Update, 1:20 p.m.:

The original version of this story said Starocci was offered a head coaching job at Oklahoma State should he decide not to return to Penn State for his fifth year of eligibility.

It is possible that Starocci was referring to money offered by an Oklahoma State NIL collective to convince him to transfer from Penn State. The headline of this story has been updated to reflect that.

Original Story

Penn State wrestling star Carter Starocci seemed to say he was offered the Oklahoma State head wrestling coaching job in a tweet published Tuesday. The tweet also appeared to attack former Penn State wrestler David Taylor, who was named the Cowboys head coach on Monday night.

I was offered a big pay day too . I said go wipe your ass with that money. When it comes to money people switch like the weather. Not me. Loyalty is everything. Nothing is built without trust. PSU vs OK State in the football stadium.

The national champs 10 matches to 0.

— Carter Starocci (@carterstarocci) May 7, 2024

“I was offered a big pay day too,” Starocci wrote. “I said go wipe your ass with that money. When it comes to money people switch like the weather. Not me. Loyalty is everything. Nothing is built without trust.”

Starocci, a four-time national champion, announced on Wednesday that he would return to Penn State for a fifth year. Starocci’s decision was a drawn-out process, as he initially leaned away from returning to the program in the weeks after the close of the Nittany Lions’ season.

Starocci also challenged Oklahoma State to a dual match in Beaver Stadium, saying the Nittany Lions would sweep Taylor’s Cowboys. This wasn’t the first time Starocci hinted at a Penn State wrestling dual in Beaver Stadium. After he announced his comeback to Penn State, Starocci tweeted, “Now let’s sell out the beaver stadium in November.”

About the Author