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Carter Starocci

Iowa star calls for Carter Starocci’s head leading up to Penn State dual

Iowa standout Gabe Arnold made a bold declaration for his opponent Carter Starocci ahead of Friday’s dual with Penn State wrestling.

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January 10, 2025. Penn State 184-pounder Carter Starocci is introduced ahead of the Nittany Lions' dual with Michigan State. © Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2025.

Carter Starocci won his fourth National Championship last year, the first – alongside teammate Aaron Brooks – to accomplish the feat in Penn State wrestling history. Starocci is back thanks to an extra season of COVID eligibility and is now looking to become the only wrestler in NCAA history to win five Division I individual titles.

The star Nittany Lion’s confident persona often tends to make the news. As a result, Starocci’s opponents usually have no shortage of bulletin board material. But this weekend, it’s Iowa star Gabe Arnold who is flipping the script, calling out Starocci ahead of Friday night’s anticipated BJC dual between the No. 2 Hawkeyes and top-ranked Penn State.

Immediately after Iowa took down No. 4 Ohio State 24-13 on Saturday, Arnold was already on to his showdown with Starocci.

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“We got Penn State next week, and we didn’t get the job done last year. And that kind of sucks,” Arnold said in his post-match press conference. “But we’re going to get it done this year.

“So, this time, we’ll be in your home dojo. And I promise, your [Starocci’s] head’s mine. Book it.”

This will be the first time the two wrestlers have ever met. Arnold was a highly heralded recruit but redshirted last season and finished with an 8-1 record. Ranked No. 5, the Iowa standout is off to an undefeated 10-0 start this year, including a 5-1 decision over last year’s 174-pound Big Ten Champion Edmond Ruth (Illinois).

Penn State wrestling superstar looking to continue perfect start

Penn State wrestling

© Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2025.

Carter Starocci was the preseason favorite to take home the National Championship this year despite moving up from 174 to 184 pounds this offseason. Many felt the Nittany Lion’s toughest competition came at the NWCA All-Star Classic in November, where he defeated second-ranked Parker Keckeisen (Northern Iowa).

While the All-Star Classic was an unofficial dual, Starocci is still off to a 12-0 start with a 100% bonus. With a career bonus percentage of 59.73, Starocci is operating at a level that we haven’t seen from him before despite his dominant 105-4 career record.

Friday night’s match against Arnold will be the most formidable opponent he has faced so far this season and will most likely face until the Big Ten and NCAA Championships. Another bonus win would only reaffirm Starocci’s status as the top wrestler in the sport.

Penn State wrestling will host Iowa inside the Bryce Jordan Center for a battle of the unbeatens Friday night beginning at 7 p.m.



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Former contributor at Nittany Central, Patrick joined Basic Blues Nation in 2023 as the Social Media Director, Penn State Wrestling beat writer, and producer of the Penn State Roar Room spaces. Patrick is also a contributor of Penn State football, basketball, and ice hockey news for the site.

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