Carter Starocci, one of the stars in collegiate wrestling, has proven his resilience and clinched many titles and medals over the period of time. Starocci has been competing in the 174-pound weight category ever since he started wrestling. From starting his wrestling journey when he was three to becoming a four-time state placer and a two-time PIAA state champion in high school. His journey has been commendable.

In his college debut in 2019-2020, he made an unmatchable record of 19-0 and made a place among wrestling’s elite. Starocci clinched many titles, broke records, and even won a bronze at the U23 world championship. But after achieving so much and competing in the 2024 Olympic trials, is a Penn State wrestler shifting his weight class to 184 pounds?

Learn how long Carter Starocci can compete as a collegiate wrestler 

Starocci, one of college wrestling’s most dominant athletes, is still weighing his future decisions. After a stellar career at 174 pounds, where he built a 64-match winning streak before suffering two losses at the Big Ten Championships due to injury, Starocci hinted that he may not return to his usual weight class. He’s expressed frustration with cutting weight and even admitted to preferring to stay heavier.

His recent attempts at higher weight categories, including 86 kg (189.6 pounds) for the U.S. Olympic Trials, show his growing interest in competing at a different level. Despite winning the first bout in the 86 kg category with a score of 12-4 in the 2024 Olympics trials, Starocci fell short in his last two bouts. Later, an injury forced him to default out of his match against North Carolina State’s Trent Hidlay at 197 pounds. Carter Starocci has clinched many titles in his wrestling journey but has had his setbacks too.

With an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 waiver, the Penn State star is contemplating one final season where he could cement his legacy. Though he is already on the top collegiate wrestler’s list in the US in the 174-pound category, as he is one of just seven wrestlers to win four individual NCAA championships. Yet he’s now considering the unprecedented feat of claiming a fifth title. 

When asked about the shift, Carter Starocci said, “If I come back, it’s not going to be for school.” He added, “I’m not going to let anything come in the way of what I want. If what I want is to come back and wrestle and win a fifth national title and have our team win another national title, that’s because I want to do it. It’s not because of NIL, it’s not because of this, it’s not because of that. It’s because I want to do it.” He’s leaning 60-40 in favor of returning and using that final year of eligibility. The Penn State wrestler is all set to move up to 184 pounds, signaling a new challenge as Starocci looks to make history.

Starocci’s strategic move to 184 pounds aiming for historic glory

In partnership with the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Carter Starocci is taking a unique approach to connecting with fans this offseason. The four-time NCAA champion is visiting five Center County restaurants that cater to his diet while also offering him a platform to discuss food, wrestling, and life. During his visits, when asked about his past injury, he said, “I forgot that was even a thing, to be honest.” He emphasized that the recovery process has made him “brand new and a lot better” and sees it as a blessing.

Starocci’s enthusiasm for the upcoming season is palpable, especially with his announcement that fans will get a chance to see him in action at the NWCA All-Star Classic on November 16 at Penn State. “So, if anybody’s wondering how it is, make sure you’re at the NWCA All-Star Classic, and you’ll find out,” he teased.

Initially, there was speculation that Carter Starocci might go for 197 pounds, but he has confirmed about 184 pounds instead. “It’s best for the Nittany Lions if I move up just one class to 184 pounds,” he clarified, putting to rest any questions about a larger weight jump. After dominating the 174-pound category for four long years, he might face new challenges in his final season.

Starocci’s quest for history begins next month, when he’ll face off against Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen, the reigning 184-pound NCAA champion, in an exhibition match at the NWCA All-Star Classic. Ranked No. 1 in the preseason at 184 pounds by InterMat, Starocci is on the verge of becoming the first-ever five-time NCAA champion. With this pivotal season ahead, fans are left wondering: 

Carter Starocci’s journey this season is particularly exciting as he moves up to the 184-pound weight class, a shift that’s been confirmed after much speculation. He’ll kick off his season at the NWCA All-Star Classic, where fans will get a first glimpse of him in his new weight class. Earlier in 2018, Park Keckeisen defeated Starocci, and this makes the upcoming challenge more interesting, as Starocci has to prove himself. His decision to move up to 184 pounds marks a new chapter in his wrestling career, and fans are left to wonder just how far he’ll go in this final season.