Former Wrestling Star AJ Ferrari Arrested in High-Speed Chase
AJ Ferrari, the former Nebraska heavyweight wrestler and 2021 NCAA champion, is facing serious felony charges after leading police on a high-speed chase reaching over 120 mph on Interstate 80. The June 27 arrest marks Ferrari's second run-in with the law this year for allegedly fleeing from police, putting his final season of college eligibility in jeopardy.
What happened during the Nebraska police chase?
Early Saturday morning, Ferrari reportedly pushed his Corvette past 120 mph in a 55 mph zone on Highway 83 near North Platte, Nebraska. According to NE Wrestle, the 24-year-old tried to outrun police before crashing his vehicle into a ditch and attempting to flee on foot. Officers quickly caught up with him and took him into custody.
Booking records show Ferrari faces three charges: flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, and obstructing police. He was released after posting a $2,000 bond.
Is this AJ Ferrari's first arrest for fleeing police?
No, this is his second arrest in 2026 for allegedly trying to flee from law enforcement. In January, Nebraska officers stopped Ferrari for speeding and discovered an outstanding warrant from Texas. That warrant stemmed from an October 2025 incident where he was accused of evading arrest or detention using a vehicle. He was detained at the time, but the extradition case was dropped and he was released.
Under Nebraska law, fleeing police in a vehicle combined with reckless driving can be prosecuted as a Class IV felony. A conviction carries a mandatory two-year driver's license revocation. The case remains in its early stages, and it is too early to determine if Ferrari will face prison time.
How does this affect his wrestling transfer plans?
The timing of this arrest could not be worse for Ferrari's athletic career. Just weeks ago, the three-time All-American announced he was preparing to reveal his next transfer destination. Ferrari planned to drop to 197 pounds for the 2026-27 season, which is expected to be his final year of NCAA eligibility if he receives a waiver.
Ferrari previously expressed a strong desire to compete alongside his brothers. A planned move to Iowa to join his younger brother Angelo never materialized. More recently, Ferrari said he hoped to wrestle with his middle brother, Anthony, who committed to Morgan State.
There were a lot of schools that reached out, but I'll be committing in the next couple weeks. Me and my brother, we're trying to go to the same school. It's very hard, but I really do want to go wrestle with my brothers, so we'll see what happens. Too early to say, but definitely in the next couple weeks we'll definitely commit.
What is AJ Ferrari's wrestling history?
Ferrari won the NCAA title as a true freshman at Oklahoma State in 2021. He posted a 10-0 record the following season before a serious car accident sidelined him. He was later removed from the Oklahoma State program due to claims of team misconduct.
He then transferred to Cal State Bakersfield, where he finished third at 197 pounds in the 2025 NCAA Championships. After a brief commitment to North Carolina, Ferrari joined the University of Nebraska, moving up to heavyweight and earning All-American honors.
Will AJ Ferrari wrestle again or switch to MMA?
Any college program interested in Ferrari must now weigh his proven success on the mat against his mounting legal troubles. Over 20 programs reportedly contacted him while he explored the transfer portal, but this fresh felony flight accusation may halt his recruitment.
With his college wrestling future uncertain, a shift to mixed martial arts remains a viable option. Ferrari has been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and striking at American Top Team alongside MMA veterans Jorge Masvidal and Rodolfo Vieira, keeping the door open for a potential UFC career.
What charges does AJ Ferrari face in Nebraska?
Ferrari faces flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, and obstructing police following the June 27 incident in North Platte.
Did AJ Ferrari ever wrestle for an Iowa program?
No. Ferrari planned to join his brother Angelo in Iowa, but that move never materialized. He ultimately competed for Oklahoma State, Cal State Bakersfield, and Nebraska.