In a bold and energetic announcement, AJ Ferrari declared, “🚨AJ FERRARI COMMITTED To CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD🚨 👌👌🏎️💨‼️” It was evident to fans that the wrestler is now committed to a particular program and can go on to win the NCAA championship again after being away for so long. Indeed, Ferrari has encountered numerous challenges in recent years, which have proven to be quite difficult for him both personally and professionally. However, his admission to CSUB felt like a second chance in college wrestling, and his season reflects that sentiment.

AJ Ferrari, the NCAA champion, remains a formidable presence, boasting an impressive record of 17-0 in the ongoing 2024-25 campaign. Indeed, that’s an impressive run, without a doubt. Nonetheless, according to a wrestling analyst’s rankings, the CSUB wrestler fails to secure a spot in the top 5 for the Dan Hodge Trophy Award.

On X, FloWrestling shared a post featuring analyst JD Rader’s rankings, announcing, “JD’s Dan Hodge Trophy Award rankings heading into NCAAs! Did he get it right?” Who, then, occupies the top 5 if not AJ Ferrari himself? Minnesota’s Gable Steveson, Penn State’s Carter Starocci and Mitchell Mesenbrink, Missouri’s Keegan O’Toole, and Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson are all in the top 5.

What about Ferrari? He appears on the list, positioned at seventh place, following Virginia Tech’s Caleb Henson and before Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen. The Dan Hodge Trophy is presented each year to the most formidable collegiate wrestler in NCAA Division I wrestling, and the top 5 on this list certainly align with the concept of dominance.

Gable Steveson’s return to college wrestling faced significant criticism, yet he has impressively maintained an undefeated record of 14-0 this season and clinched the Big 10 Championships. The two Penn State wrestlers featured on the list have maintained impressive unbeaten streaks, standing at 21-0 and 20-0, respectively. And would you believe it? Starocci and Mesenbrink have both claimed titles as champions in their respective divisions within the Big 10 conference.

O’Toole from Missouri remains unbeaten in the 174 lbs division this season, holding an impressive record of 16-0. Now we turn our attention to the last wrestler in the top 5 rankings, OKSU’s Hendrickson. David Taylor’s Cowboys have established themselves as a powerful force this season, with Hendrickson standing out as a dominant competitor in the 285 lbs division. With an impressive record of 22-0, he has also claimed the title of this year’s Big 12 champion. For Ferrari, the Dan Hodge Trophy could be the least of his worries, as he may encounter a familiar adversary on his journey to the NCAA title.

AJ Ferrari might battle an old rival

AJ Ferrari is no stranger to the journey toward his NCAA title. He successfully obtained his first one with the OKSU in 2021. Do you recall the heated discussions surrounding his return, particularly during the finals of the 2023 Soldier Salute tournament? Ferrari faced off against Zach Glazier of the Iowa Hawkeyes on the mat. The match was intense, and indeed, Ferrari showcased his true capabilities.

Nonetheless, as a result of the wrestler’s unsportsmanlike behavior, the title was awarded to Glazier. So what took place? The score stood at 1-1 in the third period, with just one minute and one second of riding time, giving Ferrari a potential edge for victory. However, a stalling call shifted the momentum, leading the match to a sudden victory. Immediately following the conclusion of the match, the two wrestlers engaged in a brief exchange of shoves.

Subsequently, Ferrari seemed to take a swing at Glazier, prompting Glazier to respond by pointing at his opponent, who was displaying a middle finger. Therefore, Ferrari faced disqualification due to flagrant misconduct. What was Mr. Fast Twitch’s take on this? “I would like to come out and formally say I am disappointed in my reaction this weekend. I let my emotions get the best of me and that is something that I will continue to work on. Iowa has been good to me. I deeply regret my behavior,” stated Ferrari.

Nonetheless, the scrutiny was evident for the wrestler. Throughout the years, Ferrari has evolved into a more formidable contender, and this season has clearly demonstrated that evolution. Currently, Glazier is in South Dakota, and with the NCAA championships on the horizon, there’s a possibility that these two longstanding rivals will face off once more for the title in the 197 pounds division.