Rumors of Oklahoma’s NIL collective offering a large sum to Starocci to convince him to join the Cowboys for his final year of college startled the nation yesterday. However, with former Penn State star and Olympic gold medalist David Taylor finally being announced for the role, things didn’t simmer down by any means.

Now, in his latest post on X (formerly called Twitter), the four-time NCAA champion has taken a dig at Taylor and his new camp. Referring to the rumors about OSU scurrying to make Carter a part of its team, Carter seemed to insinuate that, for him, loyalty means more than any amount of money. “I was offered a big pay day too . I said go wipe your a** with that money. When it comes to money people switch like the weather. Not me.” said the NLWC wrestler.

Further noting that he holds allegiance in high regard, Starocci urged OSU to meet the Penn State wrestlers in the Beaver Stadium to decide once and for all who reigns the NCAA wrestling circuit. “Loyalty is everything. Nothing is built without trust. PSU vs OK State in the football stadium.” boasted Starocci’s tweet.

However, his words don’t seem to sit well with everyone. The newest Oklahoma commit, and the 2024 U20 US Open Champion LaDarion Lockett, also had a few things to say about Carter’s claim of sweeping OSU when they meet. “Be happy you only have one year left,” replied Lockett to Starocci, hinting that the latter was being let off easy. Notably, LaDarion has already made his bed as an opponent that Penn State needs to watch out for.

The youngster won his US Open title by defeating Penn State commit, and U17 World Champion Joe Sealey. “I’ve been working a lot since the last time I wrestled him, moving my feet and my hands…there was a lot of things I had to overcome this tournament, and I don’t think I was at my 100% best. But I still got it done and endured everything“, said Lockett after his win. However, it won’t be just Taylor or the Stillwater High School wrestler who will be looking to make Carter’s final year a miserable one.

Carter Starocci’s foes are lining up

The transfer portal is brimming with explosive talent from around the country. Missouri’s Peyton Moore and Brant Whitaker to Cameron Amine of Michigan, several wrestlers have been looking for new homes. Amidst them, North Colorado’s Andrew Alirez’s transfer might be the biggest piece of news that could make Starocci’s dream of defending his title a troublesome affair. Alirez is highly speculated to move to Iowa for the upcoming season, and if that indeed happens, the Hawkeyes wrestling roster will be shaken up. In that case, Starocci will have to topple some big guns on his way to the top for a record fifth NCAA title.

If that wasn’t all, recently, AJ Ferrari also hinted that his move to Hawkeye Central might be finalized after a long period of dilemma. Last year’s disqualified Soldier Salute winner also took to social media to throw an open challenge to Cael Sanderson’s star wrestler, noting that fans would love to see them clash. Now, as Starocci urges fans to make Penn State the new record holder in terms of attendance in a collegiate wrestling match, it waits to be seen which of these current and former wrestlers make his way to the top a steep climb.