Penn State wrestling: Aaron Brooks named nation’s top wrestler

The list of distinctions continues to grow for Aaron Brooks: four-time National Champion, Hodge Trophy winner, Olympian, and now, NCAA Wrestler of the Year. The former Penn State wrestling star took home the title from The Open Mat on Friday, part of the outlet’s 2023-24 season awards. Brooks capped off his college career with an unblemished record as part of yet another Nittany Lions national title run.

Aaron Brooks takes home NCAA Wrestler of the Year honors

After a dominant senior season from start to finish, Aaron Brooks was recognized as the NCAA Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat on Friday. Brooks went 22-0 on the season, with six pins, 11 technical falls, and three major decisions.

Friday’s announcement shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as it’s the second such award Brooks has earned this spring. In April, the ex-Penn State wrestling star won the Dan Hodge Trophy for the nation’s most outstanding wrestler. He became the fifth Nittany Lion to win the prestigious award, securing the program’s seventh Hodge Trophy in total.

The 2023-24 season was historic for Aaron Brooks on many fronts, becoming the seventh four-time National Champion in NCAA history in March. Brooks became the second in Penn State wrestling history to do so, trailing teammate Carter Starocci by a matter of minutes. Brooks took down NC State’s Trent Hidlay to earn the crown at 197 pounds after winning his first three titles at 184.

Brooks is the second Nittany Lion to earn national recognition from The Open Mat this week. On Wednesday, the outlet named Mitchell Mesenbrink its Freshman of the Year.

Former Penn State wrestling star takes on the international stage

With his claim as the best collegiate wrestler in America secure, the only place left for Aaron Brooks to prove himself is on the global stage. He’ll get that chance this summer, representing the United States at 86 kg in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

It took a valiant effort from Brooks to punch his ticket to Paris, taking down Penn State wrestling legend David Taylor at the Olympic Team Trials in State College this April. Brooks swept the reigning Gold Medalist 2-0 after not being cleared for the Trials until the day prior, and operating on little-to-no sleep.

One by one, Aaron Brooks has checked off his stated goals from the start of the 2023-24 season. But despite the success, the titles, and the recognition he’s earned this year, the former Penn State wrestling star is only focused on what’s next.

“[I’m] just not thinking about it, you know?” Brooks said after the Olympic Trials Championship in April. “I wrestle right now, so I’m just trying to get better. That’s where I’m at.”

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