AJ Ferrari is officially set to join Cal State Bakersfield’s wrestling team for the 2024-2025 season, kicking off on September 4th, and the wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation. After some time away from the mat, Ferrari is ready to make a roaring comeback and reclaim his throne at 197 pounds. For CSUB, this is a much-needed boost after a disappointing season that saw them miss the NCAA Championships for the first time in half a century. Head Coach Luke Smith is thrilled, describing Ferrari as the perfect recruit to help restore Bakersfield’s wrestling program to its former glory.

Ferrari, who made waves by winning an NCAA title as a true freshman at Oklahoma State, is eager to prove he’s still a force to be reckoned with. He’s hitting the mat with the same fire and determination that made him a standout star, and CSUB is counting on him to lead them back to prominence.

Meanwhile, Carter Starocci is stirring up his own buzz in the wrestling community. Rumors are swirling that Starocci might be considering a move down to a lower weight class, possibly to avoid a showdown with Ferrari at 197 pounds. Is Starocci strategizing to dodge a potential clash, or is he simply looking for a weight class where he feels most comfortable? Either way, the wrestling season ahead is shaping up to be one full of intrigue and high-stakes competition.

Meanwhile, Carter Starocci is chasing history of his own, aiming for an unprecedented fifth national title. After making waves in March by becoming just the sixth wrestler ever to clinch four national championships with his victory at 174 pounds, Starocci is eyeing a new challenge for the 2024-25 season. With an extra year of eligibility granted due to COVID-19 disruptions, he’s returning to the mat, determined to secure that record-breaking fifth title.

Starocci isn’t playing it safe in his pursuit of greatness. Rumors are swirling that he might move up to 184 pounds to add another layer of challenge to his quest. But standing in his way is AJ Ferrari, a force to be reckoned with, who’s ready to shake things up

Can AJ Ferrari turn the tide for CSUB wrestling?

AJ Ferrari, one of the most electrifying talents of the 2020 class, burst onto the scene with two high school state titles and etched his name in Oklahoma State’s history books as just the third true freshman to win an NCAA National Championship at 197 pounds. His remarkable feat earned him a top spot at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Unfortunately, a car accident derailed his perfect 10-0 season in 2021-22, forcing him to take an Olympic redshirt in 2023-24. Now, Ferrari has joined forces with Coach Luke Smith and the CSUB Runners, infusing new energy and excitement into the program.

With Ferrari’s arrival, there’s a renewed sense of hope that he could lead CSUB back to national prominence. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Ferrari can live up to his reputation and reignite the program’s winning spirit, potentially bringing home a national title and turning the tide for CSUB wrestling. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between these two powerhouses, and the wrestling world will be watching closely to see who comes out on top.