Assemble wrestling fans, this one’s gonna hit differently. The crazy path of Carter Starocci, who became the most untouchable wrestler in the NCAA today after being applauded by Michael Kemerer during the 2021 Big Ten championships, is what we’re discussing. It was an exciting Big Ten final, held at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Centre in March 2021. Kemerer came out swinging, dominating Starocci 7-2 and taking the title. But little did we know, that was the last time Starocci was gonna take an L for a long time.

Since that brutal loss, Carter Starocci’s been on an absolute tear. I mean, this dude has not lost a dual match since. He is not just undefeated but simply invincible. Then, it was as though someone had flipped a never-ending battle switch. Remember the 2021 NCAA championship? When Carter Starocci defeated Kemerer 3-1 in sudden victory overtime, and that too after losing to him in the Big Ten finals. Dang, what a comeback it was! From then on, Starocci has won four NCAA crowns in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, all weighing 174 pounds. By 28 January 2024, the streak had reached 60 straight dual wins, and guess what, he created the longest streak in NCAA wrestling history.

But here’s where it gets wild: On January 31, 2024, Starocci’s streak could face significant threat. Penn State and Iowa will face off again, this time in State College, PA, at the Bryce Jordan Center—yep, the same place where Kemerer first handed Starocci that loss in 2021. Now, two years later, can Iowa do it again? Are the Hawkeyes gonna break Starocci’s insane streak in the very place it all started? Even though fans and fellow wrestlers believe Penn State will own the throne, anything can happen.

This match could be a full-circle moment for the Iowa Hawkeyes—where his undefeated run began and where it could all come crashing down. The stakes are higher than ever, and you know everyone’s gonna be watching. So, here’s the question: will Iowa, who’s gunning for revenge, finally break Starocci’s streak at the same place it started? Or will Starocci just keep rolling like nothing ever happened?

The rivalry: Carter Starocci vs. Gabe Arnold

Alright, if you thought the rivalry between Penn State and Iowa was already spicy, wait until you hear this. The Carter Starocci vs. Gabe Arnold drama is at the next level. It all started after Iowa’s win over Ohio State, when Arnold came out of nowhere with that fire, saying, “Your head is mine. Book it.” He was coming for Starocci, no doubt. The wrestling world was like, “Did he really just say that about the guy with the longest win streak in the game?” And, of course, the big question was—how’s Starocci gonna respond?

Well, Starocci responded…but not how anyone expected. Instead of engaging in the classic back-and-forth trash talk, Carter hit Arnold with the ultimate cold shoulder. When asked about Arnold’s bold statement, Starocci didn’t even acknowledge it. “He’s their starter? I thought the other guy was their starter,” he said, referring to Angelo Ferrari, another Iowa wrestler. Carter wasn’t just ignoring Arnold, though—he was low-key dismissing him. Starocci made it clear that Arnold, in his mind, wasn’t even on his radar. He straight-up said, “I have to gameplan for the other guy. The other guy is a better wrestler.”

Then, just to make sure Arnold felt it, Starocci threw in this savage line: “Maybe he’s trying to sell tickets, but I think our crowd comes out every time.” Oof. That’s what we call a mic drop, right there. Carter Starocci didn’t want to give Arnold the satisfaction of a heated exchange. He didn’t need to trash-talk, at all. He just let his calm, cold response speak volumes, and yep, fans went crazy upon it!

With this most exciting duel between #1 Penn State and #2 Iowa, everyone is speculating to see if Arnold can deliver on his statements or if Starocci can remain composed and continue to dominate further. However, one thing is certain: this competition is intensifying and will undoubtedly result in an incredible clash that everyone will remember. What do you think? Fill your insights in the comments!