Breaking: Penn State Wrestling Results At Final X 2025
The spotlight was firmly on some of Penn State Wrestling’s finest as the 2025 edition of Final X concluded, and the Nittany Lions did not disappoint. Competing against the best freestyle wrestlers in the country with World Team spots on the line, several Penn State-affiliated athletes delivered strong performances — showcasing not only the program’s elite pedigree but also its lasting impact on the international wrestling stage.
Held in Lincoln, Nebraska, Final X 2025 featured thrilling matchups across multiple weight classes, and Penn State’s influence was unmistakable. Former NCAA champions and current RTC (Regional Training Center) wrestlers under Cael Sanderson’s guidance stepped onto the mat ready to prove their worth, with several earning spots on Team USA for the upcoming World Championships.
**Carter Starocci**, the four-time NCAA champion and fan favorite, competed at 79kg and continued to show why he’s considered one of the nation’s best. In a gritty, two-match sweep, Starocci outlasted seasoned competitor Jason Nolf — another former Penn State great — in a bout that was as intense as it was technical. Starocci’s ability to adapt and stay composed under pressure sealed his place on the World Team for the second consecutive year.
At 86kg, **Aaron Brooks** reminded the wrestling world why he’s a dominant force. Facing a tough challenge from fellow U.S. contender Zahid Valencia, Brooks won the series in three matches. His explosive offense and counterattacks were on full display, earning him the Final X win and his first official senior-level World Team berth. Brooks’ trajectory from college champion to international contender continues to rise rapidly.
Meanwhile, **Nick Lee**, another Nittany Lion legend, wrestled at 65kg and put on one of the evening’s most technical showcases. Despite falling in a razor-close three-match series to Joey McKenna, Lee earned praise for his tenacity and tactical improvements since his last international outing. While he won’t be part of Team USA this time, Lee remains a vital part of the Penn State RTC and a future contender.
Also in action was **Greg Kerkvliet**, who wrestled at 125kg in a highly anticipated matchup against Olympic bronze medalist Nick Gwiazdowski. Though Kerkvliet showed flashes of brilliance — especially in neutral scrambles — he ultimately fell short in two straight matches. Still, his growth at the senior level remains promising.
Across the board, Penn State’s athletes demonstrated poise, precision, and the kind of competitive fire that has come to define the program. Coach Cael Sanderson, who was in attendance coaching multiple wrestlers, expressed pride in their efforts. “These guys have been working relentlessly,” he said. “Final X is a proving ground, and they stepped up. We’re proud of every one of them.”
With multiple athletes now set to represent Team USA at the 2025 World Championships, the legacy of Penn State Wrestling only grows stronger. From collegiate dominance to international impact, Final X was a showcase of just how deep and durable the Nittany Lions’ wrestling pipeline continues to be.
