AJ Ferrari is never shy about showing off his confidence, but this time, he’s shifting gears in a way fans are unfamiliar with. Before stepping onto the mat for the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, the former NCAA champion took a moment to reflect—not on himself but the training staff and coaches at Cal State Bakersfield.  The team that he credits for transforming him into the best version of himself so far.

For someone who usually talks in terms of horsepower and domination, Ferrari’s latest remarks revealed a different side of him. This rare display of humility from the hot-headed wrestler speaks volumes about how much Ferrari values his team. After separating from Oklahoma State University in 2022, Ferrari transferred to Cal State Bakersfield in 2024. Since then, he has rebuilt his career from the ground up. Now, he is unbeaten, physically dominating, and just one step short of regaining NCAA gold.

Ferrari’s return was greatly enhanced

AJ Ferrari never misses a chance to praise himself. However now, before getting back onto the mat for the NCAA Championships, Ferrari issued a rare shoutout to the Cal State Bakersfield training team and coaching staff—the team behind transforming him into the beast that he is.

“A huge thank you to Coach Joey Rossi and the Cal State Bakersfield Wrestling lifting staff along with Coach Blake Bernard,” Ferrari shared. “They have taken my strength and natural athletic abilities and turned me into a well-rounded, explosive powerhouse with an incredible gas tank.”

Yes, you read it right—Ferrari, the same guy who built his image around being the toughest, the fastest, and the most self-assured guy in the room, is out here giving credit where credit is due. That tells you how much the final part of the season is means to him.

Having been out of the sport for quite a while, he didn’t just pick up where he left off—he came back more powerful, wiser, and more dominant than ever. Unbeaten, fresh off a Pac-12 championship and entering the NCAA Finals as if he had never left. But Ferrari isn’t just winning matches—he’s making a statement. And now, he made the last step towards ensuring his return.

The collision course for NCAA gold

While Ferrari is only focusing on the NCAA Championships, he is aware of the fact that one man separates him from his ultimate goal—Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan.

“I feel like it’s really just a collision course between me and Buchanan,” Ferrari said. “He’s improved a lot, but these dudes aren’t on my level. Flexibility, athleticism-wise… mentally, that’s where they lack.”

Buchanan, the state’s top-ranked 197-pounder, is also undefeated this season. This will make for a blockbuster finals match-up as the tournament progresses. But Ferrari isn’t losing any sleep over the match-up.

“They’re close, but at the end of the day, none of these guys are winners like me,” Ferrari stated. “I have that winning DNA.”

The 2025 NCAA Championships aren’t just about skill—they’re a test for mental toughness. That is the domain in which Ferrari excels, and he’s ready to prove it when it matters most.

Ferrari is now stepping into what could be the largest match of his career. This time, he’s entering with greater respect for his trainers and training. Along with sharper mindset and heightened focus. The only real doubt is whether Buchanan can keep up with whatever Ferrari is bringing to the mat.

Ferrari knew always he was blessed, but for the first time, he’s crediting his success to his team for pushing him to the next level. His work with Cal State Bakersfield turned him into an explosive conditioned machine. And now, the world will see how their training turned him invincible. The clock is counting down to the NCAA Finals with Ferrari closing in. Whether Buchanan is ready for whatever the future may be, Ferrari is in the position to make his mark in the collegiate wrestling scene once again.