Drama, Denial, and Dominance: The AJ Ferrari Saga Hits UNC—Coach Blames Belichick’s Girlfriend, Others Call Foul
In a whirlwind collision of athletics, scandal, and wild speculation, University of North Carolina’s decision to deny admission to former Oklahoma State wrestling star AJ Ferrari has become a national lightning rod. Ferrari, who publicly committed to UNC in early April, saw that promise evaporate come late May—sparking controversy, conspiracy, and questions that refuse to settle.
️ “It Was Jordon Hudson!” – A Bold Claim
During a recent episode of the Hurrdat Sports podcast, Nebraska head coach Mark Manning made waves when he attributed Ferrari’s denied application, in part, to Bill Belichick’s 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson—yes, that Jordon Hudson.
“They didn’t let him in […] and Bill Belichick’s girlfriend had something to do with that,” claimed Manning.
“Some people think you’re joking,” responded co-host Damon Benning.
“No… it’s very serious,” replied Manning, citing the timing amid unrelated allegations against UNC athletes as having “a lot of drama… for that chancellor.”
Manning’s comments suggest a broader intrigue: Was the admission denial about wrestling pedigree or political optics?
UNC Pushback: Reputation Reigns Supreme
UNC’s senior associate athletic director—Robbi Pickeral Evans—responded with a tight-lipped statement: “We do not comment on admissions decisions.” That newsroom resists whispers and speculation.
Fearful of a public spectacle, insiders say Ferrari’s legal baggage and questionable history—not romance rumors—drove the decision. Let’s be clear: crash charges, assault allegations, disqualifications—Ferrari’s resume read more like a cautionary tale than a recruiting trophy.
Piecing Together the Puzzle: Legal Troubles and Past Behavior
Ferrari burst onto the scene as wrestling royalty—a two-time All-American and 2021 NCAA champion for Oklahoma State. But glitz soon became grime.
- 2022: Overturned car crash in a no-passing zone—injuries followed.
- July 2022: Emergency protective order cited sexual assault allegations, leading immediately to his dismissal from OSU.
- August 2022: Arrested for felony sexual battery, bond set at $25,000.
- October 2023: Alleged victim dropped the case citing persistent harassment.
Ferrari tried to rebuild. He transferred to Cal State Bakersfield, blazing through a 21–1 record and a third-place NCAA finish in 2025. But even that season ended with a disqualification for misconduct, reinforcing a pattern of rage, taunting, and verbal volatility.
For UNC, it was a gamble. Allow Ferrari in and risk more headlines? Or refuse him and brace for backlash?
They chose caution—with consequences.
Jordon Hudson’s Silent Spotlight
Enter the puzzle piece that refuses to fit. Jordon Hudson, dating NFL legend coaching at UNC, became the omnipresent whisper in Manning’s explanation. He seamlessly tied her presence—and peripheral influence—to the emotional climate that led UNC’s Chancellor to blink.
And that’s what’s fueling this: is Ferrari a reckless risk? Or was this simply an admission decision steeped in university politics and optics?
Community Voices: Soltys, Defenses, and Accountability
The tangled narrative doesn’t stop there. Madison Soltys, a former partner of a UNC wrestling alum, added her voice—publicly applauding the decision and accusing Ferrari of wrongdoing—demonstrating how deep this web is. She emphasized her stand:
“If I’m the sole reason AJ Ferrari isn’t on UNC’s campus—fine. But it took more than me… I just spoke out.”
UNC, Soltys, Manning—they all dance around one inquiry: What is the real cost of Ferrari’s talent vs. his baggage?
The Final Word
UNC dodged headline danger—publicly. But reality piles higher:
- Ferrari’s commitment dissolved.
- Nebraska swooped in, with head coach Rob Koll stepping away from his pursuit after UNC shut its door.
- Ferrari moved on. Though Nebraska offered, he later characterized the switch respectfully: “We parted ways with mutual respect.”
Still, the specter of Jordon Hudson’s name lingers—a tantalizing twist of celebrity and collegiate politics. And some coaches, alumni, and blue-blood fans will never stop asking: Did UNC make the right call—or the overly cautious one?
For now, Ferrari trains under the Cornhuskers’ banner. But the UNC chapter is closed, and its fingerprints—of caution, controversy, and whispered power plays—aren’t fading.
