Aaron Nagao is out due to a long-term injury

Penn State wrestling redshirt junior Aaron Nagao has suffered an undisclosed long-term injury, according to head coach Cael Sanderson.

“(Nagao) won’t be back anytime soon… He had major surgery,” Sanderson said. “He was injured last spring and required immediate surgery… It’s an injury that takes as long as you need and even longer than you need to ensure your long-term health. He’s not trying to come back anytime soon.”

Braedan Davis is expected to start most of the season at 133 pounds for the Nittany Lions, hurting Nagao’s chances of returning this season.

Nagao, an All-American at Minnesota before transferring to Penn Stateposted a 17-7 record in his final season with the Blue and White, finished third at the Big Ten Championships and was one win shy of becoming a second All-American in the 2024 NCAA National Tournament. Nagao scored in his 17 wins last season two falls, seven techs and four majors.