Carter Starocci announces return to Penn State wrestling, chase for 5th NCAA title

Carter Starocci announced his return to college wrestling for one final season in a statement Wednesday night.

The four-time NCAA champion at 174 pounds had one year due to the COVID year. After contemplating his future following winning a title with an injury, and competing in the Olympic Trials, he’s back.

Starocci released a passionate statement regarding his decision.

“My journey here at Penn State has meant the world to me,” Starocci said. “When I stepped foot in the PSU wrestling room, I set a goal to dominate, and that’s what I have done for the past four years. Since being in Happy Valley, I have racked up 7 NCAA Championships – 3 team and 4 individual titles. Even though this is an individual sport, none of this would’ve been possible without the support of my teammates, coaches, staff and family.

“Each and every one of you has had a significant impact on me, and I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. God continues to bless me everyday and I will continue to follow the plan guided through the Holy Spirit.”

Starocci is 77-4 in his career, winning NCAA titles all four years as a starter.

“As everyone knows, this year was difficult as I had to deal with many things both on and off the mat,” Starocci said. “Even though this season ended with me on top of the podium, I was not satisfied. I’m here to take over. With one year of college eligibility left, I want to end my collegiate career on my terms. Healthy, in style, and in dominant fashion. With this in mind, I’m excited to announce that I will be returning to Penn State to bring another national title to State College, Pennsylvania.”

Starocci has been one of the most dominant wrestlers in college wrestling history. Already joining the elite four-time champions club, he can stand on his own next year.

Of course, this might never happen again, so he followed through on the chance to make history that may never be broken. 

Starocci had a 52.63% bonus percentage last year. He was credited with two losses at the Big Ten Tournament due to medical forfeits.

However, Starocci hasn’t lost a contested match where he actually wrestled since his redshirt freshman year. He went 14-2 in 2021, winning his first national title.

Back at the Olympic Trials, Starocci teased a potential move to 197 pounds, well, just because. His former teammate Aaron Brooks, was a four-time NCAA champ and just won that weight in 2024.

Brooks’ college eligibility is done, but he’ll represent Team USA at 86 KG at the Paris Olympics this summer. Regardless of Starocci’s weight decision, he’ll be the favorite to win a historic individual title in 2025.