The news is in: AJ Ferrari has entered the transfer portal! And the race for the 197-pound wrestling phenom is intensifying as two powerhouse programs, Oklahoma State and Penn State, vie for his talents. Ferrari, who has already wrestled for some of the most prestigious high schools and colleges in the country, has proven himself as a dominant force in folkstyle wrestling. His accolades include a national title with Oklahoma State in 2021, solidifying the Cowboys’ reputation as one of the best wrestling programs in the nation. But with Ferrari entering the transfer portal, the biggest question is, will he go back to the Oklahoma State Cowboys?

The 197-pound weight class remains a critical area for both Oklahoma and Penn State, who would do well with someone like AJ Ferrari on their side. Oklahoma State is undoubtedly a familiar place for the Texas native, but Ferrari himself confessed that he will be considering all the opportunities coming his way. “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,” Ferrari posted on X. Well, with coach David Taylor at the helm, it will be hard to say no for the 23-year-old. But you can not just overlook Penn State.

Earlier it was reported that Penn State is not even considering going for Ferrari. Zach Seyko of Locked on Nittany Lions confirmed the same on Apr 2, saying, “I’ve been told that Penn State wrestling and Cael Sanderson are NOT in contact with AJ Ferrari. There is no plan to make him the heavyweight next season.” But the recent developments confirm that it’s a contest between Penn State and OSU.

Per Pat Mineo of the Wrestling Room, “both Penn State & Oklahoma State (yes, OSU) have been in contact with AJ Ferrari in the portal, with several other teams vying for his services. I would expect a decision in the next few weeks.”

Well, Cael Sanderson’s Nittany Lions are currently a force in collegiate wrestling, dominating the NCAA for the past decade and really showing their worth these past few weeks. Penn State is a compelling choice for Ferrari (although their involvement is uncertain and contested). With Sanderson on his side, Ferrari might follow in the footsteps of Starocci.

But perhaps he’s aiming to be more like Hendrickson—making his mark at Oklahoma State instead?

AJ Ferrari’s Words and Fan Reactions to His Future

As AJ Ferrari teeters on the edge of another career-defining decision, the wrestling world weighs in—eyes wide and full of opinions with the question on everyone’s mind: “Would he really go back to Oklahoma State?” Well, if you’ve followed Ferrari’s colorful journey, you’d know this isn’t your typical transfer saga. He was dismissed from OSU on some very controversial grounds and whether he has it in him to sit down with that humble pie is a question that is beyond our capacity to answer.

But things aren’t so easy over in Penn State-land either.  While Ferrari seems excited about the team’s performance, he also has some old beef with the university’s most famous graduate, a recent one at that. Starocci! Either way, Penn State fans are already speculating about the ripple effects AJ Ferrari could have on their already-stacked lineup. “So Penn State about to screw over Josh Barr after he outplaced his seed and AJ this year at NCAAs?” one fan mused. It’s a tough one, isn’t it? Barr, a promising talent, would suddenly face stiff competition for his place. It’s a classic case of ‘good problems to have,’ but still—imagine the chaos if Ferrari swoops in, especially given his history with the Lions.

Then there are those wondering if Iowa, currently ranked second, just below Penn State, might be lurking in the wings. “Has Iowa been in contact?” they ask. Because, naturally, why wouldn’t they be? A Ferrari-to-Iowa move would surely turn the wrestling world upside down and maybe finally shake things up for Penn State! But the fans don’t lack foresight, not failing to forget Ferrari’s knack for chaos on social media, with one fan quipping, “They’d both need to institute a ‘no social media’ rule for him—but then again, that’s half the fun of AJ.” He does keep things interesting, doesn’t he?

But not everyone is enjoying the drama. “DAVID TAYLOR AND CAEL SANDERSON ARE RUINING THE SPORT,” one frustrated fan declared, making it clear that not everyone is G.O.A.T. to coach train. Sanderson and Taylor were already poised against each other, with Taylor taking the reins of OSU’s team with steadfast determination to win, but with the added Starocci and Hendrickson factors placed in such recent history, the rivalry now holds even more significance.

For some, Penn State’s dominance is starting to feel less like admiration and more like a one-team monopoly. But that’s the thing with AJ Ferrari—the context plus his personality make him a walking controversy, and where does he land next? Well, that’s anyone’s guess.