Following Carter Starocci’s 5th Year Return, Penn State’s Nittany Lions Gain Another Heavy Hitter

As another elite competitor confirms the “coming back” for the upcoming season, the wrestling community is filled with energy. Penn State heavyweight wrestler Daniel Greg Kerkvliet created a stir on social media by announcing that he will go on for one more year at the university. This action is in line with his colleague Carter Starocci’s recent announcement of his fifth-year return to the Nittany Lions.

Carter Starocci, who won his fourth national championship last year, now has an opportunity to make history by winning the NCAA tournament 5 times in a row. Kerkvliet’s 2024 season came to an ideal finish in March when he won his national title at 285 pounds, which was a noteworthy milestone. He decided to take advantage of his COVID year of eligibility as a senior, teaming up with fellow starters Beau Bartlett and Carter Starocci for a final chance to play for the Blue & White.

Kerkvliet announced his sixth season on Instagram amid much expectation. Fans are thrilled to see Kerkvliet reaffirm his dedication to Penn State wrestling with the succinct yet powerful caption, “Let’s keep it rolling! 🥳”. Throughout his time wrestling at Penn State, Kerkvliet has made significant advancements and accomplished a great deal. From his early years as a freshman, when he placed seventh in the NCAA Championships, to his victory as a national champion, Kerkvliet has continuously demonstrated his commitment to the sport of wrestling.

After an incredible 20-0 performance in 2024, Kerkvliet is getting ready for the upcoming season to retain his crown at 285 pounds. His “coming back” will be crucial for Penn State wrestling as it looks to win a record 4x national titles in a row and possibly shatter its own NCAA Championship points total from earlier in the spring.

Greg Kerkvliet: An excellent fit in the “Next In Line” program

Another noteworthy development in the realm of collegiate athletics has surfaced since Greg Kerkvliet announced his return to Penn State wrestling. To provide a special route from collegiate athletics to the professional wrestling industry, WWE revealed the third batch of athletes to enter its esteemed NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) program, “Next In Line.”

Greg Kerkvliet, a 2X NCAA All-American wrestler from Penn State University, is one of the class’s most exceptional athletes. His commitment on the floor gained him national notoriety, making him a perfect fit for WWE’s elite squad. Along with Kerkvliet, several renowned players from different sports and organizations around the nation make up the “Next In Line” class. This eclectic group reflects the finest and brightest in collegiate athletics, from Turner Washington of Arizona State University, the NCAA National Champion thrower, to Alia Armstrong of Louisiana State University, the NCAA Champion hurdler.

WWE is showing its dedication to diversity and inclusivity within its roster of stars by including athletes from women’s wrestling, soccer, tennis, and softball. Launched in December 2021, the “Next In Line” program has signed 46 college players so far as it has acquired rapid pace. Olympic gold medallist Gable Steveson was one of the program’s early recruits, demonstrating WWE’s enthusiasm for finding and developing future Superstars.