Angelo Ferrari’s recruiting saga is nearing its conclusion. The top recruit in the class of 2024 released his final five schools three months ago, and now that list has narrowed to three. Iowa, Rutgers, and Virginia Tech remain in the running while Iowa State and Wisconsin have been crossed off the list.

Ferrari looks to balance school fit, college weight class decisions, and family ties to pick his future wrestling home. Regardless of which school he picks, he plans to be ready to compete as a true freshman during the 2024-2025 season. If he goes to Rutgers or Virginia Tech, he’ll likely wrestle at 174 lbs, but at Iowa, he would probably be a 184-pounder. Here’s a brief explanation of why Virginia Tech, Rutgers, and Iowa landed in Ferrari’s top three.

Why Virginia Tech is in the Top 3

Four weeks ago, Ferrari’s college tour went through Blacksburg. In addition to being impressed with Virginia Tech’s campus and facilities, Ferrari saw the Hokie wrestling room as a place he could improve. In a single day around Caleb Henson and other members of the team, he learned approaches to improve his underhook position and other elements of his wrestling.

Ferrari is also encouraged that Henson and other key members of the team will still be in the lineup when he gets to college. “The team is young, and they’re going to be around for a while.” 2023 heavyweight commit Jim Mullen was also on campus during Ferrari's visit, and Angelo like the idea of being in the lineup with him for several years. Perhaps the highlight of that official visit came on Angelo’s second day on campus when a donor dropped off an actual Ferrari for a photo shoot. 

Virginia Tech's current top-100 recruits in the class of 2024: #35 Dillon Campbell (131-141), #39 Parker Ferrell (285), #57 Gage Wright (174-184)

Why Rutgers is in the Top 3

Ferrari likes the physical setup at Rutgers. “Everything is close, everything you need is within walking distance, and all the facilities are new.” He also got along well with the team and felt like he would fit in. The Ferrari family lived in New Jersey for part of Angelo’s childhood, so the area and culture are familiar and appealing.

Rutgers could also help set Angelo up for a long-term future in MMA, something Angelo plans to pursue. During his visit to New Jersey, Angelo attended his first UFC event and also had a long conversation with former UFC champ and 4x NCAA wrestling qualifier Frankie Edgar about MMA training opportunities near campus. A head-start toward the UFC or another mixed martial arts promotion could be a differentiating factor for Rutgers.

Rutgers' current top-100 recruits in the class of 2024: #22 Conner Harer (149-157), #55 Alessandro Nini (141)

Why Iowa is in the Top 3

Iowa was the last stop on Ferrari's college tour, and he was impressed with the Hawkeye experience. “It’s like going to see Alabama football. [They have] such a dynasty over there.” Angelo has watched Carver duals online and seen footage of the facilities for years, but being there in person made an impact. The wrestling culture in Iowa also impressed him. Ferrari's high school wrestling accomplishments made him a recognizable wrestling face to the students he ran into. “Walking around campus, everybody knows you. It’s amazing. Wrestling is part of the culture in Iowa."

Tom Brands is a key figure in Hawkeye lore, and Ferrari appreciated meeting Iowa’s Head Coach in person. Angelo has looked up to Brands since seeing his intense approach to wrestling in the intro of ESPN’s “The Season” series with the Iowa Wrestling program. Ferrari was further impressed with the Head Coach in person, but the intensity surrounding the Hawkeye program wasn't the only differentiator. He was struck by Iowa's medical staff and emphasis on recovery after training as well.  

Iowa was also the only campus Angelo visited with his brother Anthony who committed to the Hawks in March. While Angelo emphasized that his college commitment decision is an individual one, not a family decision, he does like the idea of competing alongside his older brother Anthony, and if NCAA champ AJ Ferrari gets back to college wrestling, Angelo would love having him as a teammate as well.

Iowa's current top-100 commits in the class of 2024: #24 Miguel Estrada (149-157)