History beckons Carter Starocci. The Nittany Lions Wrestling Club star could become the first-ever collegiate wrestler to win five NCAA titles, and obviously, speculations about how fat his pockets are getting aren’t too far away either. But Cael Sanderson’s student wants to put a lid on the matter ASAP!

The 23-year-old took to X on August 29 to underscore how far conjectures about his earnings can be from the truth. Sharing a post by Pursuit Wrestling, Ohio, that claims Starocci will receive a staggering $1.3 million for his final year at Penn State, the wrestler grunted, “Don’t speak about my pockets,” And yet, being the flamboyant character he is, Starocci also couldn’t resist not stirring the pot while at it.

“Yall don’t know the half of it,” smirked the 2022 U23 World Championships bronze medalist with a winking face, and fans could justifiably take a deep dive into deciphering his cryptic message. The two-time Big Ten champ is one of the country’s most decorated collegiate stars; and obviously, the paycheck he receives is a hot topic among wrestling connoisseurs.

After the disappointing end to his Olympic dream, Starocci announced in May this year that he would indeed be returning to Penn State to become the first wrestler in history to win 5 straight NCAA titles. Naturally, fans were curious to know how the college would be assisting the Pennsylvania native on his quest.

With the 2024-25 season being his final bout on the mat as a member of the coveted NLWC wrestler, Starocci has a lot to look forward to this year. And apparently, it looks like he doesn’t want to deviate from the main objective at hand.

Carter Starocci has to better the incoming battering from a familiar face

Carter and Penn State’s head coach Cael Sanderson will have their plates full in the upcoming season. Along with the pressure of having to defend the NCAA team title, the duo will also have to endure the incoming storm that former Penn State star David Taylor will bring as the new head coach of OSU. After Taylor was halted on his journey to defend his 2020 Olympic gold at the US Team Trials, the Magic Man set up his office at the new camp, and Starocci has been fuming over social media ever since about the former’s alleged betrayal of Penn State. Amidst the war of words, it seems like a little financial benefit might also be working as an incentive for Carter to make his final year memorable.

On the other hand, Starocci also seems to be ready for the uphill climb ahead. “…next season gonna be my best season,” the wrestler wrote on X on August 30, claiming that he always strives for greatness and would fight for his achievements instead of taking everything that comes his way for granted. Moreover, he also noted that his passion for wrestling is what has kept him in the game for so long, and nothing else can cloud his thoughts. “I put everything aside. This has always been first,” confessed Starocci, hinting that the monetary gains are only a side quest of his main story.

Given that NLWC’s coach, Cael Sanderson, is a four-time NCAA champion himself, Starocci’s dreams of achieving a similar status among the country’s wrestling fans aren’t too far-fetched. But will he be able to rise to the occasion and make his mark? Only time will tell!