 championships at that weight.
An awesome video idea would be All-Time Duals. PSU All-Time Team vs Iowa All-Time team. Or 2005 OkSt vs 2017 PSU
I admired Cenzo's work on the mat. That guy wrestled with heart and courage. I remember how he wrestled aggressively against IMAR, despite IMAR's rep. He wasn't afraid to go up top on IMAR. Much respect. I feel Cenzo was cheated out of getting a 3rd title. I feel all the seniors that year were cheated.
Great list! Nico Megaludis and Anthony Cassar deserve honorable mentions 😂🤣. Both dawgs … tough …
Just like in his Senior year of high school, Spencer Lee gets upset in the 2022 NCAA finals. Vito takes him down
Think of how many tough guys like Megaludis, Hall, Molinaro who didn’t even get a mention. That’s a deep program!
That top 5 is absolute fire and could go anyway.
Taylor should definitely be behind Ruth. You definitely included Taylor’s Olympics success in your ranking. The Jenkins match was no fluke. I’ll take 3 titles vs 2.
jenkins match was definitely a fluke. david taylor wins 99/100 matches against Jenkins
Wow the way Mccoy moved was insane - like a 133
1. Aaron Brooks
2. DT
3. Zain train
4. Starocci
5. Ed Ruth
6. Nickal
7. Nolf
8. Mccoy
9. Mark Hall
10. Vincenzo Joseph
Jim Martin and I went to the same high school... 30 years apart.
Josiah, I'd like to see a list as to wich wrestler did the most to push his team to NATIONAL TITLE!!Wether it be no. of total wins,pins,tech,or superior decision. Would take some work to figure wich team isn't as successful without 1 particular wrestler!! Personally I think Spencer Lee catapulted the hawks win ,last year,without him,they don't get that natty.Not only that I think some guys make the team better.Personally I think David Taylor always made teams he was on better,because he was a great leader,by example.
Carey Kolkata was my favorite wrestler of all times
I think he got this list right except for excluding mark hall. I am a big fan fan of DT and am always amazed by his bouts even when he came up on the losing end with Dake. It was great he got final redemption by taking Olympic gold
Would love a break down of Kolat vs. Dake, In their prime, same weight. WDYT
Mark Hall, RBY, Aaron Brooks, & Carter Starocci deserve honorable mention.
David Taylor, Penn State's Sole Proprietor of an Olympic Wrestling Championship. Plus, DT beat Bo head to head in real competition.
Change your youtube to Penn State fan. Looking forward to Ok State top 10, Iowa, Iowa State etc.. Good content.
His color scheme speaks volumes
Who would you put at OK State #1?
@@FancoWrestling Kenny Monday or John Smith
Strictly NCAA accomplishments as the criteria,, it Has to be Pat Smith. Greatest American wrestler is John Smith. JB is getting close tho.
im very fortunate to be coached by coach q every day of the week
Nico honorable mention
Bill Koll(Rob Kill’s dad) wrestled for Penn State in the 1950’s and was a .3x UNDEFEATED NCAA Champ during the 3 year era(1927-1970) for division 1 wrestling
No- He was a coach at Penn State in the 1960s and 70s! He wrestled for Iowa State Teachers College ( now Northern Iowa)after WWII.
What's about hall ???
One helluva of a top 10 and just think, Starocci and Brooks could surpass the aforementioned studs.
Personally Ed Ruth would be top 3 for me he was dominate, creative, and fun to watch every year he was there, if he didn’t get hurt freshman year I’d say he’d definitely be a 4 timer. I like David more so in freestyle than when he was in college
Hmmmm....I'd probably go with Zain, if I had to pick. He was such a brute on top that he just ground guys to dust. But I've always been more of a mat guy. Zane was pretty good in neutral and on bottom, but on top I think he was the toughest of the PSU guys.
You completely forgot Bill Koll!!!…He was a 3x NCAA Champ in the 1950s) and NEVER LOST!..He is one of 13 undefeated wrestlers during the 3 year era(1927-1970)..Yes,undefeated..Many think Cael Sanderson was the only undefeated NCAA wrestler..Not true..Dan Hodge was also UNDEFEATED as well as Oklahoma State’s Yojiro Uetake(who also won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1964 while in college)..
During an Olympics, Bill Koll injured a Turk seriously when he lifted him off the may and slammed him down. Because of that, rules were changed that if you lifted someone off the mat, you had to "return him safely to the mat."
@@ORWELL_USA Bill must have been an animal!
Tough list to crack when you don't see Mark Hall.
You better believe it!
Mark Hall has impressed me more than any other college wrestler
wheres cary kolat?
Can you do OKST PLS
Im gonna go out on a limb and say Jeff Prescott at 10 over Jim Martin.
Good list, but don't forget Al Bundy. He scored 4 TD's in one game for Polk High School.
Now Quentin wright is my high school wrestling coach😏
we need Iowa or Oklahoma st next since they have almost the same or more natty titles like Penn st
Andy Matter was amazing and ahead of his time n many areas.
Yes he was, I saw him destroy EIWA champ Jack Bentz at Lehigh...we were lucky to get out of that place unhurt.
@@ORWELL_USA Andy dominated everyone. He pinned himself while pinning a guy with legs (my opinion a bad referee decision) so he was only a two time national Champ! He could take anyone down and knew it.
The two most impressive wrestlers of that era that I saw wrestle were Andy Matter and Wade Schalles. I've been a fan of Andy Matter since his days at Upper Darby High School.
Bo Nickal reminds me of Andy Matter. Jason Nolf reminded me of Wade Schalles.
Do Iowa
Honorable mention? Nico was an NCAA point machine
I would put Zane and maybe even nolf over Taylor which don't get me wrong Taylor is a Penn State legend and kind of got the ball rolling also at 9 or 10 I think Jeremy Hunter should definitely be there
i can agree with this 100