Snubbed Out of #1, AJ Ferrari Makes Big NCAA Wrestling Promise

Holding it all strong as the No. 3 seed in the 197 lbs category, AJ Ferrari knows his game. He’s already made waves by winning the PAC-12 title earlier, handing a 2-0 defeat to Stephen Little in the final. Now, Ferrari is determined to deliver a power-packed showcase at the NCAA Championships 2025 to cap off an excellent comeback year following the car accident that kept him sidelined from the sport for 2 years.

No looking back now! All heroes and all champions have a winning mindset, and Ferrari is no exception. He may have been unable to achieve the number 1 ranking in his weight class all season because of fewer matches, but now that’s immaterial. He’s clearly looking to replicate the form that won him the Pac-12; but not only is he looking to replicate it, he’s well underway! He has extended his 18-0 undefeated record this season with two strong wins over Ian Bush of West Virginia (8-1) and Andy Smith of Virginia Tech (5-1). Now, he’s just delivered another dominant performance in the quarterfinals, with a 2-0 win over Mac Stout of Pittsburgh!

During the NCAA Championships athlete press conference, Ferrari gave us a little more insight on his mindset entering the tournament and all that he hoped to accomplish at the Wells Fargo Center. “I would say business is business. We’re here to perform, here to show up. Here to you know, for me, just have fun embrace the big spotlight. I love performing; I love wrestling at the highest level. Yeah, show ’em the best and win a national title at 197 and then win two three more.”

Furthermore, Ferrari also expressed his thanks to all his well-wishers and fans while emphasizing his goal of leaving his mark on the wrestling world. “So yeah, I just wanna cement my legacy, have some fun and just give God all the glory, and I’m super grateful for all the support I have all, all throughout the world, a lot of prayers, big support system – is why I’m here.”

We are loving Ferrari’s ambition and zeal for the big stage here. Here’s someone who knows that rankings don’t define him; his fight does! AJ Ferrari has always showcased his love, passion, and dedication to wrestling over the years. Despite the controversies that have followed him like a shadow, Ferrari has stayed strong and straight up with his consistent hard work. And now, his ultimate goal to win another national title (as part of a few more to come) may soon become a reality. But that’s not all that Ferrari revealed during the presser.

AJ Ferrari is keeping his business straight-up meaty

He also shared his thoughts on the divisive NIL deals. AJ Ferrari stated that NIL deals serve as a boost for sports. He believed that such deals have attracted more attention from audiences all over the globe towards wrestling, which naturally will only benefit the sport. In fact, Ferrari currently ranks as one of the top wrestlers with NIL deals, which have been playing an instrumental role in shaping collegiate wrestlers.

“I think NIL is great for the sport,” Ferrari said. “I am really, really excited for the future of wrestling.” Earlier this year, AJ Ferrari signed up with Nutrazone, a popular health supplement brand. He took to his social media handle to promote the brand’s authenticity, calling it the best.

Later, he signed another NIL deal with Toyota that got him a grand four-wheeler valued at USD $53,537. He’s also just signed up with Hydragun supertubs. However, it’s worth noting that every brand chosen by Ferrari has been selected with care and intention.

Programs that come with NIL deals give the athletes a big financial gain. With more opportunities, they become more prominent through the exposure offered by brands, coupled with financial stability too. However, a darker side that keeps the community a bit skeptical is that these big financial deals might compromise the nature of the sport.

owever, it is fair to say that AJ Ferrari is keeping his business intact with NIL deals. With a series of big deals, Ferrari is enjoying success on and off the mat. But at the moment, all eyes are on the mat, and they are eager to watch him win it all. But before that, a semifinal clash against Stephen Buchanan of Iowa awaits.

The post Snubbed Out of #1, AJ Ferrari Makes Big NCAA Wrestling Promise appeared first on EssentiallySports.