Carter Starocci entered the ranks of collegiate elites the minute he grabbed the four-time NCAA champion title last season. However, his ecstasy was short-lived, clouded by a grave injury that has troubled him throughout the year. Today, as we’re on the cusp of entering the 2024-25 season, Starocci’s return from injury is one of the most asked questions. What will it take to see him become the maiden 5-time NCAA champion?

While that will unfold in time, we sure have updates on how the 174-pounder is progressing in rehabilitation. Despite having announced his return to Penn State in May, Carter Starocci experienced an athlete’s worst nightmare in the regular season finale, February 2024. While he was playing the Sunday final against Edinboro, his leg twisted after being tangled in the opponent’s while he was attempting a pin. Though Penn State won the match (55-0), he had to be carried off the Rec Hall mat as his right knee sustained a grave injury.

Subsequently, Coach Cael Sanderson called his star player a ‘quick healer‘ and a ‘tough kid.’ However, truth be told, Carter Starocci had to pull out of the Big Ten Wrestling Championships that began in March despite being the 2x defending champion. But this came only after the wrestler took two default medical forfeits, which unfortunately brought his heroic 64-win streak to a heartbreaking end.

Nonetheless, this was the procedure for him to be eligible for the 2024 NCAA wrestling championships. Thus, he had to show up for 1 second, which he did with a sleeve on his right leg. Also, this was hardly the first time he sustained an injury. Back in 2022, Carter Starocci even competed at the nationals and won the title despite a broken hand! Not that he did not attempt it this time too, but he missed the Paris Olympics by a long shot. However, what is the situation going forward? Here’s an update.

Carter Starocci is optimistic after completing the rehabilitation process

Carter Starocci made it clear that he’s going to end his last year of eligibility at Penn State on his terms. This hints he’d be eyeing to grab that fifth NCAA title. Fortunately, with how his rehabilitation is looking, that might not be a farfetched dream. Although he will now have to be up at 184 pounds! 

In any case, back in September, he confirmed that his knee was certainly feeling better. He even looked at the rehabilitation process from a positive lens. He confessed, “I learned some things about my body and how to recover for health and longevity.” Another thing was that it trained his body to be resilient, “If you’re truly the best, you should be able to win under any circumstances.”

Carer Starocci has also been stepping out recently – he was spotted leading Sunday’s youth clinic at McDowell High School’s practice room. Moreover, he’s always been enthusiastic about honing youngsters. But whether or not his comeback this season remains equally notable will only be revealed in time. What are your thoughts about this? Share with us below.