Nebraska wrestling adds 2021 NCAA champion AJ Ferrari
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Two-time All-American wrestler and 2021 NCAA champion AJ Ferrari has transferred to Nebraska, head coach Mark Manning announced Saturday.
The two-time conference champion has tallied a 51-2 career record, and has finished top three in both of his NCAA tournament appearances.
Ferrari, a redshirt junior, spent his previous collegiate seasons at Oklahoma State (2021-22) and Cal State Bakersfield (2024-25).
Most recently, Ferrari finished his campaign as a Roadrunner with a 22-1 record, claiming third place in the NCAA Tournament.
The Allen, Texas, native started his career at Oklahoma State, winning the 197 national title and outscoring his opponents 195-55.
His second year was cut short due to injury, finishing the year with a 10-0 record.
Ferrari also took an Olympic redshirt in 2023-24.
“We’re excited about AJ joining our family here at Nebraska,” Manning said. “This decision was a collaborative effort from my team, staff and our administration. AJ’s wrestling accomplishments speak to the dedication, work ethic and competitive spirit that aligns with our program. We believe AJ adds tremendous value to our team’s fight and passion for our sport.”
Prior to college, Ferrari was a 2020 graduate from Allen High School.
He collected a 96-1 record in his prep career, ranked the No. 1 overall wrestler in his class and a two-time Texas state champion.
Ferrari was the 2017 champion at both the Fargo Freestyle and Walsh Jesuit Ironman tournaments.
He earned a bronze medal representing the United States at the 2018 Cadet Freestyle World Championships and won the 2018 Junior Folkstyle National Championship.
