Alex Facundo’s return to Penn State wrestling has been a topic of interest following his departure from Oklahoma State. Facundo, a Michigan native and former four-time state champion at Davison High School, initially transferred to Oklahoma State before ultimately returning to Penn State. While specific details about his departure from Oklahoma State have not been publicly disclosed, Facundo has expressed that “there are issues” that influenced his decision to leave.
During his time at Penn State, Facundo has demonstrated significant promise. In the 2022–23 season, he achieved a 19–6 record, including victories over top-ranked opponents such as #5 Cameron Amine and #12 Carson Kharchla. He also placed seventh at the Big Ten Championships and qualified for the NCAA Championships. In the 2023–24 season, Facundo took an Olympic redshirt to focus on freestyle wrestling and international competitions. He won gold at the 2024 Pan-American Championships in the 79 kg freestyle weight class, securing his spot at the U.S. Olympic Trials citeturn0search0.
Facundo’s return to Penn State strengthens the team’s lineup, particularly in the 165-pound weight class. His experience and international success add depth to the Nittany Lions’ roster as they continue their pursuit of a national championship.
As Facundo re-integrates into the Penn State wrestling program, his journey reflects the dynamic nature of collegiate athletics and the personal and professional considerations that student-athletes navigate.
