I think it's a little bit of both. There are few guys capable of winning a title as a freshman (if ever of course). Even guys like Zain and Nick Lee likely could have benefitted from a redshirt from the wrestling-standpoint.
I'm sure Arnold thinks he can, but let's be honest, super slim chance he beats Starocci. Seems like there's at least a 50/50 chance Starocci is not back next year. Lewis and Griffith are done as well. If his goal is 4 titles, he should probably redshirt this year.