Jack Kelly Transfers from Penn State to George Mason for Final Year of Collegiate Wrestling
The offseason for college wrestling continues to bring roster changes, and this week, the Penn State Nittany Lions saw one of their former wrestlers make his next move official. Jack Kelly, who spent the last four years competing for Penn State, has entered the next chapter of his athletic career by announcing a transfer to George Mason University for the 2025 wrestling season.
Kelly shared the news on his personal Instagram account on Wednesday, confirming that he will use his final year of NCAA eligibility to wrestle for the Patriots.
Though he’s leaving Happy Valley, Kelly didn’t part ways without expressing deep gratitude for the time he spent in one of the most prestigious wrestling programs in the country. In his announcement, Kelly wrote a heartfelt message of thanks to his coaches, teammates, and the entire Penn State wrestling community.
> “Extremely grateful for these past four years at Penn State,” Kelly posted. “I will forever cherish my time in State College and I want to personally thank my coaches—Cael and Cody Sanderson, Casey Cunningham, and Nick Lee. I also want to thank all of my friends and teammates who have made my time at Penn State special.”
Kelly leaves behind a solid legacy as a contributor in one of the toughest rooms in collegiate wrestling. During his tenure with the Nittany Lions, he compiled an official career record of 12-9. Additionally, he wrestled as an unattached competitor during his redshirt year, picking up a 9-8 record. Overall, his combined record totals 21 wins and 17 losses. He also posted a 35.80% career bonus rate, which includes wins by major decision, technical fall, or pin.
Throughout his time in blue and white, Kelly competed primarily at 174 pounds, though he also gained experience in the 184-pound weight class. His versatility and consistency earned him valuable mat time in a program loaded with talent and depth at nearly every weight.
While Kelly didn’t crack the starting lineup regularly—understandable given Penn State’s dominant roster led by Head Coach Cael Sanderson—he still made notable contributions during dual meets, open tournaments, and in supporting the team’s championship culture.
Cael Sanderson and his staff have built a dynasty at Penn State, capturing multiple NCAA team titles and developing Olympic-caliber wrestlers. Kelly credited the legendary coaching staff, including Sanderson and his brother Cody, along with assistant coaches Casey Cunningham and Nick Lee, for playing a significant role in his development both on and off the mat.
The move to George Mason offers Kelly a new opportunity to be a potential leader and major contributor for a program seeking to climb the ranks in Division I wrestling. The Patriots, who compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), are hoping that an experienced transfer like Kelly can bring both a competitive edge and veteran presence.
George Mason has been steadily improving its program, and Kelly’s addition should give them an immediate boost. For Kelly, the switch represents a chance to potentially earn a starting spot, close out his collegiate career with more mat time, and perhaps even qualify for the NCAA Championships for the first time.
Penn State fans who followed Kelly’s journey over the years will undoubtedly wish him well as he embarks on this next phase. His decision to transfer is not uncommon in today’s collegiate landscape, where the transfer portal has become a standard tool for athletes seeking new opportunities, especially with the NCAA granting athletes extra years of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the Nittany Lions still boast a stacked roster and remain favorites to dominate the 2025 season, departures like Kelly’s highlight the immense competition within the program. Even highly capable wrestlers can find themselves battling for limited starting spots in a room full of national champions and All-Americans.
Now, Kelly turns the page. With one final season ahead, he’ll look to make the most of it in a George Mason singlet. His experience at one of the most competitive programs in the country could prove invaluable, both on the mat and in the locker room.
Transitions like these underscore the broader theme in collegiate athletics today—movement, adaptability, and growth. For Jack Kelly, transferring isn’t an end but rather a continuation of his story, one that began with hard work in Happy Valley and now moves to a new challenge in Fairfax, Virginia.
While fans in State College might be sad to see him go, they can take pride in the fact that a wrestler who trained under one of the greatest coaching staffs in wrestling history is taking those lessons and applying them elsewhere. George Mason is gaining a tough, well-trained athlete who’s had a front-row seat to the gold standard of college wrestling.
As we await the start of the next season, all eyes will be on both programs. Penn State looks to defend its dominance, while George Mason hopes Kelly’s arrival helps spark a new level of competitiveness. One thing’s certain: wherever he goes, Jack Kelly’s work ethic and respect for the sport remain intact.
In the end, Kelly’s announcement was more than just a transfer notice—it was a respectful goodbye to a program he clearly loved and an optimistic hello to the next chapter in his wrestling journey.
