Penn State wrestling star Carter Starocci makes bold claim about NIL earnings

It may be May, but Carter Starocci is still finding ways to make plenty of headline news. From announcing his return for a run at a fifth NCAA title to not-so-subtly attacking the loyalty of Penn State wrestling legend David Taylor, Starocci has been the topic of conversation on several fronts. Last week, the Nittany Lions wrestler inserted himself into the NIL discussion, making a bold claim about his earnings that have turned plenty of heads.

Is Carter Starocci the highest-paid athlete in college wrestling?

By now, the impacts of NIL on college athletics have been well documented. While most of the attention is given to the earnings of the NCAA’s football or basketball stars, college wrestling has a thriving NIL market, as well.

NIL was at the forefront of conversation last Wednesday when Wrestlers Grind posed a question on social media asking who the highest-paid wrestler in the sport might be. The post included perhaps the sport’s most recognizable face, Penn State wrestling star Carter Starocci.

Never one to back away from a social media discussion, Carter Starocci soon entered the chat. The four-time NCAA Champion responded to the question with the simple answer, “Me by a lot.” Within 24 hours, Starocci had announced his return for a chance at an unprecedented fifth individual National Championship, fueling the NIL discussion even more.

With the numbers being thrown around to come back for that 5th title- he ain’t lyin! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/tvN639y7OW

— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) May 1, 2024

Starocci’s rumored seven-figured deal in 2025

Following the comments from Carter Starocci, Pat Mineo (The Wrestling Room) responded to a few of the comments that the Penn State wrestling star is expected to make $1.25 million in his final season. That is $750,000 more than the rumored $500,000 offered to top transfer portal prospect and former NCAA Champion Andrew Alirez of Northern Colorado.

However, the discussion took on a whole new light following Starocci’s comments this week. After Nittany Lions icon David Taylor was announced as the next head coach at Oklahoma State, Starocci again took to social media to express what he felt was a choice of money over loyalty to the Penn State wrestling program.

“I was offered a big pay day too,” Starocci wrote. “I said, ‘Go wipe your ass with that money.’ When it comes to money, people switch like the weather. Not me. Loyalty is everything. Nothing is built without trust. PSU vs OK State in the football stadium. The national champs [will win] 10 matches to 0.”

Many have interpreted that statement as a reference to potential NIL deals Carter Starocci was offered to leave Penn State. However, none of this information is verified and documented outside of social media. It’s also worth noting that Starocci did not enter the transfer portal before returning to the Nittany Lions for a final season.

Penn State wrestling touts NIL juggernaut

Much has been made of Penn State’s NIL standing when it comes to football and basketball. However, with wrestling, money is clearly not an issue. Cael Sanderson and Penn State have assembled one of, if not the greatest lineups in college wrestling history. That can’t be done in today’s college athletics without a solid NIL budget.

That is due in large part to the widespread support for wrestling found in Pennsylvania. It makes sense that the Penn State fanbase would be about as bought in as possible when the program has won 11 National Championships in 13 seasons.

So, while Carter Starocci may be rumored to earn a staggering amount on paper this year, it’s more of a testament to the support and alignment that the Penn State wrestling program has with both the administration and the NIL community overall. That’s a scary thought for any other NCAA wrestling program moving forward.

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