Penn State Wrestling Adds Two-Time All-American Drew Hildebrandt to Roster

Penn State wrestling has seemingly made a significant addition to its roster after picking up sixth-year 125-pound star Drew Hildebrandt through the transfer portal.

Although the team hasn’t formally announced Hildebrandt’s transfer, he’s listed on Penn State’s active roster and student directory. The program has not yet responded to a request for comment on Hildebrandt’s transfer.

Hildebrandt spent five years wrestling for Central Michigan. While competing for the Chippewas, Hildebrandt became a two-time All-American, a three-time NCAA Championships qualifier, and a two-time MAC champion at 125 pounds.

Assuming that Hildebrandt becomes the starter at 125 pounds in the lineup, he will be the sixth All-American in Penn State’s loaded lineup. He will help add some stability at 125 pounds, where the Nittany Lions have generally struggled since national champion Nico Megaludis graduated in 2016.

Hildebrandt posted an impressive 14-2 record in his last season at Central Michigan. His only two losses came on a run for fourth place at the NCAA Championships, including a defeat to Iowa’s Hodge Trophy winner, Spencer Lee.

He was 31-3 during the 2019-20 season, when the NCAA Championships were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Indiana native, Hildebrandt had an impressive high school career. He placed four times at Indiana’s state meet, including a first-place finish in 2016. Hildebrandt is also a three-time USA Wrestling High School All-American.

Penn State returns to the mat with a road trip to Maryland on Friday, Jan. 7. Only time will tell if Hildebrandt suits up and joins the undefeated Nittany Lions’ lineup.