Penn State is gearing up for a promising season. As the Nittany Lions prepare to host Drexel in the 2024-25 season, anticipation builds around their roster, which boasts a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents. On the other hand, last year the Nittany Lions secured significant accolades, including two historic four-time NCAA champions. But now, they are waiting to etch their name in NCAA history, putting their bets on Carter Starocci.

The formidable Carter Starocci already has a reputation as a dominant force in the sport. But AJ Ferrari’s entry has already increased fans’ heart rate, as they can’t wait to know who ultimately reigns supreme. The looming question of whether he can become the first five-time NCAA champion keeps wrestling fans awake. 

However, amid this narrative, the spotlight has shifted to a subplot. In the upcoming season, Penn State is also embracing a broader combat sports landscape. As one of the rising stars on the team gears up for an October fight against a Russian sambo specialist, UFC star Bo Nickal and former Nittany Lion and wrestling icon supported the rising star, David Evans.

In the recent YouTube podcast from Bo Nickal’s channel, he shed light on the upcoming 2024 Penn State wrestling showdowns. Nickal supported Evans, amplifying the excitement surrounding the wrestler’s upcoming fight. Nickal stated, “I’m excited for this Penn State year… (David) Evans has a fight… an actual guy on the Penn State wrestling team currently enrolled in school that’s going to be getting a fight in October. That’s sick!”

The MMA star reflected on how David Evans has been grinding for countless hours, honing his skills over the summer. Moreover, he has been attending evening classes and immersing himself in the world of grappling and striking to ensure that he retains the winning percentage he currently holds. The season summaries highlight how Evans has improved his worth with time. In 2022, his winning percentage as a Penn State wrestler stood at 71.43, which from 2023 is reflected to be 80%.

The anticipation surrounding Evans’ fight is palpable, especially as he prepares to challenge the perception that has long surrounded Russian fighters. While many are wary of their grappling dominance, Nickal believes that with the right training and experience, American wrestlers like Evans can hold their own in the cage. Nickal strongly asserted, “They’re not going to be getting any takedowns; I can guarantee that.”

With Evans’s current form and winning percentage, the wrestler has quickly become a preference of many. However, despite Evans’ heroic antics, Penn State might just have a problem on its hands. 

Penn State is in a spot of bother ahead of the 2024-25 season

The dominance of the Nittany Lions has been to the next level. They have managed to clinch 8 of their last 10 championship appearances. Riding on the back of some impeccable mentorship from coach Cael Sanderson, Penn State has won 11 titles since 2009. Last year too, the Penn State wrestling team had a dream run. They had four NCAA titles to their names, along with eight All-Americans in their ranks. Coming into the current season, the inclusion of Carter Starocci and the form of David Evans has raised hopes significantly. 

But as per the pre-season rankings, there might be a hint of shadow just below Penn State’s brightly shining lamp. Despite dominating last season, only three wrestlers, i.e., Carter Starocci, Greg Kerkvliet, and Mitchell Mesenbrink, have managed to get themselves a top rank. And that is quite weird because the number of weight divisions is 10, and the likes of Tyler Kasak, Zack Ryder, and Braeden Davis have failed to peak at the correct moment. 

While the rankings do put some wrinkles on Sanderson’s forehead, statistics are not always spilling the truth. With the immense talent that the Nittany Lions’ camp has nurtured over the years, fans are confident that the matchup on the mat will be something entirely different. Add to that their star power in Carter Starocci. Teasing a cracker of a rivalry with AJ Ferrari, Starocci will be the pivot in deciding how the team revolves around him. Thus, with the NCAA season coming closer, Penn State is currently balancing their highs and lows to come out all guns blazing when the mats get rolled.