AJ Ferrari Chooses North Carolina as Next Wrestling Destination

Chapel Hill, N.C. — AJ Ferrari, the former NCAA wrestling champion, has announced his decision to transfer to the University of North Carolina, where he will compete for the Tar Heels next season. Ferrari, an accomplished wrestler who overcame a lengthy hiatus due to injury and personal challenges, made the announcement during an appearance on FloWrestling Radio Live on Monday.

Ferrari’s decision comes following his impressive performance at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, where he placed third in the 197-pound weight class after a dominant season at California State University, Bakersfield, finishing with a record of 21-1. This will be Ferrari’s second transfer; he was previously associated with Oklahoma State before entering the portal.

“I’m excited to be a Tar Heel,” Ferrari said in his announcement. “I have always wanted to compete with the best and the support from the wrestling community at UNC is incredible. I’m focused on my growth and aiming to win more titles.”

UNC has been actively working to enhance its wrestling program, which has struggled in recent NCAA tournaments. The Tar Heels only managed a fifth-place finish this year at nationals, with their standout performer being Lachlan McNeil, who competed at 149 pounds. Ferrari’s arrival is expected to add significant depth and experience to the team.

Throughout his career, Ferrari has been a dynamic presence on the mat. He initially rose to fame when he won the NCAA title at 197 pounds as a freshman with Oklahoma State in 2021. After a challenging period away from the sport due to injuries and legal issues, Ferrari made a strong comeback last season. He missed nearly two years, including a sophomore season that was cut short due to a car accident in 2022 and subsequent legal troubles.

Ferrari’s return to competitive wrestling has been notable, and he has a strong desire to further excel in his career. He previously indicated he has 2-3 years of eligibility remaining, depending on the status of past injuries vindicated by NCAA regulations.

The Tar Heels’ new associate wrestling head coach, Tony Ramos, expressed excitement about the potential impact of Ferrari’s arrival, tweeting, “It’s always a great day to be a Tar Heel! If I were you I would have bought stock in North Carolina wrestling yesterday!”

This sentiment reflects a growing anticipation among fans and analysts who view Ferrari as a crucial addition to a program aiming to reclaim its status in college wrestling. Ferrari’s explosive style and competitive nature are seen as ideal fits for the Tar Heels’ aspirations to ascend the rankings in the NCAA.

Before his transfer announcement, Ferrari generated buzz among fans and analysts alike, considering multiple programs with storied wrestling traditions. Speculations included a return to Oklahoma State, but ultimately, he chose North Carolina.

With the next NCAA season approaching, both the wrestling community and UNC fans are eager to see how Ferrari will contribute to the Tar Heels’ quest for success. “Fantastic news! This brings some serious hype and eyeballs to the program,” commented one fan, while another added, “Good for us. We need some attention too.”