Ryan Millhof Plans to Leave OU

Ryan Millhof Plans to Leave OU

The University of Oklahoma overhauled its staff in the offseason, and now, the top returning Sooner wrestler will also be leaving.Ryan Millhof, who placed s

Aug 24, 2016 by Willie Saylor
Ryan Millhof Plans to Leave OU
The University of Oklahoma overhauled its staff in the offseason, and now, the top returning Sooner wrestler will also be leaving.

Ryan Millhof, who placed seventh at 125lbs for OU, said he has requested a release from the school.

He's the first athlete to leave after a string of departures from the coaching and training staff. Three former Sooners -- all NCAA champions -- have left the program. Cody Brewer and Andrew Howe both went to Northwestern and Kendric Maple just signed on as assistant coach at Purdue.

Mark Cody, who led the Sooner coaching staff for five years, stepped down earlier this month. Long-time assistant Michael Lightner was named interim head coach.

Millhof came to Oklahoma as the No. 21 recruit in the nation, and earned All-American honors in his true sophomore season. He still has two years of eligibility and a redshirt season available. But because of the timing of these developments, the path to a new school is tricky.

"After Cody stepped down, I asked for a release," Millhof said. "The university gave approval for 'Permission to Contact,' other schools but denied me a release from scholarship. I requested an appeal, which will be heard within the next two weeks."

Because the application window for admission to other schools for the fall semester has passed, Millhof can't transfer out until the second semester. This gives him two options. If he receives his release, he can transfer to a new institution for the spring semester and be eligible right away. But if he loses his appeal, he will still be able to transfer for spring semester, but will be ineligible for 365 days from the date of enrolling in the new school.

When asked whether or not he would compete in the second semester, he said it would depend on the needs of the school he goes to. "The best way to put it is that I'm open minded. The most important thing is, no matter what the ruling, and because I still have a redshirt, I will not miss a championship season."

According to Millhof, he has been in contact with Virginia Tech, North Carolina, NC State, Ohio State and Arizona State, but is open to all schools and situations.


Watch Ryan Millhof Win His Blood-Round Match to Earn All-American Honors