Boom.
Ohio State wrestling added its fourth pledge to the its class of 2022 on Monday, and it was a big one. Nic Bouzakis, the nation's top-ranked 132-pound prospect, pledged to wrestle in Columbus after completing his scholastic career at Pennsylvania's renowned Wyoming Seminary.
Bouzakis' list of accolades is lengthy. Heading into his senior season, he already boasts Fargo, Super 32, Ironman, Eastern States and National Preps championships. He made this year's Junior World Greco-Roman team. He is No. 2 on FloWrestling's Class of 2022 Big Board and is ranked as the site's No. 3 pound-for-pound high school wrestler in the country this season.
In announcing his commitment via Instagram, he emphasized his relationship with Buckeye head coach Tom Ryan: “I have grown to know Coach Ryan over the years and we have bonded with each other,” Bouzakis wrote. “We both share commonalities that strengthen our commitment to overcome challenges and persevere in the face of tragedy.”
Ryan is not new at recruiting the best in the county, and his 2022 class is shaping up to be a masterpiece. Bouzakis joins top-ranked heavyweight Nick Feldman, top-ranked 197-pounder Seth Shumate and top-20 145-pounder Gavin Brown.
Bouzakis likely projects to wrestle at 141 pounds at Ohio State, though he could potentially start his career at 133 and move up a class as he ages as many Buckeye greats have done, including current assistant coach and four-time NCAA champion Logan Stieber.