Aaron Brooks and Carter Starocci Crowned NCAA Champions as All 10 Penn State Wrestlers Earn All-American Honors
The Penn State wrestling dynasty added another chapter to its storied legacy as Aaron Brooks and Carter Starocci were crowned NCAA champions, leading an unprecedented team effort that saw all 10 Nittany Lion wrestlers earn All-American honors at the NCAA Wrestling Championships. This historic performance underscores Penn State’s continued dominance under head coach Cael Sanderson and highlights the depth and consistency of its wrestling program.
Aaron Brooks, competing at 197 pounds, delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament. His path to the championship was marked by a combination of technical superiority, relentless offense, and unmatched mat awareness. In the finals, Brooks controlled the pace from the start and walked away with his fourth NCAA title, placing him among the most elite wrestlers in collegiate history. His victory not only added another accolade to his individual resume but also significantly contributed to Penn State’s overall team success.
Carter Starocci, wrestling at 174 pounds, also continued his reign of dominance. Despite facing adversity during the season, including injuries that limited his mat time, Starocci showed resilience and championship composure. In the NCAA finals, he executed a calculated and clinical match to secure his fourth consecutive national title. His grit and leadership have become synonymous with Penn State wrestling, inspiring teammates and fans alike.
Beyond the individual triumphs of Brooks and Starocci, the real story of the tournament may be the collective achievement of the entire Penn State squad. For the first time in school history — and one of the rare feats in NCAA history — all 10 Penn State wrestlers competing in the national tournament earned All-American status. This means each wrestler finished among the top eight in their respective weight classes, a testament to the team’s depth, preparation, and elite-level coaching.
The achievement is also a reflection of the program’s culture. Cael Sanderson’s leadership has fostered an environment where excellence is expected and athletes are developed both mentally and physically for the rigors of high-level competition. From freshmen making their first NCAA appearances to seasoned veterans like Brooks and Starocci, every Penn State wrestler contributed crucial points and moments throughout the tournament.
The team’s dominance was evident not just in wins but in how those wins were achieved — with bonus-point victories, technical falls, and clutch performances under pressure. The Nittany Lions racked up points in nearly every round, distancing themselves early from their competition in the team race.
With Brooks and Starocci likely moving on to pursue Olympic and professional aspirations, they leave behind a powerful legacy for the next generation of Penn State wrestlers. Their championship mentality, work ethic, and sportsmanship set the standard for what it means to wear the blue and white singlet.
Penn State’s 2025 performance at the NCAA Championships will go down as one of the most dominant and complete showings in collegiate wrestling history. With all 10 wrestlers earning All-American honors and two legends securing their fourth titles, the Nittany Lions have once again proven they are the gold standard in NCAA wrestling.
