Pictured: Class of 2023 recruit Christian Carroll (New Prairie, Indiana). Image courtesy of Josh Conklin / @RealJoshConklin.
The nation’s best 220-pounder has reconsidered his options. Christian Carroll, a junior out of New Prairie, Indiana, is now committed to the admissions process at the University of Pennsylvania. This summer, Carroll had given a verbal pledge to Illinois first-year head coach Mike Poeta in the Big Ten in June.
https://twitter.com/theopenmat/status/1455335397798653953
Carroll announced his new college commitment intentions via Instagram late Monday night as Wisconsin fought Buffalo at Wisconsin Field House.
“After further exploring my options and prioritizing my interests, I’m happy to announce that I will be furthering my education at the University of Pennsylvania and committing to their admissions process! I look forward to being guided by the great leaders at Penn Wrestling and the PRTC #TheMovement #FightOnPenn 🔴🔵.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVwOizkMC6s/
Since his initial commitment to Illinois in June, the big man out of the Hoosier State has added Fargo freestyle crown and a Super 32 title (his second in a row) to his growing wrestling resume. Also, he was also part of an absolutely electric “Big Man Super Match” with Class of 2022 standout Nick Feldman (Malvern Prep). Carroll fell 3-2 at the buzzer in a somewhat controversial finish to the future Ohio State Buckeye from Pennsylvania.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzhguzdb-Ds
Despite the rare loss, Carroll used the last few months to cement his status as one of the best Division I-bound recruits in the Class of 2023, regardless of weight.
Ironically, despite winning some of the most challenging events in the sport in utterly dominant fashion, Carroll is still pursuing his first high school state title in his native Indiana. As a freshman, injury kept Carroll off the mat. As a sophomore, Carroll was ruled ineligible due to transfer rules.
Future state title and freestyle wrestling aspirations aside, Carroll projects as a heavyweight at the next level. He has a rare combination of speed, size, and immense strength that have all Division I coaches salivating.
Wherever Carroll lands as a college wrestler, he is a program-changing caliber competitor who likely makes an immediate impact on his program.
But first, it will be exciting to watch the remainder of Carroll’s high school career unfold. Either way, Penn head coach Roger Reina and the rest of the UPenn Quaker wrestling staff must be ecstatic.
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