Penn State wrestler and former All-American Aaron Nagao has retired from the sport of wrestling following back-to-back season-ending injuries, Jeff Byers announced on the Penn State radio broadcast on Friday night.

The Nittany Lion suffered season-ending damage to his shoulder during the season’s opening tournaments. Nagao medically forfeited out of the Black Knight Invitational finals in November and then again in the Southern Scuffle during the Nittany Lion’s attempted comeback in early January. Nagao was pronounced out for the season on January 14 after it was announced that a second surgery would be needed on his shoulder.

“He’s been very special for our program,” head coach Cael Sanderson said Friday after the match. “Just a classy, happy, grateful, obviously tremendous competitor. Just unfortunately got the injury bug there the last couple of years.

“He’s just a positive, he’s a kid that’s going to be really successful with his life. And, we’ll certainly miss him. Super grateful he came to Penn State.”

Nagao was an All-American at Minnesota before transferring to Penn State before the 2024 season as a sophomore. In his first season with the program, the Nittany Lion was one win shy of becoming a two-time All-American and came in third at the Big Ten tournament.

The Nittany Lion didn’t compete in the 2024-25 season due to a “major surgery” on the same shoulder that was hurt this season. He was ranked as high as No. 7 in the country at 141 pounds this season, according to Intermat. He started the season with two technical falls, with his only two losses coming from his injury forfeits.

About the Author

Cooper Cazares

Cooper was a member of Onward State from 2023 to 2026, serving on the Penn State wrestling and football beats. He can be found frowning on most Sunday afternoons, for he is a lifelong Washington Commanders fan. When he isn't watching sports, Cooper is usually tearing up at "Rudy" or taking a well-deserved nap. To reach him, follow him on Instagram (@cooper_cax) or Twitter (@CooperCazares).

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