As wrestling evolves, conversations about how to present it to the world evolve as well, despite its deep-rooted traditions. Recently, a debate has emerged over how high-profile matches are scheduled, with two-time Olympic bronze medalist Kyle Dake questioning the format in a now-deleted tweet, “WTF is this garbanzo beans finals schedule.” His concerns sparked a broader discussion about the balance between wrestling’s integrity and entertainment. Meanwhile, one other legend has a different view of the NCAA schedule. But what did he say?

Well, all this talk about tradition has caught the eye of six-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs. Now both Carter Starocci’s quest for a historic fifth NCAA title at 184 pounds and Gable Stevesons’s heavyweight final are on the same day. But despite both being redefining moments in collegiate wrestling, Gable was given the final spot of the night. Meanwhile, Starocci will go before him.

This has sparked a conversation that has turned to whether these choices serve the sport or simply the spectacle. And now, with Burroughs stepping in, clarity is beginning to emerge. Taking to X, Burroughs captioned his post, “Explanation for tonight’s match order from the production team at ESPN.” In his breakdown, he addressed the grumblings head-on.

“Alright guys, so I’m starting to see the grumblings already on social media in regards to ESPN’s decision to start tonight’s match with the 184-pound match and end with a heavyweight match,” he began. Burroughs explained the two biggest storylines of the night. ESPN strategically placed Starocci’s chase for a fifth title and Steveson’s pursuit of a third NCAA crown to maximize their impact.

Burroughs emphasized that this structure wasn’t just about tradition. It was about impact. By opening with Starocci, ESPN could properly frame the magnitude of his potential fifth title without rushing through it. “Alright guys, so I’m starting to see the grumblings already on social media in regards to ESPN’s decision to start tonight’s match with the 184-pound match and end with a heavyweight match,” he explained. Noting that if his match were placed later, it would be squeezed into a much shorter window.

Thus, failing to do justice to its historical weight. Meanwhile, closing with Steveson was a strategic move to maintain viewership. Giving the biggest name in the sport the final spotlight. “If we lure them in with 184 pounds, the significance of the fifth title, and then we keep them the entire production because we’ve got heavyweight at the very end, we hopefully can retain people’s viewership for the entire show,” Burroughs said. He compared it to how the UFC structures its events, making sure the most anticipated fight caps off the night.

Starocci vs. Keckeisen: A rivalry set for a historic NCAA clash

Parker Keckeisen is determined to stand in Carter Starocci’s way as he chases history. To secure his fifth NCAA title tonight at the Wells Fargo Center, Starocci must once again battle the Northern Iowa standout. A rivalry that has produced electric showdowns in the past. Their most recent clash on November 16 at Rec Hall was no different.

Now, with a crowd of 5,000 watching the two warriors push each other to the brink. Starocci controlled the pace early, but Keckeisen’s defense held strong, leading to a scoreless first period. As the action intensified, Starocci took a slim 1-0 lead in the second, only for Keckeisen to fight back in the third, forcing a sudden victory at 1-1.

It was there that Starocci struck, capitalizing on his second attack to secure a hard-fought 4-1 win. While Starocci walked away victorious that night, Keckeisen isn’t one to back down. Their rivalry dates back to 2018 when Keckeisen claimed a 9-6 win over Starocci at the Fargo Championships in the 170-pound division. Their battle at the NWCA All-Star Classic last year, though unofficial, added more fuel to the fire.

For Starocci, it was an opportunity to test himself in a new weight class. For Keckeisen, it was another chance to prove he can go toe-to-toe with one of college wrestling’s best. Despite his recent win, Starocci knows nothing is guaranteed. With ESPN spotlighting their clash as the opening match of the night, all eyes will be on whether Starocci can cement his legacy or if Keckeisen can pull off a stunning upset. One thing is certain: this isn’t just about a title. It’s about pride, history, and settling a rivalry that has been brewing for years.