Micah Parsons labels Carter Starocci as the greatest athlete in Penn State history

Penn State wrestling rewrote the record books yet again this weekend, setting a new NCAA scoring total and becoming the second team ever with 10 All-Americans en route to the program’s 12th title in 14 tournaments. But the highlight of a historic three days in Philadelphia came from none other than Carter Starocci, who claimed the 184-pound championship to win his fifth individual national title.

The victory over Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen put Starocci firmly atop the debate for the most accomplished wrestler in NCAA history. The only Division I wrestler to win five NCAA titles, Starocci ends his college career with only four losses to his name, two of which came via injury default.

However, back in Happy Valley, another prominent former Penn State athlete thinks that Saturday night’s win cemented Carter Starocci as the greatest Nittany Lion of all time. After watching Starocci’s final match in a Blue and White singlet, ex-Penn State linebacker and Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons believes the 184-pounder is the best athlete to ever step foot on campus.

“Congrats to probably the greatest athlete in Penn State athletics history,” Parsons wrote on X. “Mr. five-time national champion! It’s unheard of and never [has] been done before!”

Congrats to Probaly the greatest athlete in Penn state athletics history @carterstarocci !! Mr. 5 time national champion!! It’s un heard of and never have been done before!Congratulations champ!

— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) March 22, 2025

Looking for a way to stay up-to-date with all the most important news surrounding Penn State wrestling and Nittany Lion athletics? Follow us on social media and subscribe to our free newsletter for live news and insights sent directly to your feed!

© Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2025.

The five-time All-American is now arguably the most successful wrestler in the history of the Penn State wrestling program, breaking the school record for NCAA Tournament victories on his way to his final title.

“He’s a competitor,” said head coach Cael Sanderson, who is among the few to rival Starocci as the greatest college wrestler ever. “I mean, there’s certain things where you hate to lose so much that you will do whatever it takes — diet, training, anything within the rules, of course. Most people don’t have that. He does. He’s a competitor.

“He puts the time in, and he does what he thinks he needs to do to be ready mentally and physically. And then he goes out there, and he competes hard every time. I mean, every time he competes he’s giving a great effort.”

Starocci was one of two members of the Penn State wrestling roster to win individual championships on Saturday. He was joined by 165-pounder Mitchell Mesenbrink, who won his first title.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, one of the fastest-growing outlets covering Penn State athletics. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned and operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on social media.