Nate Jackson vs. Carter Starocci: Power, Pressure, and Pure American Heat at RAF02

On October 25, Real American Freestyle delivers a certified superfight between two of the most credentialed Americans in the sport—one a battle-hardened World Team staple, the other the most dominant collegiate wrestler of his generation.

When the whistle blows, it’s going to get very real, very fast.

Nate Jackson: From Underdog to Standard Bearer

You don’t go from under-recruited to Team USA mainstay without something different in your DNA.

After emerging from Indiana University as a two-time All-American, Jackson fought his way up the ladder—and hasn’t stepped down since. Since 2019, he’s medaled at every major international tournament he’s entered, including three UWW ranking series podiums and gold at the 2024 Pan Am Championships.

Jackson wrestles with power, fluidity and purpose. He’s explosive in short offense, lethal with underhooks, and always hunting for something big. And when he finds it? You feel it.

He’s a guy nobody enjoys lining up against—and now he’s facing a Penn State phenom ready to test that status.

Carter Starocci: Too Perfect to Ignore

Five NCAA titles. 119–2 career record. Undefeated in his final four years. The only athlete in NCAA history to win an individual championship in all five years of eligibility. Four team titles. Nine seasons (high school + college), eight finals, seven titles.

Starocci is built different. Positionally airtight. Emotionally unreadable. And relentlessly committed to the kind of pressure that turns matches into slow, strategic breakdowns. He doesn’t scramble. He stalks. And if he gets to two-on-one or double unders, you’re going to the edge—whether you want to or not.

Now entering the pro and international circuit, Carter is stepping into the deep end against a seasoned killer.

What This Match Really Is

It’s momentum vs. legacy. Power vs. control. A highlight machine between two of the most unshakeable men in the sport.

Jackson’s best shot comes early. If he can crack open a tie, get to a body lock or an outside step, the scoreboard could jump fast. He’ll want volume, motion, and one big moment.

Carter will try to slow it all down. Cut the mat in half. Win every reset. Squeeze the space until Jackson can’t breathe. If he does that? He’ll prove the transition to the big leagues is already complete.

Watch it all go down live on October 25. Stream RAF02 exclusively on FOX Nation.