Penn State legends slam Starocci’s Hodge Trophy snub

Penn State wrestling lapped the field this year, running away with another team national title to cap a record-breaking season. But no Nittany Lion will bring home the highest individual award in the sport. That honor goes to Oklahoma State heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson, who won the 2025 Hodge Trophy on Monday.

The Nittany Lions had two of the three finalists for this season’s Heisman Trophy of wrestling. Despite being one of the most closely contested races in Hodge Trophy history, the move to present the award to Hendrickson and not five-time national champion Carter Starocci left some feeling snubbed.

Several prominent former Penn State athletes made their voices heard in the wake of the decision.

“Can’t lie man congrats, but I’m [calling] bullshi# – snubbing [an] undefeated five time national champion is so absurd!” former Nittany Lions linebacker and NFL star Micah Parsons said. “Do better, NCAA wrestling!”

Can’t lie man congrats but I’m call bullshi# snubbing a undefeated 5 time national champion is so absurd! Do better ncaa wrestling! https://t.co/9L6zUFXJpx

— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) March 31, 2025

Historic success is not the sole criterion for Hodge voting. Instead, the selection committee is to focus on season record, number of pins, dominance, past credentials, quality of competition, sportsmanship/citizenship, and heart.

Penn State wrestling icon Bo Nickal: Starocci is the best wrestler in the NCAA

Penn State wrestling 184-pounder Carter Starocci. © Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2025.

His historic five NCAA titles aside, Starocci was one of the most dominant wrestlers in the sport in 2025. The Nittany Lion went 26-0 with an 84.6% bonus, adding six pins, 10 tech falls, and five major decisions. Hendrickson’s case was just as compelling, going 27-0 with an 81.5% bonus, including 12 pins and three tech falls. He also had an all-time upset of former Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson in the NCAA Finals.

Even with the Oklahoma State Cowboy’s success, Penn State wrestling great and 2019 Hodge Trophy winner Bo Nickal believes Starocci clearly passed the eye test this season.

“The Hodge Trophy should go to the BEST wrestler in the NCAA,” he wrote. “I think Wyatt is an amazing, amazing wrestler and had an incredible moment that we will never forget. That being said, Carter is the best wrestler in the NCAA.

“I don’t think the award has been given to the best wrestler of the year consistently, and that’s all I really want. Whoever is the best should get it no matter what team or criteria.”

The Hodge Trophy should go to the BEST wrestler in the NCAA. I think Wyatt is an amazing, amazing wrestler and had an incredible moment that we will never forget. That being said Carter is the best wrestler in the NCAA. I don’t think the award has been given to the best wrestler…

— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) March 31, 2025

Penn State wrestling has experienced historical success when it comes to the Hodge Trophy. The Nittany Lions have a nation’s best five individual wrestlers who have won the award seven times in the award’s 30-year history.

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