When it comes to Penn State and AJ Ferrari, it is difficult to think that there could be anything positive. His online bout with their star wrestler Carter Starocci only adds to the sentiment. However, with the Nittany Lions winning right and left, how do you ignore that they are certainly doing something different, something more powerful. That’s exactly what AJ believes too and for the right reasons. See for yourself:

• In the last 15 seasons, Penn State has swept 12 National titles.
• With HC Cael Sanderson on their reins, the latest win was their fourth straight win for the third time, making him second all-time in NCAA history with 12 NCAA titles.
• The Nittany Lions now boast 61 NCAA championships with Sanderson present for 40 of those.
• Penn State has 264 All-American honors with 101 in Cael’s 16 seasons with them.

Seemingly, the program has a higher power looking out for them. Literally. AJ believes it too as he opened up about his thoughts on Penn State as he looks for a new home himself.

“That is why Penn State wins! What’s the secret sauce? What’s the secret sauce? Faith. Four-time national champion Aaron Brooks… faith, domination. That’s why these guys have a decade of domination… all their guys are strong believers. They don’t just say it, they live it. You can say what you want about (Penn State wrestling coach) Cael Sanderson, you can say what you want about Cody Sanderson … and I’m not even looking to transfer there, but they’ve got real authentic faith. And that’s what matters,” the 23-year-old explained. As an athlete with a strong belief in his faith, the former national champion could resonate.

“It’s not just BS, this and that. It’s authenticity and that’s what people don’t like about me, they don’t like the fact that I’m real. They don’t like the fact that if I don’t like what you’re doing I’ll call you out on it. Because I’m not the teammate you want, I’m the teammate you need. That’s the difference. And that’s why you see me doing great… Growing up my dad taught us to embrace adversity. He taught us to embrace the terrible times.”

Yet, Ferrari, who defeated Michigan’s Jacob Cardenas for the 3rd place finish at the national championship, believes faith and self-belief aren’t the only ingredients of that secret sauce. He also explained that the Nittany Lions coaching staff’s faith in their athletes is an integral part of the X-factor. But this was not the first time that the wrestler has said something about Penn State.

Earlier this month also, Ferrari was all praises for the Nittany Lions who keep producing champions. “I really give them credit. That’s why I think Penn State is doing so great. I think Penn has great coaches, but all their guys live a God lifestyle, most of them. You know what I mean?”

At that time, one thing that the reigning PAC-12 champion pointed out was how the 11x National champion coach has instilled skills to focus in his wrestlers. They don’t even show emotions no matter how close a match gets. Yet, despite his beliefs about Penn State, the 23-year-old isn’t willing to wear Penn State’s colors. But there’s no doubt that his resume is stacked as well.

Ferrari is 50-2 in his career so far and his only losses came with the 2025 NCAA champion from Iowa– Stephen Buchanan– and former West Virginia wrestler Noah Adams. The Texan lost that match 3-2 as a freshman in 2021. And while he may have lost this year, his words entering into the 2025 NCAA Tournament are no lies when he said, “I want to cement my legacy, have fun, give God all the glory. Super grateful for all the support I have all throughout the world. A lot of prayers, big support system is why I’m here.”

So that begs the question: Where will AJ Ferrari go?

AJ Ferrari’s likely destination

The 197 lbs contender announced his departure from Cal State Bakersfield after his third-place defeat at the hands of Stephen Buchanan. This was a downturn after Ferrari won the national title back in 2021 with Oklahoma State. Announcing his decision, he took it to X to pour some love on Cal State.

“Man what a Journey it’s been at Cal State Bakersfield. 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. 🏎️🏎️💨💨”

Many had already seen the winds blowing in that direction long before the 2025 NCAA National Championships. In fact, analysts even revealed where the Division 1 wrestler will spend the upcoming NCAA wrestling season.

With AJ Ferrari already having claimed the national title once with OSU, the Iowa Hawkeyes emerged as the favorites. Well-known wrestling analyst Christian Pyles also agreed, as early as the first week of March. “I have no idea. I’m excited to watch AJ tomorrow! If he gets through this season without issue, I can imagine he will have lots of suitors,” said Pyles.

With defending champion Stephen Buchanan no longer having any eligibility left, Pyles predicted Ferrari would end up at Iowa. “With Buchanan graduating, Iowa could use a 197,” added the analyst. And that’s not all. The former national champion even has a personal connection with the Hawkeyes. Who is that, you ask?

AJ Ferrari’s brother Angelo Ferrari completes for Iowa. In fact, the 197-pounder himself came this close to competing for Iowa wrestling. Unfortunately, it fell through thanks to Ferrari’s altercation with an Iowa wrestler at the 2023 Soldier Salute. Will the Hawkeyes come knocking again? Will Ferrari answer if they do? For now, he has mentioned he will not return to the Hawkeyes. But then where? Only time will tell.