MMA Talent Pipeline Ohio State Captures First Team NCAA Wrestling Title

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! @wrestlingbucks #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/r1xnX105U9

— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) March 21, 2015

A collegiate wrestling program with significant MMA ties finally has its first NCAA team title.

By Friday night, Ohio State University capturing the No. 1 spot was a mere formality -- and on Saturday afternoon it was official: the Buckeyes had their first team championship in 94 years of existence. The title was clinched when OSU’s Kenny Courts won his fifth-place match in the 184-pound bracket at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

“It’s been a long time” OSU coach Tom Ryan told The Columbus Dispatch. “I’m so happy for all the coaches in the state, all the people in the state, the Buckeye nation everywhere. I’m just really proud of the way these guys fought this week.”

Wrestling began as a varsity sport at OSU in 1921. After 94 years, the #Buckeyes can call themsevles National Champions. #GoBucks #WT3

— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) March 21, 2015

It’s common knowledge that that wrestlers generally comprise the most consistently successful group of cage fighters in the sport today, but Ohio State’s program has been an especially productive pipeline for MMA talent.

Mark Coleman, a former NCAA national champion and the UFC’s first heavyweight titlist, is the most prominent example, but the likes of Kevin Randleman, Lance Palmer, Sean Salmon, Nick Nutter and Rex Holman have all carved out a niche inside the cage over the years.

Today, all those alums can toast their alma mater.

Division 1 NCAA Champions! This has been the goal since I signed my letter of intent to the Ohio State University in fall of 2005.

— Lance Palmer (@LancePalmer) March 21, 2015