McMullen to Blacksburg Bishop McCort’s Owen McMullen Commits to Virginia Tech.

Bishop McCort senior Owen McMullen made his college future official Thursday at the school’s signing day ceremony, announcing his commitment to Virginia Tech in front of teammates, coaches, and family. It was a moment built on years of work and reflection, one that came only after he stepped back and reopened his recruitment to make sure, he chose the perfect fit. When he did, everything kept pointing toward Blacksburg.

“Virginia Tech felt like the place where I could become the best version of myself,” McMullen said. “Not just as a wrestler, but as a person.”

A Connection That Felt Real

What sealed the decision for McMullen was the people.

“The coaches are all-in, all the time,” he said. “And the guys in the room are completely bought in too. That stood out right away.” Everyone he met coaches, athletes, trainers, staff made him feel welcomed. Nothing felt forced or scripted.

“It felt real,” he said. “It felt like home.”

A Young Hokie Team with Huge Upside

Virginia Tech’s youth and talent also played a major role.

“They’re going to be good immediately,” McMullen said. “And they’re young. Being part of a team with that much upside for the next several years is exciting.” He already knows several Pennsylvania and East Coast wrestlers on the roster Aaron Seidel, Collin Gaj, Sonny Sasso, and Jimmy Mullen. Those familiar faces will make the transition easier as he steps onto the Division I stage.

Reuniting With His Brothers

McMullen will be reunited with longtime teammates Bo and Melvin, who are both committed to Virginia Tech as well. Bo, a fellow senior, signed at the ceremony on Thursday, and Melvin a junior who has already announced his verbal commitment.

“It played a huge role. Bo and Melvin have been my best friends since we were six years old,” McMullen said. “Being able to continue this journey with them is something really special to me.” The trio has been wrestling together for over a decade competing, pushing each other, and growing up side by side. Now, that bond will follow them to the next level.

McMullen pictured at Virginia Tech alongside Bo, his brother Keegan, and Melvin during his recruiting visit.

A Senior Season with Something to Prove

McMullen enters his final high school season hungry After missing last year to an injury that left a mark he’s still carrying. “Last year was devastating,” he said. “Not being able to compete made me hungrier than ever.”

His goals are clear “I want to win Ironman, Powerade, Beast of the East, and finish with a PIAA state title.”

But beyond the tournaments, this season has a deeper meaning. “It’s one last ride with my teammates,” he said. “This group I don’t know if there will ever be a better high school team than this one.”

McCort’s Mission Finish No. 1 in the Country

As a team, the mission is simple and bold: End the season ranked No. 1 in the nation.

To do that, they’ll likely need to go through Faith Christian a program McMullen respects greatly. “They’re incredible great wrestlers, great coaches,” he said. “But we want to go out on top.” And as a senior, he knows he has a role to play. “We’ve got freshmen and sophomores who are already special,” he said. “As seniors, we have to set the tone. Outwork everyone.”

Looking Ahead While Staying Present

Even as he focuses on this season, McMullen can’t help imagining what’s waiting for him at Virginia Tech. “My first home dual inside Cassell Coliseum, that's what I’m looking forward to,” he said. “If we can get that place packed it’s going to be electric.” And when he arrives in Blacksburg, he won’t arrive alone he’ll walk into a room filled with familiar faces, lifelong friends, and a future he chose with purpose.