Two of college wrestling’s elite talents — Carter Starocci and Gable Steveson — weighed in on United States President Donald Trump appearing at multiple days of the 2025 NCAA Championships.
Similar to women’s college basketball, collegiate wrestling in the US has seen a notable uptick in interest over the last few years. That has certainly been helped by many wrestling greats transitioning into MMA and becoming stars in the UFC. However, the talent is also as strong as ever.
Big brands and dominant stars also help bring in greater interest. And Penn State wrestling having a commanding position over the sport for the last decade has certainly increased eyeballs on college wrestling. Likewise when it comes to Minnesota Golden Gophers legend Gable Steveson who has put together a career worthy of inclusion in the discussion as the greatest amateur wrestler of all time.
It seems that the sport’s heightened profile has also brought back a long-time fan: President Donald Trump. The 47th president has appeared at the NCAA championship in the past and is taking in the 2025 edition of the event. He was in attendance on Thursday and is expected to be in Philadelphia for the Finals this weekend.
However, the current president is a divisive figure in politics and socially. His attendance may not be welcome for all in attendance. But it seems that wrestling superstar Carter Starocci of Penn State, and Minnesota’s Gable Steveson are in favor of Trump’s presence.
Penn State superstar Carter Starocci happy to see Donald Trump at 2025 NCAA Championship
“I’m looking forward to it,” Starocci told media this week [York Daily Record]. “He came to the nationals my sophomore year and it was really cool. He’s obviously a big fan of combat sports, he’s at all the UFC events. It’s good for our sport.”
Steveson believes that any US President, be it Donald Trump or his predecessor Joe Biden, is a good thing for college wrestling.
“It’s a great thing. Regardless of who the president is, I think it’s a great factor to even come and support wrestling,” Steveson said. “We’re going to put on a good show for him. Him showing up Saturday night, he’s coming to watch some of the best wrestling on earth, and we’re going to give that to him.”
Both Starocci and Steveson are expected to be competing for national championships in their respective divisions on Saturday night.
More Penn State wrestling news:
- Penn State wrestling schedule – Get details on upcoming PSU wrestling duals
- Penn State Wrestling Star Carter Starocci Takes Subtle Shot At Iowa After Landing Super-Prospect Bo Bassett
- Penn State Wrestling Star Carter Starocci Suggests $1.3 Million He’s Rumored To Earn In NIL Money Well Below Reality