Former Badger James Rowley Announces New College Home

Former Badger James Rowley Announces New College Home

After entering the transfer portal in April, James Rowley has announced the next move in his wrestling career.

May 19, 2023 by David Bray
Former Badger James Rowley Announces New College Home

On April 24, former Wisconsin Badger freshman James Rowley entered the transfer portal, and now he's found his new college home. The Corvallis, Oregon native will stay in the Big Ten to compete for Coach Ersland at Purdue.

"Coach Ersland and crew are the perfect fit for me," Rowley said. "I loved all the guys on the team and it really felt like home on my visit. I loved the atmosphere during training and outside of training."

Rowley is excited to stay in the Big Ten and enjoy top-quality facilities and the nation's toughest opponents. "I’m super excited to get out to West Lafayette and get to work."

Rowley is the third wrestler to join the Boilermakers this off-season via the transfer portal. He follows former Minnesota 149-pound grad transfer Marcos Polanco and former NC State 184-pound freshman Joey Milano.

Rowley had an 8-8 record at 174 lbs as a freshman, the highlight of which was a 7-1 decision over 2021 All-American Jackson Turley at the Midlands Championships. Rowley was a U17 World silver medalist in 2021 and the #21 ranked recruit in the class of 2022.

James Rowley's medal-clinching victory at the U17 World Championships

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