Update, May 4: Michael Beard is transferring to Lehigh to continue his wrestling career, he announced on Wednesday. The former Penn State All-American will maintain three years of eligibility with his new squad.

“Lehigh is a great fit and I truly believe the coaching staff and partners will help me accomplish my goals,” Beard wrote on Instagram.

Original Story: Penn State wrestling is reportedly primed to lose some depth at 197 pounds this offseason.

Sophomore Michael Beard has reportedly entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal, according to The Wrestling Room forum guru Pat Mineo. Beard would maintain three years of eligibility with his new team if he follows through on transferring away from the Nittany Lions.

Beard, a Pottstown, Pennsylvania, native, arrived at Penn State during the 2019-20 season. Then, he competed unattached in open tournaments and wound up redshirting after going 13-3 overall with four majors and seven tech falls.

Beard rose through the ranks, though, and launched an All-American 2020-21 campaign as a redshirt freshman. He wound up placing seventh overall in the NCAA Championships’ 197-pound bracket on the heels of a 10-6 overall season.

Beard’s overall role with Penn State lessened after the Nittany Lions brought in Cornell transfer Max Dean, who wound up claiming the 2021-22 NCAA title at 197 pounds. Beard stayed involved in a limited fashion, ultimately impressing at the Southern Scuffle and Journeyman Collegiate Wrestling Duals earlier in the season.

Although Beard may depart from the program, Penn State has otherwise observed a stellar offseason. The Nittany Lions secured a commitment from Ohio State transfer Will Betancourt and picked up verbal pledges from a few future prospects, including Connor Pierce and Dalton Perry.