Carter Starocci Returning to Penn State for Final Wrestling Season

Starocci wants to become a four-time NCAA champ before pursuing an Olympic gold medal.

Carter Starocci will return to Penn State for the 2023-24 wrestling season with a chance to become the Nittany Lions' first four-time NCAA champion. Starocci announced his decision to return for his "fourth and final year" on Penn State's athletic website. He also foreshadowed a potential Olympic run at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.

"This is a monumental moment for me myself, Penn State and my family," Starocci said in the video. "I have my whole family watching me, supporting me, and that means a lot. So I'll make sure I take care of business and at the end of the year get that fourth natty daddy and the Olympic title."

Starocci in March won his third NCAA title at 174 pounds, completing his second consecutive undefeated season and winning his 52nd straight bout, the nation's longest active streak. He is Penn State's sixth three-time champion and has an opportunity to become its first four-time champ along with Aaron Brooks, who recently won the United World Wrestling U23 world title at 86 kg. 

Starocci had multiple opportunities to leave Penn State after this season and pursue international wrestling or an MMA career. In April Starocci reached the 79 kg semifinals at Final X, falling to Alex Dieringer. He still has an opportunity to wrestle at the U.S. Olympic Trials in August at the Bryce Jordan Center.

At the NCAA Championships, Starocci talked about the options he was considering, which included a return to Penn State.

"And just what Penn State's doing over there is a lot deeper than wrestling," Carter said. "I know we talk about having fun all the time, it may sound like they're having fun or whatever, but I love those guys with all my heart, and they've helped make me the man I am. And I'm just grateful to be in that community."

Starocci is among two 2023 NCAA champs and five finalists returning for the Nittany Lions, who seek their 11th NCAA title in 13 seasons. Penn State opens its 2023-24 wrestling season at the Journeymen Classic in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

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Nittany Lions land another All-American from the NCAA Transfer Portal

Penn State's Carter Starocci talks Olympics, MMA after winning third NCAA title

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