While Carter Starocci is Welcomed Back For 5th Year, Sun Devils’ World Medalist Roasts Returning Teammates

Carter Starocci, despite missing the Paris Olympics, plans to make his last year at Penn State memorable. After exiting the team trial quarterfinals, he’s using his extra eligibility year to finish his collegiate career on his terms. In his final season with PSU, he’s focusing on leaving a mark.

In his recent post on X, Starocci announced his confirmed return to Penn State for another year, stating, “Build a legacy that won’t be touched EVER. Penn State, Stand Up. Onward and Upward”. He told FloWrestling that he was leaning “60/40” toward a return.

Penn State’s response to Carter Starocci’s decision to return for his fifth year is filled with excitement and support. Besides Carter Starocci, there are a few others also coming back to 5th year due to COVID eligibility, like Vincenzo Joseph, Mark Hall, and Wyatt Hendrickson. A world medalist from the Sun Devils’ roster has taken a critical stance, roasting his returning teammates. 

Recently, Richard Figueroa tweeted on his X handle, “Sell outs,“ making a dig at a few of his teammates who have placed their names declaring their desire to transfer. Richard is an Arizona State University wrestler who made a debut for Selma in the 2017-2018 season, winning a California state title as a freshman. 

All-Americans Jacori Teemer and Kyle Parco, returning to the Sun Devils, entered the transfer portal, creating an imbalance between the team. Jacori Teemer was the No.1 wrestler from high school who had been a five-time state and national champion. Upon arriving at ASU, Teemer showed no signs of slowing down. 

On the other hand, Kyle Parco secured fifth place in the 2024 NCAA National Championships, notably defeating No. 1 Ridge Lovett for the second time that season. Schultz finished sixth in the heavyweight category, concluding with a 3-3 record over the weekend. Figueroa, Teemer, Parco, and Schultz helped ASU secure sixth place in Kansas City with their All-American performances. The Sun Devils’ recent performance marks their fourth straight season. This with a top-seven team finish in the NCAA Championships and at least four wrestlers earning All-American status. 

Figueroa’s comment suggests a disappointment in the perceived lack of loyalty among athletes like Jacori Teemer and Kyle Parco. He expresses frustration at what he sees as a tarnishing of legacies and the potential impact on the team’s future success, believing they could have helped the team finish in the top 3 next year. Besides Penn State’s celebration of Starocci’s decision to return for another year and significant movements in the transfer portal, the 2024-25 NCAA wrestling season is poised to witness a redefined competitive landscape.

Carter Starocci’s return and transfer portal exodus to shape 2024-25 NCAA Wrestling Season

Starocci aims to be the first five-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion. Starting with his title during the COVID-19 season, granting college athletes extra eligibility. After this, Starocci said, “Even though this season ended with me on top of the podium, I was not satisfied.” Starocci and teammate Aaron Brooks joined an elite group of just seven college wrestlers to win four NCAA Championships this season.

Next season, there’s speculation about Starocci’s position in the PSU lineup, with rumors suggesting he may wrestle at 184 or 197 pounds. After the NCAA Wrestling tournament, several notable wrestlers entered the transfer portal. While some have withdrawn others remain, potentially becoming championship contenders for their new schools. Some of the top names on the list are Wyatt Hendrickson, Terrel Barraclough, Kyle Burwick, and Aiden Hernandez.

The wrestling transfer portal is expected to impact the 2024-25 NCAA wrestling season significantly, potentially reshaping team dynamics and introducing new championship contenders. Starocci’s return contrasts with a Sun Devils wrestler’s criticism, highlighting different feelings in college wrestling. This adds intrigue as teams adapt to changes for the upcoming season.