AJ Ferrari reveals real reason for choosing University of North Carolina in latest NCAA Transfer

2025 NCAA Division I Men
2025 NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championship - Source: Getty

AJ Ferrari opened up the reason he chose the University of North Carolina for the upcoming NCAA season. The American athlete revealed that he was impressed by the culture at the University as well as the discipline of the wrestlers and the coaches who strived towards the same goals.

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The 23-year-old entered the transfer portal after the conclusion of the NCAA wrestling Championships and revealed his decision to move from Cal State Bakersfield in search of better opportunities for the rest of his NCAA eligibility. AJ Ferrari pranked his fans during his commitment announcement with Flo Wrestling, where he initially teased going to Penn State followed by the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Moments after announcing his commitment to the University of North Carolina for the upcoming NCAA season, he revealed that his decision stemmed from multiple factors however, the biggest reason was the incredible culture of the team as well as the fact that he did not see any wrestler drinking alcohol or do the wrong thing during his visit to the University.

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"I would like to officially announce my commitment (to the University of North Carolina). But the biggest thing for me was the culture. When I went on my first visit with this college and I saw the culture there, not just the culture of camaraderie and connection but I didn't see a single wrestler drinking alcohol , a single wrestler doing the wrong thing. We went out to a bar for like ten minutes just to see the town, nobody was drinking," he said.
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Furthermore, he revealed that alongside strong performances on the mat, he also wanted to grow in his faith.

All the coaches live a clean godly lifestyle and that was number 1 for me Not only to continue my growth obviously in wrestling but most importantly in my growth towards Christ and being around the right people. This is my official commitment to the University of North Carolina," he added.
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AJ Ferrari's farewell message to Cal State Bakersfield

AJ Ferrari at the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championship - Source: Getty
AJ Ferrari at the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championship - Source: Getty

AJ Ferrari penned a farewell message on X after the conclusion of the NCAA Wrestling Championships, where he announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. He reflected on his journey with the University and thanked the fans for their incredible support.

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Moreover, he revealed that he will be considering all opportunities as he hopes dominate the NCAA circuit in the upcoming season.

"Man what a Journey it’s been at Cal State Bakersfield. I am so thankful for Cal State Bakersfield. I am entering the portal today and am considering all opportunities. I still have 2-3 years of eligibility left. I am starving for success on and off the wrestling mat. 🏎️🏎️💨💨," he wrote.
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Furthermore, AJ Ferrari revealed that despite facing multiple injuries, he was able to push through and faced the tough situation with perseverance.

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Edited by Anisha Chatterjee
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