The entire college wrestling community eagerly anticipates the NCAA finals. Nonetheless, this will signify the conclusion for numerous prominent wrestlers, with Carter Starocci standing out as the most significant among them. The Penn State wrestler pursuing his fifth NCAA title is prepared to transition from the program and face new challenges after the championship match. What lies ahead for him?

There has been considerable speculation within the community; however, as recently showcased on the USA Wrestling YouTube channel, Starocci has personally addressed this specific question. “Um, I mean, it’s not going to be my final tournament. I mean, I’m always going to compete in it until the day I die, so for me, it’s not necessarily that this is my last time because it’s really not,” stated the Penn State wrestler.

For someone like Carter Starocci, wrestling is paramount. Examine the record for this current season. With an impressive record of 21-0, following his triumph at the Big 10 Championships, he is now setting his sights on greater achievements, including the highly sought-after fifth NCAA title in the 184 lbs division.

Additionally, Starocci emphasized a piece of advice from his coach, Cael Sanderson, noting, “I mean, all this stuff is just practice for it. It’s always the next time, you know, and that’s something that coach Cael really preaches heavily to us. It’s not about wrestling our opponents now; it’s about wrestling them for the next time and making sure that they never want to wrestle you again. So if you keep that mindset going, it’ll help you out in life too.”

Sanderson has been instrumental in shaping Starocci into a formidable wrestling talent, consistently showcasing dominance during matches. Since his arrival at Penn State under Sanderson, he has undeniably demonstrated a talent that has caught many off guard. He is now in pursuit of his fifth NCAA title and will leave college at the conclusion of the season.

Starocci emphasized the mindset that he and his team embody, asserting that wrestling is a pursuit he will never abandon. But are you aware of who is pursuing Starocci’s title in the upcoming season?

A potential champion following Carter Starocci’s departure

The 184 lbs division boasts a multitude of wrestlers, yet with Carter Starocci’s departure, Angelo Ferrari emerges as a likely contender for his legacy. Certainly, the Iowa wrestler has attracted significant attention due to his impressive performance in the same weight category. Ferrari boasts an impressive 10-1 record this season. Can you figure out who handed him his first and only loss during the 2024-25 college wrestling season? It was Starocci from Penn State.

Nonetheless, his recent bout with Oklahoma State’s Dustin Plott drew significant interest from the community. Let’s recall the moment when Justin Basch shared insights about Ferrari, exclaiming, “What a W for Angelo Ferrari! Upsets #3 Dustin Plott 6-3 in OT. The Hawkeyes go up 17-11 over Oklahoma State.” This marked a significant triumph in his career, establishing a benchmark for what was to come. What are his insights regarding this match?

“Going against my brother’s old team and the biggest rivalry in college wrestling, it was the best moment of my wrestling career so far, probably,” Ferrari stated. Angelo felt a sense of satisfaction at the chance to face off against OKSU, the college where his brother AJ once competed. Moreover, he recognized the competitive tension that exists between the two programs in college wrestling. Only time will reveal how Angelo will perform against the competition in the coming year.