Wyatt Hendrickson Stuns Gable Steveson in NCAA Heavyweight Wrestling Final
In a night filled with high-stakes drama, Oklahoma State's Wyatt Hendrickson delivered one of the biggest upsets in college wrestling history, defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson 5-4 in the NCAA heavyweight final. The electrifying match, held in Philadelphia, had an unexpected spectator— President Donald Trump, whose presence added to the spectacle of the evening.
A Shocking Victory in the Final Moments
Trailing late in the match, Hendrickson, a transfer from Air Force, secured a takedown in the final minute—the only one Steveson had conceded all season. The victory ended Steveson’s incredible 70-match winning streak, denying him a third NCAA title.
As the crowd erupted in shock and excitement, Hendrickson celebrated with a salute to Trump, draping a U.S. flag over his shoulders before shaking hands with the President.
"It's bigger than Worlds, Olympics, anything," an emotional Hendrickson said after his monumental win.
With this victory, Hendrickson becomes the first Oklahoma State wrestling heavyweight champion since Steve Mocco in 2005.
Steveson’s Unexpected Return Ends in Heartbreak
After winning national titles in 2021 and 2022, Gable Steveson retired from collegiate wrestling to pursue a career in WWE, where he competed primarily in NXT. Following his release, he attempted to transition to the NFL with the Buffalo Bills but failed to make the roster. This season marked his comeback to college wrestling, but his journey ended in disappointment with this loss to Hendrickson.
The two wrestlers had previously faced off in the 2021 NCAA tournament, where Steveson won decisively via technical fall. However, Hendrickson flipped the script this time, proving his growth and resilience.
Penn State Dominates the Team Championship
While Hendrickson’s victory stole the spotlight, Penn State continued its reign in NCAA wrestling, securing its 12th national title under legendary coach Cael Sanderson. The team clinched its third consecutive four-peat, further cementing its dynasty.
In another historic moment, Carter Starocci won his record-breaking fifth NCAA title, defeating Parker Keckeisen 4-3 in the 184-pound final. Starocci, a four-time champion at 174 pounds, moved up in weight to claim another title, showing his versatility and dominance.
What’s Next for Hendrickson and Steveson?
With this stunning victory, Wyatt Hendrickson has etched his name in wrestling history. Whether he sets his sights on international competition or a professional career remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Steveson’s future is uncertain—will he return to professional wrestling, attempt another NFL tryout, or seek redemption in freestyle wrestling?
One thing is certain: this Wyatt Hendrickson vs. Gable Steveson showdown will be remembered as one of the most thrilling moments in NCAA wrestling history.
