Penn State wrestling star Carter Starocci had a three-word message for Iowa coach Tom Brands: “Start the kid.”
Start the kid 😋🍽️
— Carter Starocci (@carterstarocci) February 24, 2025
It’s clear that this message was intended for Brands since he sent it during Iowa’s dual meet with Oklahoma State Sunday night.
Who “the kid” is isn’t entirely clear.
It could be Gabe Arnold, Iowa’s main starter who Starocci has a noted history with.
But most think that it’s Angelo Ferrari, who minutes before Starocci’s post, pulled off a stunning upset over Oklahoma State’s Dustin Plott in sudden victory.
Angelo Ferrari has arrived! 😳 pic.twitter.com/8CXMPsvULa
— WrestlersGrind (@_wrestlersgrind) February 24, 2025
Starocci already beat Ferrari this season but Ferrari kept it closer than most, losing just 3-1 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Starocci also has a history with another member of the Ferrari family.
CARTER VS AJ
Carter Starocci improves Penn State’s winning margin 26-5 with his convincing win over Iowa’s Angelo Ferrari.
Starocci hasn’t had any crazy beef with Angelo Ferrari yet but his brother is a different story.
A.J. Ferrari is also a national champion, having won at 197 for Oklahoma State in 2021 the year Starocci won his first of four national titles at 174.
Amid a sexual assault investigation in the summer of 2022 (the case was eventually dismissed), Ferrari left the Oklahoma State wrestling team and never wrestled again for John Smith and the Cowboys.
He wrestled unattached in December 2023 and his match went down in infamy.
Yep, that's how you lose all composure.
Terrible pic.twitter.com/1nqmksVtnJ— Mark Lundy (@LutteLens) December 31, 2023
Now, Ferrari is back in the game. He’s competing at Cal State Bakersfield at 197 pounds.
Ferrari has heard the talk, and this past September, issued a warning.
“A safe recommendation for Carter is to stay down at 174 or 184 pounds— don’t come up to 197 pounds,” he wrote.
⚠️⚡️Mr. FastTwitch⚡️ is preparing a comeback to take back his throne 👑 of 1️⃣9️⃣7️⃣ Pounds ⚠️
There’s a lot of talk 🗣️ about Carter Starocci @carterstarocci bumping 🆙 🤔
A safe recommendation for Carter is to stay down at 174 or 184 pounds – don’t come up to 197 pounds‼️ pic.twitter.com/Vh0NwTutGT— AJ Ferrari (@mrfasttwitch) September 4, 2024
Every Penn State or general wrestling fan who has followed Starocci’s career knew Starocci would have a response, it was just a matter of when.
The time came on a Monday night, and accompanying the post was a picture with a “certificate” that described Ferrari as a drunk driver and pedophile, among other things.
“Been focused on training, recovery and business recently,” Starocci wrote to social media, “but here we are again… another has been ncaa champ that needs added to my collection.
“All-star classic,” Starocci wrote, referring to the NWCA All-Star Classic that took place Nov. 16 in Rec Hall. “It’s at Penn State this year because they want the king showing out again. Just notify the city district so the youth can stay a safe distance away. I’ll go over in weight just to bend you over in front of the world.”
Starocci then made an obvious reference to Ferrari’s past.
“I know you’re broke, desperate and horny. Lawyers are expensive so let’s put it all on the line.”
Starocci’s proposed bout never happened. He instead wrestled— and beat— Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen, ranked No. 2.
Starocci could wrestle either Keckeisen or AJ Ferrari at nationals.
Angelo Ferrari? Doesn’t seem as likely.
A WIN-WIN FOR WRESTLING FANS
Photo by Iowa Athletics: Gabe Arnold
The great Ashley Schaeffer from the popular late-2000s HBO series Eastbound and Down once said: “Either way, you’re a winner.”
That’s how wrestling fans should be feeling right about now.
If Starroci meets Arnold— who is 12-2 and ranked eighth at 184– for the first time, it would be a treat.
If Starocci wrestles Ferrari after what many feel was a request for Brands to start him— that would be cinematic, as well.
The Big Ten Championships are scheduled for March 8-9 in Evanston, Illinois.
