Carter Starocci Predicts When Oklahoma Can Threaten Penn State for NCAA Team Title

Following the conclusion of the electrifying bouts at the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships, Carter Starocci opined on when the David Taylor-led Oklahoma State program will defeat the Cael Sanderson-led Penn State program. The Nittany Lions dominated the National Championships this year after bagging 181.5 points to surpass Oklahoma State and Nebraska, who posted 131 and 100.5 points, respectively.

While Penn State entered the final round with six wrestlers, with four winning the championships in their respective categories, Oklahoma State witnessed four of their wrestlers in the final, with three emerging as the champions. Jax Forrest of Oklahoma State dominated the 133 lb category by defeating Ohio State’s Ben Davino by decision 5-2.

The other two victories for the program came from freshmen Sergio Vega and Landon Robideau in the 157 and 174 lb events, respectively. The Penn State program lifted the Championship title after elite wrestlers, including Luke Lilledahl, Mitchell Mesenbrink, Levi Haines, and Josh Barr, topped their categories.

Former Nittany Lions wrestler and five-time consecutive NCAA champion Starocci hailed praises for the three freshmen, including Cody Merill, Vega, and Robideau, while stating that the Taylor-led team will only be capable of surpassing Penn State in the next two years.

Carter Starocci Pens Heartfelt Congratulatory Message for Penn State Wrestling Program

Carter Starocci penned a heartwarming message for the Penn State program while sending them a congratulatory message. The ex-Nittany Lion praised the program’s staff while highlighting their efforts.