Nebraska Wrestling Coach Addresses AJ Ferrari's Departure

Husker heavyweight AJ Ferrari will enter the transfer portal after one season in Lincoln.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in muted earth tones depicting an abstract wrestling match or competition, with sharp planes and angles overlapping to create a sense of motion and energy.The complex departure of star wrestler AJ Ferrari from Nebraska's program is depicted through a Cubist lens, reflecting the multifaceted nature of his tenure and the program's transition.Lincoln Today

After a one-year stint with the Nebraska wrestling team, heavyweight AJ Ferrari will be leaving the program and entering the transfer portal. Head coach Mark Manning cited a few reasons for the departure, including the emergence of other talented heavyweights on the roster and a desire to 'move on' from Ferrari's time in Lincoln.

Why it matters

Ferrari was brought in with high expectations to lead the Huskers to the top of the Big Ten, but his tenure was marked by both on-field success and off-field controversies. His departure leaves a hole in Nebraska's heavyweight lineup that will now likely be filled by rising star Cade Ziola.

The details

Ferrari finished his lone season at Nebraska with a 13-2 dual record and an 18-5 overall mark, earning All-American honors with a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. However, his performance may not have met the lofty expectations set when he first arrived in Lincoln. Coach Manning cited the emergence of Ziola, a highly touted local recruit, as well as the return of Harley Andrews as factors in the decision to part ways with Ferrari.

  • In April 2026, AJ Ferrari announced he would be entering the transfer portal and leaving the Nebraska wrestling program.
  • Ferrari finished the 2026 season with a 13-2 dual record and an 18-5 overall mark, earning All-American honors with a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships.

The players

AJ Ferrari

A former two-time conference champion and national champion at 197 pounds who spent one season as the heavyweight for the Nebraska Cornhuskers wrestling team.

Mark Manning

The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers wrestling team, who addressed Ferrari's departure and the program's plans moving forward.

Cade Ziola

A rising star heavyweight recruit from Omaha who will likely take over the starting role at heavyweight for Nebraska after redshirting as a freshman.

Harley Andrews

A returning heavyweight wrestler for Nebraska who will compete for the starting spot vacated by Ferrari's departure.

Camden McDanel

A two-time All-American at 197 pounds for Nebraska who will continue to hold down that weight class, preventing Ferrari from potentially returning to his former weight.

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What they’re saying

“We loved our time with him, but we just felt that it was time to move on and go a different direction. We wish AJ the best. We enjoyed our time with him.”

— Mark Manning, Nebraska Wrestling Head Coach

“Grateful for my time at Nebraska and everyone who's supported me. Giving all glory to Yahuah for guiding my journey.Entering the transfer portal. Focused, hungry, and ready for what's next.”

— AJ Ferrari

What’s next

Ferrari has applied for a waiver from the NCAA for an additional season of eligibility. If granted, he will look to continue his college wrestling career at another program. If not, he may pursue professional opportunities, including a potential transition to mixed martial arts.

The takeaway

The departure of AJ Ferrari from the Nebraska wrestling program highlights the complex dynamics of managing high-profile student-athletes, balancing talent and character concerns, and navigating roster transitions. Coach Manning's comments suggest the Huskers felt it was time to move in a new direction, paving the way for younger talents like Cade Ziola to emerge.