Alright, wrestling fans – the moment you’ve been waiting for is approaching. The 2025 Southern Scuffle Wrestling Tournament is about to drop, and it’s bringing some serious heat. Over 30 ranked wrestlers will be battling it out, setting the mat on fire. But hold up… there are two big twists. Firstly, the two ultimate go-getters– OSU and Iowa are off the mat for this one, and Penn State’s arena looks clear of its two big competitors.

Here’s another curveball: Starocci – yeah, the star of Penn State isn’t hitting the mat at the Scuffle. Say what?! So, no Starocci? That’s big. We’re talking about the two-time PIAA champion from Cathedral Prep, the four-time NCAA champ. He’s a legend in the making, yet he’s sitting this one out.

Carter Starocci sitting this one out

The 2025 Southern Scuffle, which is presented by Compound Sportswear, kicks off on January 4, 9 a.m. sharp. The quarterfinals are at 6 p.m., and then you’ve got the semifinals and, finally, much-awaited medal matches on the 5th, starting at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. The action is set to take place at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

But the big question: Why isn’t Starocci in the mix? Well, it’s a smart move by Penn State and their head coach, Cael Sanderson. With a full season ahead, Sanderson’s looking at the bigger picture. Starocci’s health is the top priority, and they’re giving him the time he needs to fully recover for the high-stakes events that are coming up. You can bet your bottom dollar that when it’s time to shine, Starocci’s going to be ready. And with his recovery going well, it seems like he’s already turning this rehab grind into fuel for his mindset.

Let’s rewind for a second. This injury happened in February 2024, during the regular season finale against Edinboro. Starocci was going for a pin, but his leg got caught up in his opponent’s, causing his knee to twist and it was bad. Despite Penn State wrecking Edinboro 55-0, Starocci had to be carried off the mat. The injury was serious. But here’s the kicker: Starocci, ever the competitor, looked back at it and said, “If you’re truly the best, you should be able to win under any circumstances.”

Now, here’s where things get spicy. The usual heavy hitters – Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys and Iowa – aren’t showing up to the Southern Scuffle this year. These two teams are absolute powerhouses in the world of college wrestling. Their absence is huge. Why are they out? Scheduling conflicts? Strategic planning? Who knows? What’s clear, though, is that their decision to skip this tournament opens the door wide for Penn State. They’ve got a real shot at going 10-0 this year and stamping their dominance all over this tournament. The Lions are still hungry.

The dart is set to A.I.M.

With Carter Starocci and the big teams sitting out, Penn State’s going to have to adjust their strategy – but they’ve got the depth to handle it. Sanderson’s squad isn’t about one guy; it’s about the whole damn team. Sure, they’ll miss Starocci but don’t expect Penn State to slow down. They’ve got a stacked roster, and their resilience is about to be put to the test. This is the kind of stuff that makes champions.

And let’s not forget what’s coming up. Mark your calendars because these events are about to turn the heat up even more: the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championship (March 2025) and the 2025 Open Wrestling Championships (April 2025). These tournaments are going to be the true test. Can Penn State rise to the occasion, keep the momentum going, and hold its ground as one of the nation’s best? Time will tell.

The 2025 Southern Scuffle Lineup – Penn State’s Secret Weapon. The program is bringing their A-game with a deep roster of wrestlers. Here’s who’s stepping up to the plate:

125 pounds: Kurt McHenry
133 pounds: Kyison Garcia, Gary Steen
141 pounds: Tim Levine
149 pounds: Connor Pierce
157 pounds: None
165 pounds: Aurelius Dunbar
174 pounds: Jack Kelly
184 pounds: Zack Ryder
197 pounds: Connor Mirasola
285 pounds: Cole Mirasola 

This isn’t just a team showing up for a good time – they’re here to prove something. There’s no telling who’s going to step up, but with everything on the line, you can bet that Penn State is going to make a statement. With the NCAA Championships and Open Wrestling Championships around the corner, Penn State’s strategy and preparation right now will play a massive role in determining if they’re ready for the big stage when it matters.

What do you think? Can Penn State keep the momentum going? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!