Carter Starocci Named 2025 Big Ten Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year
Former Penn State wrestler Carter Starocci was named the 2025 Big Ten Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year, the organization announced Thursday.
Starocci is the fourth Penn State male athlete to win the honor, and the third wrestler after David Taylor and Bo Nickal.
The Pennsylvania native capped off a historic collegiate career before graduating in May, becoming the only five-time NCAA National Champion. He was named an All-American as the Nittany Lions won their 13th NCAA title and fourth straight. Starocci ended this season with a 26-0 record, six pins, 10 technical falls, and five majors.
The wrestler ended his Penn State career with a 104-4 record with 20 falls, 25 techs, and 21 majors, with 86 of his wins being for bonus. Starocci was a Hodge Trophy finalist, the 2025 NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Wrestler, 2025 Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, a 2025 Big Ten Champion, and first team All-Big Ten honoree this year.
He leaves Happy Valley as a five-time NCAA Champion, three-time Big Ten Champion, and the 2021 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, among many accolades.
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