“I am so thankful for Cal State Bakersfield. I am entering the portal today and am considering all opportunities. I still have 2-3 years of eligibility left. I am starving for success on and off the wrestling mat,” wrote AJ Ferrari, announcing his departure from CSUB. It didn’t take long for the rumor mill to begin turning in earnest. A return to OSU? A fresh stint with the Nittany Lions? All bets were off but ultimately, his final decision came right out of left field.

With a wrestling career marked by numerous ups and downs, AJ Ferrari  aimed to seize every opportunity maximize his time in college to the fullest. Despite the options available at top institutions like Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Iowa—where his brother Angelo is currently enrolled—Ferrari made the decision to commit to the University of North Carolina instead. In terms of operational revenue, UNC’s sports department recorded around $140 million. The inclusion of Ferrari in their program is a significant development. Given the possibility that he could deliver the success they have been pursuing for some time now.

On X, FloWrestling reported the latest news regarding the wrestler, declaring, “AJ Ferrari is going to Chapel Hill! The NCAA champ and 2025 3rd placer announced on FRL that he will transfer to North Carolina and wrestle for the Tar Heels!” This revelation has certainly caught many fans off guard, considering the high profile programs he was being linked to earlier.

In a remarkable display, Lachlan McNeil, weighing in at 149lbs, secured a fifth-place finish, earning his third All-America accolade and extending UNC’s impressive streak to seven consecutive national tournaments featuring at least one All-American. Furthermore, six competitors from Tar Heel made their way through the initial day of the championships, with McNeil successfully advancing to the quarterfinals.

Ferrari’s decision to join UNC undoubtedly stems from a significant rationale, and only time will reveal the implications for the college wrestler. But for real, why UNC out of all the other wrestling programs?

A few out of many potential reasons for AJ Ferrari taking this path

AJ Ferrari’s choice to move to the University of North Carolina instead of other programs, such as the University of Iowa, where his brother Angelo plays, was shaped by various considerations. Ferrari was previously registered at Iowa but opted not to join the wrestling team after an incident involving an Iowa wrestler during the 2023 Soldier Salute tournament. What then took place?

In the 197 lbs final, Ferrari went head-to-head with Iowa’s Zach Glazier. The contest stood at a 1-1 deadlock in the third period, with Ferrari enjoying an edge in riding time. A controversial stalling call against Ferrari propelled the match into sudden victory, where Ferrari executed a takedown, appearing to seal the victory. In the aftermath of the takedown, Ferrari exerted pressure on the back of Glazier’s head, which led Glazier to seize Ferrari’s leg. In a heated moment, Ferrari took a swing at Glazier and raised his middle finger in defiance.

Officials deprived Ferrari of his title due to blatant violations, handing the win to Glazier. As Ferrari made their exit, he executed a split and raised both middle fingers towards the crowd, provoking a chorus of boos from the audience. This incident probably influenced his choice to explore options beyond his current situation.

Furthermore, UNC’s wrestling program, guided by head coach Rob Koll, known for his track record of mentoring national champions, offered an attractive setting for Ferrari’s athletic growth. The supportive coaching staff and the promise of personal and athletic development at UNC played a significant role in Ferrari’s choice to become a Tar Heel. ​