Report: Cornell Transfer Max Dean Commits to Penn State Wrestling

Former Cornell wrestler and two-time All-American Max Dean has committed to Penn State wrestling, according to his brother, Gabe.

Gabe Dean, himself a two-time national champion for the Big Red, appeared on an episode of Chael Sonnen’s “Beyond the Fight” and said his brother is heading to State College to be with Cael Sanderson’s program.

“He’s at Penn State now, and he’s gonna be training and wrestling there,” Gabe said.

While Max wrestled at 184 pounds at Cornell, Gabe also said he thinks his younger brother is moving up to the 197-pound class with the Nittany Lions.

During his freshman and sophomore seasons, Max Dean posted a 57-12 overall record en route to unanimous first-team All-Ivy League both seasons. He was a national runner-up at 184 pounds during his sophomore season in 2018-19.

Dean hails from Lowell, Michigan where he was a two-time state champion at Lowell High School. He had a 41-0 record as a senior in high school, which led to Grand Rapids Press Wrestler of the Year honors.

Since his junior season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dean will come to Happy Valley with junior eligibility and aim to make a major impact for Sanderson’s squad.