AJ Ferrari Close to Winning Hodge Trophy Amidst Undefeated Return

The debate over AJ Ferrari’s Hodge Trophy candidacy just got heated after his dominant performance in the conference semifinals. With an undefeated record and a technical fall victory, there is a section that believes he has a strong case for the award. However, others aren’t as convinced.

One fan made their stance clear, saying, “Ferrari has to be on Hodge watch after that one! Undefeated returning National Champion with a technical fall in the semifinals of his conference tournament, all the while keeping his composure while his opponent was using illegal tactics!”

He doesn’t have a top 10 win this season & Cole Jackson has a losing record on the year. I’m not sure that match said/did absolutely anything for his Hodge resume just because it was a “Conference Semi.” https://t.co/fAtkC5OpI5

— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) March 6, 2025

At present, AJ Ferrari is boasting of a 16-0 record in his NCAA comeback as he sits comfortably in the fourth spot nationally for 197 pounds. That’s quite a feat for a wrestler of Ferrari’s standard, as he found himself wrapped in controversies like his disqualification at the Soldier Salute Tournament and his departure from Oklahoma State University.

But as we mentioned before, not everyone is convinced. One fan questioned Ferrari’s credentials. “He doesn’t have a top 10 win this season, & Cole Jackson has a losing record on the year. I’m not sure that match said/did absolutely anything for his Hodge resume just because it was a ‘Conference Semi,’” he said. AJ Ferrari had a 1-0 win by a technical fall over Cole Johnson (Cal Poly) in the Conference semifinal (TF-1.5 5:53).

The back-and-forth highlights a critical question—does Ferrari actually have a legitimate shot at the Hodge Trophy, or is his undefeated run deceiving?

To win the Hodge Trophy, it’s not just about staying undefeated—it’s about absolute dominance. Right now, Ferrari’s biggest roadblock isn’t his record; it’s his lack of top-tier wins. If he dominates his way through the bracket and picks up wins over elite competition, his name could shoot to the top of the list. Ferrari has the tools—his undefeated streak, his past national title, and his elite athleticism. Additonally, the Hodge Trophy committee weighs bonus-point victories, competition level, and overall dominance when making their decision.

Meanwhile, Penn State has four frontrunners in the race:

Beau Bartlett (141 lbs) – 17-0, recently took down Jesse Mendez

Mitch Mesenbrink (165 lbs) – 18-0, leads the NCAA in technical falls (14)

Carter Starocci (184 lbs) – 17-0, with 15 bonus-point wins, chasing a historic fifth NCAA title

Greg Kerkvliet (Heavyweight) – Undefeated but faces a tougher road against Olympic champ Gable Steveson

Outside of Penn State, Wyatt Hendrickson (Oklahoma State) leads the NCAA’s “Most Dominant Wrestler” standings, and Gable Steveson (Minnesota) could make history by winning his third Hodge Trophy. Even Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan (197 lbs), who remains undefeated, has entered the conversation.

The biggest question remains—can Ferrari prove the doubters wrong and take home the most prestigious award in college wrestling?

Ferrari’s ultimate test: NCAA championships

AJ Ferrari has achieved everything he has worked towards so far. He has had a perfect season, a Pac-12 championship, and a solid sweep through his conference tournament. But with NCAA Championships ahead, his real test has just begun.

Ferrari recently his Pac-12 title at 197 pounds with a gritty 2-0 decision over No. 6-ranked Arkansas-Little Rock’s Stephen Little. It was a low-scoring match, but Ferrari’s shutdown and dominance against his opponent’s attack once again proved why he’s a top contender. His bonus-point rate is a robust 85%, but the one glaring weakness in his resume remains a lack of top-10 wins.

Ferrari’s defining moment will be these NCAA Championships from March 20-22 in Philadelphia. It’s not about being undefeated anymore—it’s about delivering under the biggest spotlight against the best. And it is not like he has not done in the past. Just look at 2021, when he won his NCAA title against Nino Bonaccorsi with a 4-2 decision. This feat also made him the third true freshman in OSU to win a national championship.

Will Ferrari rise to the challenge and cement his Hodge Trophy bid, or will his lack of top-level wins be his downfall? One thing’s certain—his best performance ever will be required to capture college wrestling’s top award.