Penn State wrestling star looks prime for weight class change in 2024-25, per report

Penn State wrestling season is quickly approaching, and we now may have some clarity over what the starting lineup could eventually look like for Cael Sanderson and the Nittany Lions. Carter Starocci made headlines in the spring after announcing his return for a final season, opening the opportunity to chase an unprecedented fifth individual NCAA Championship.

However, after considerable speculation all offseason, new reports suggest Starocci’s pursuit of history won’t occur at the 174-pound weight class where he’s won his first four national titles.

Carter Starocci looks ready to move up in 2024-25

Plenty of rumors were floating around during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials that Carter Starocci would be moving up to 197 pounds for the 2024 season. He wrestled at 86 kg at the Trials, equal to about 189.6 pounds.

But rather than take over for fellow four-timer Aaron Brooks, it now seems more likely that the Starocci may move up just one weight class, according to the latest report by Pat Mineo on social media.

“Despite his earlier declaration, it doesn’t appear Carter Starocci will actually go to 197,” Mineo wrote. “Not big enough for the class. Far more likely we see him at 184, which would set up for a possible final vs. reigning champ and pound-or-pound #2 behind Starocci…Parker K!”

Starocci had previously floated the idea of moving up two weight classes this spring. While he may ultimately bump up to 197, it looks as if he has maintained some of the mass he put on for the Trials in April.

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A post shared by Carter Starocci (@carterstarocci)

In his post, Mineo refers to Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa, the defending National Champion in the 184-pound weight class. Keckeisen has been a dominant force at the weight and finished third (twice), second, and first in his four seasons. He has a 102-6 record with a 61.46% bonus percentage during that time.

While many things would need to happen between now and March, an NCAA Final between Carter Starocci and Parker Keckeisen would be one of the most anticipated matchups of the entire college wrestling season.

Penn State wrestling star chasing the Hodge Trophy

Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Both Carter Starocci and Parker Keckeisen will be frontrunners to win the Dan Hodge Trophy in 2025. Similar to the Heisman Trophy in college football, the Hodge Trophy is given annually to top college wrestler. Starocci and Keckeisen were finalists for the award last season before it was given to Aaron Brooks.

Northern Iowa shouldn’t be a factor in the team race, which would only add to the importance of the race for the Panthers fanbase.

It wouldn’t be unrealistic to expect both wrestlers to remain undefeated until the NCAA Finals at 184. Obviously, anything can happen in wrestling, but both Carter Starocci and Parker Keckeisen have been among the most consistent in the sport.

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