2021 NCAA champion AJ Ferrari closes his run for the Iowa Wrestling team and begins visits for new recruitment

Former Oklahoma State Cowboys wrestler AJ Ferrari has ended the speculation around his Iowa State entry and declared that he has re-opened recruiting sessions. He was going to join the Hawkeyes last winter but was struck by a disqualification during his Soldier State final against Zach Glazier.

The 22-year-old has made waves on the international and collegiate stages alike. He competes in the 197 pounds category at the collegiate level and 97 kg at the international level. WWE had signed him under the NIL (Next In Line) program but he signed with Oklahoma State University as the country's top recruit in 2019.

Ferrari's most successful year was 2021 when he swept the NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships to win in the 197 pounds category. Soon after, he nabbed the Big 12 Conference title as well, representing the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Ferrari has been vying to sign with the Iowa Hawkeyes since last winter. But in a highly contentious bout against Iowa NCAA qualifier Zach Glazier at the Soldier Salute finals, he was disqualified despite his best efforts. Now, he has re-opened recruitment and is yet to sign with a college.

Taking to his Instagram account, he thanked his previous college team and conveyed appreciation for the Iowa Hawkeyes for helping him grow. Ferrari further wrote in the caption to a photo he posted,

"I am leaving Iowa, and start official visits today. I am excited for the next step for me. God is Great. Jesus is King. And my future is bright."

He also confirmed that he still has three years of eligibility left after his Olympic redshirt season.

"Coming off this Olympic redshirt I still have 3 years of eligibility left. I am young and starving for success on and off the wrestling mat."

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Hawkeyes head coach confirms ruling out AJ Ferrari for second semester

AJ Ferrari had visited several colleges after winning the 2021 NCAA Champions title and was on the verge of joining any while focusing on his path to Iowa. However, after his intense fight with NCAA qualifier Zach Glazier, AJ Ferrari's run to be a Hawkeye was threatened and is confirmed as a no for the wrestler now.

In a tweet, the Iowa Hawkeyes' head coach, Tom Brands was asked whether any wrestlers are joining for the second semester. In response, he said,

"We do not. At this moment," stressing on the latter statement.

AJ Ferrari's brothers, Angelo and Anthony, are already signed with the Hawkeyes.