Another NCAA season, another crown? You bet. Carter Starocci just carved out his own VIP section in college wrestling history, becoming the first-ever five-time NCAA champ—and he did it in pure Starocci fashion. With ice in his veins and a championship mindset, the Penn State powerhouse edged out Parker Keckeisen in a 4-3 thriller, sealing the deal with a clutch takedown in the final 48 seconds. This wasn’t just another win—it was the latest masterpiece in a career filled with legendary moments. Remember his OT victory as a freshman? The double-tiebreaker grind in 2022? The first-period pin in 2023? And let’s not forget last year, when he bulldozed through the competition on a braced-up knee.

But this year? Oh, this year hit differently. Carter Starocci moved up a weight class, stepping straight into Keckeisen’s old stomping grounds. They had already brawled back in November at the NWCA All-Star Classic—a brutal, bloody showdown that ended in a 4-1 OT win for Starocci. And now, with the brightest lights on him, he delivered once again. So what’s next? Coach Cael Sanderson is already dropping hints about Starocci’s future at Penn State—because when you’ve got a talent like this, the story is far from over.

In the post-game conference, Coach Cael Sanderson didn’t hold back when talking about what he sees in Carter Starocci—it’s that rare, unshakable fire that separates the greats from the rest. “I mean, there’s just certain things where you hate to lose so much that you will do whatever it takes,” Sanderson said. Whether it’s diet, training, or any little edge within the rules, he’s all-in. “Most people don’t have that, and he does.” It’s not just about showing up—it’s about living and breathing the grind, making sacrifices most wouldn’t even consider.

But for Carter Starocci, it’s not just about working hard—it’s about competing hard. “I mean, he puts the time in and he does what he thinks he needs to do to be ready mentally and physically,” Sanderson said. And when he steps onto that mat, it’s full throttle, no hesitation, no regrets. “Every time he competes, he’s given a great effort.” That’s the Starocci standard—a competitor through and through, always locked in, always chasing something bigger.

So, could this mean Coach envisions Starocci stepping into his shoes someday? It’s definitely a thought, especially considering how Penn State legend Nick Lee made the leap into coaching last year. Back in 2024, the Nittany Lions made it official—Lee, a two-time National Champion, was joining Sanderson’s staff after former assistant Jimmy Kennedy packed his bags for Oklahoma State to team up with David Taylor.

The announcement came straight from Sanderson himself on the Strong and Grateful podcast, and let’s just say, it sent a buzz through the wrestling world. And now? Carter Starocci’s collegiate run has wrapped, and the man himself is finally speaking about what comes next. Will he trade in his singlet for a coaching whistle? Stick around in Happy Valley?

Carter Starocci reveals his future plans!

The wrestling world has been buzzing with speculation, but Carter Starocci? He’s got no time for the guessing games—he spelled it out loud and clear on the USA Wrestling YouTube channel. “I mean, it’s not going to be my final tournament. 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.” That’s vintage Starocci—all heart, all grit, and a relentless hunger that never quits.

And let’s talk numbers, because his record speaks for itself. The man is a perfect 21-0 this season, fresh off a Big Ten Championship victory, and setting his sights on an unprecedented fifth NCAA title at 184 lbs (which now he owns). It’s dominance at its finest, but for Starocci, it’s just another day on the mat. Why? Because he’s been drilled with a mindset straight from Coach Cael Sanderson himself. “I mean, all this stuff is just practice for it. It’s always the next time, 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.”

If that doesn’t sum up Starocci’s approach, nothing does—he’s not just looking for wins, he’s etching his name into the minds of his opponents forever. Under Sanderson’s watchful eye, Starocci has grown into an absolute force of nature. From the moment he stepped into Happy Valley, he’s been on a mission to shock, dominate, and rewrite the record books. Which clearly, he did!