Top 2026 recruit trains with Olympian Zain Retherford in Penn State wrestling room

Bo Bassett, one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 recruiting cycle, was back in the Penn State wrestling room this week. Proclaimed as “the most popular high school wrestler ever,” Bassett was joined by one of the most famous Nittany Lions ever, three-time National Champion and first-time Olympian Zain Retherford.

The pair were training for their upcoming international competitions. Bassett will compete for the United States in September at the U20 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain. Zain Retherford, of course, will represent Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris in July.

It’s not uncommon to see Bo Bassett in the Penn State wrestling room, given that the high school star wrestles at Bishop McCort in Johnstown.

“And I had the opportunity to train there once or twice a week at the NLWC,” Bassett said on the Baschamania podcast recently. “So you know, I’ve been in the room. I’ve trained with their guys… It’s only about an hour and 15 minutes [away]. And what they’re doing is working. And it’s pretty cool to see that.”

However, Bassett’s lessons from Zain Retherford extended beyond the mat this week. After recently suffering a head injury, this most recent training also included a session on wrapping stitches.

Pretty fitting after splitting my eye I partnered with Zain. Always learning great stuff from him, today how to wrap our stitches/heads. #Grateful #Spain2024 #WorldChampion @zaintrainusa pic.twitter.com/jlF2Qz16qo

— Bo Bassett WC (@BoBassett06) June 11, 2024

Bassett gives initial impressions of Penn State wrestling as 2026 recruiting window opens

© Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bo Bassett will soon have the Penn State wrestling program in his ear much more frequently. The contact window for the 2026 recruiting class officially opens on June 15.

Bassett already has close ties to Cael Sanderson and Penn State. Beyond his periodic training with the NLWC, Bassett’s cousin, Erik Gibson, was a freshman for the Nittany Lions last season.

“Penn State may be one of the best dynasties, obviously not just in wrestling, but maybe in any sport,” Bassett said. “What they’re doing is insane, and it’ll be cool to see how they keep just progressing and trying to get better. 

“That’s always a challenge, but they always, obviously, probably overdo any expectations that they’re ever given, and it’s pretty insane to see them keep winning and honestly getting better, like they keep just dominating.”

High school superstar keeping recruitment open

However, it’s not written in stone that Bo Bassett will end up in Happy Valley. With plenty of options as the 2026 recruiting cycle gets underway, Bassett is approaching the process with an open mind.

“I don’t prefer any other schools over anyone else, and I’m really excited to be open. As far as college recruiting, I’m excited to go see where I best fit,” he said. “And I think that there’s a lot of different factors that I’m looking into, but I think it’s just where I can be the most successful and get the most out of it.

“I’m going to take my visits. I’m not going to commit on day one or probably within the first month to six months.”

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