Last year in March, Gable Steveson wasn’t picturing himself on the NCAA wrestling mat. Instead, he was charging full speed toward a future in the NFL, dreaming of suiting up for the Buffalo Bills. Decked out in the Bills’ signature blue jersey and gear, the Olympian seemed ready to leave the wrestling world behind. Even Penn State’s dominant NLWC program or superstar Carter Starocci wasn’t on his radar. But that didn’t mean he had forgotten his wrestling roots.

In fact, Steveson’s heart still carried a soft spot for the sport and the people who inspired him. Proof? Last July, he shared a heartfelt snapshot on social media of himself alongside Penn State’s legendary coach, Cael Sanderson, during the Bills’ training camp.

The post wasn’t just a photo—it was a nod of respect, a token of admiration for the wrestling powerhouse and its iconic leader. But why revisit all this now? 

During the March 19 press conference, Steveson spoke candidly about his decision to return. Reflecting on the influence he hopes to have on the next generation, he shared: “I’m getting older and the guys on the team are getting younger, so just coming back and kind of giving them that leeway to show them what it takes to be something great in this sport. It was definitely a big thing, and I’m happy I did it.”

But what about Carter Starocci, Penn State’s unstoppable force, and the man chasing a fifth national title?

When asked about Starocci, Steveson’s words were less reflective and more reverent: “Just hard to put words on what he’s done and what this guy has done, too, leading into his fifth national title, fourth straight. If he—sorry, when—he wins Saturday night, he’s going to go out there and be a five-time national champion. It’s going to blow the world up. And I think shout out to him and shout out to Penn State.”

Steveson’s confidence in Starocci is unwavering. And why not?

In the last four NCAA wrestling seasons, Carter Starocci was the most fearsome name in the 174-weight category. However, this year, Carter is in a fresh weight category, at 184. Yet his supremacy has yet to face any resistance. Even Parker Keckeisen, the reigning NCAA champion in the 184-weight category, had to digest a defeat from him in November last year.

So, Carter has every right to be celebrated and Gable Steveson did the same thing. However, the former Olympic champion maintained the tone while speaking about Cael Sanderson’s role for Penn State NLWC. 

In the same press meet, Gable said, “I think it’s fantastic what Cael’s done for that program is mind-boggling. Just seeing a coach bring a group of guys together and just dominate a collegiate sport is crazy.”

So, can you connect the dots now, from July last year to March this year? The Gophers’ star has still been similarly respectful of the PSU coach. But in the coming days, Gable will face a challenge from Cael and PSU on his target to claim the third NCAA wrestling championship title. How? 

Gable Steveson is in a stacked list of standouts 

Forget the basketball brackets—March 20-22 in Philadelphia is all about wrestling madness. The Wells Fargo Center is set to become the proving ground where legends will rise—or fall. 

Despite moving up a weight class, Starocci remains the dominant force. His speed, power, and precision made the 184-pound category his personal playground. However, Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa, the No. 2 seed with a flawless 24-0 record, is out for revenge. Their last showdown in the NWCA All-Star Classic match in November 2024 ended with Keckeisen walking off in frustration.

While Starocci vs. Keckeisen promises fireworks, Steveson’s path is set for an all-out war. His biggest obstacle? Penn State’s Greg Kerkvliet.

Their rivalry runs deep. Kerkvliet had the golden opportunity to take down Steveson in this year’s Big Ten Conference final. But once again, the Minnesota Gopher star was simply too much, overpowering Kerkvliet with a commanding 10-3 victory. The defeat stung—and the wait for Kerkvliet to conquer Steveson grew longer.

But now, with both seniors bidding farewell to their collegiate careers, the stage is set for one last battle. Penn State fans will be hoping for Kerkvliet’s redemption, but Steveson? He’s looking to cement his legacy with a third title, walking away with his arms raised high—one final time.

So, as March Madness sweeps through Wells Fargo Center, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Starocci’s quest for five and Steveson’s march toward three will end in eternal glory; or a devastating heartbreak. And while PSU fans will roar for Kerkvliet and Starocci, hoping to witness their heroes rewrite history, Steveson and the Gophers have other plans.

Will Philadelphia witness a changing of the guard, or will the reigning kings refuse to give up their crowns? One thing’s for sure: March Madness has never hit harder.