ESPN NEWS: Carter Starocci Makes Shocking NCAA History….
Penn State’s Carter Starocci has etched his name into NCAA wrestling history by becoming the first athlete to secure five national titles. On March 22, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Starocci clinched his fifth championship by triumphing in the 184-pound weight class, having previously dominated the 174-pound division with four titles. This unprecedented achievement was facilitated by an eligibility waiver granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing him an additional year of competition.
Despite his monumental accomplishment, Starocci expressed dissatisfaction with ESPN’s scheduling decision, as his match was slated first for the night. He voiced his frustration, stating, “I was the first match up. I’m not sure why ESPN elected for the 184-pound match to be the first one… It’s no surprise why wrestling isn’t mainstream.” In contrast, Penn State alumnus and UFC Middleweight Bo Nickal viewed the scheduling positively, suggesting that starting with the most anticipated match could enhance event structure.
Looking ahead, Starocci has hinted at a potential transition to mixed martial arts, aiming to emulate the success of fellow wrestlers who have made similar moves.
