Wrestling: Paddy Gallagher Named No. 1 Pound For Pound Wrestler

Ohio State’s top class of 2021 signee, Paddy Gallagher, was selected as the best pound for pound wrestler in the 2021 class by MatScouts and FloWrestling, the top two names in wrestling recruiting.

A product of Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward, Gallagher is set to graduate from high school and enroll at Ohio State this summer after capping a high school career that saw him rack up a 111-10 record and an 82 percent bonus-point win ratio. He ended his career with his second state championship, knocking off a pair of top 10 wrestlers at 160 pounds in the process. He earned his second Mark Zimmer Award for Ohio’s Most Outstanding Wrestler in 2020 as well.

“The state of Ohio and the powerhouse St. Ed’s program has produced many elite student-athletes. Paddy Gallagher joins that elite list as the pound for pound number one prospect in the nation,” said Ohio State head coach Tom Ryan. “His character and relentless work ethic are the foundation to his sustained success. We are excited to assist in his development as a Buckeye. He fits in nicely with our team and will begin classes and training this summer.”

Gallagher is expected to make an immediate impact at Ohio State. With Elijah Cleary – Ohio State’s starter at 157 pounds in the spring – in the transfer portal, Gallagher should be an immediate starter at 157 in Columbus. He’ll help bolster what was already one of the nation’s strongest middleweight lineups, teaming up with Sammy Sasso, Kaleb Romero and Ethan Smith.