In an unexpected turn of events at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, held on March 22 in Philadelphia, Wyatt Hendrickson pulled off what many are calling the biggest upset in college wrestling history. The Oklahoma State heavyweight faced off against Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist and the top-ranked wrestler revered for his dominance in the sport. Hendrickson's thrilling 5-4 victory not only crowned him the national champion but also sent shockwaves through the collegiate wrestling community.
Hendrickson, an accomplished senior and Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, came into the finals as the No. 2 seed. Despite Steveson's formidable credentials—he was undefeated in NCAA competition since the 2018-19 season—Hendrickson remained undeterred. Before the match, ESPN commentator Daniel Cormier expressed disbelief, stating, “Wyatt Hendrickson just beat Gable Steveson. That’s crazy. Oh, my goodness. This is the craziest moment in NCAA history.” His excitement mirrored that of the 18,826 fans who filled the Wells Fargo Center.
The atmosphere was electric. As ‘Copperhead Road’ blared, Hendrickson entered the arena draped in the American flag, igniting the crowd's fervor. The match began with intensity, both athletes displaying their grappling skills. Hendrickson managed to secure a takedown in the final seconds, an act described as a decisive moment of the match.
“I was looking at the clock and squeezing him,” said Hendrickson, reflecting on his final moments on the mat. “I made up my mind—if he stands up, I’m just going to lock him and hold him in the air for the last few seconds because I knew I was going to win.” The referee’s three-point signal surged through the crowd as the young wrestler took down Steveson, marking a dramatic finish with less than 20 seconds remaining on the clock.
Wyatt Hendrickson’s victory was not just a personal milestone; it symbolized a monumental achievement for Oklahoma State Wrestling, which finished third in the team standings after securing an overall 102.5 points in the tournament, their best finish since 2021. "Finishing in third place is pretty special because it’s not just about the individuals," noted head coach David Taylor. "It’s a team effort. Obviously, those guys help you win, but you need everyone contributing.”
The match circumstances unfolded as Hendrickson, who was appearing in his first NCAA final, had been undefeated throughout the season. In stark contrast, Steveson was expected to glide through the match, flaunting accolades including two Hodge Trophies and two NCAA titles. However, as the scoreboard reflected, the anticipated outcome was anything but certain.
Adding to the drama, former President Donald Trump was in attendance, where he was introduced to an enthusiastic crowd that erupted in cheers and national pride. Following the victory, Hendrickson drove the emotion further, saluting Trump before sharing a handshake. "He said he's very proud of me. My commander-in-chief, I'm very proud of that," Hendrickson remarked. Reflecting on Trump's support for the service members, he said, "I put on a show for him. I won him that national title.”
Hendrickson, serving as an Air Force veteran, understood the symbolic weight of the moment. Moments before the match, Steveson expressed some concern over Hendrickson's choice to enter wearing the American flag. Following the match, Hendrickson’s commitment to respecting the flag and his own service was evident. “I wasn't doing that in any way to mock him. I'm just proud of my service,” Hendrickson emphasized, stating his position regarding the flag was solely rooted in respect for his country.
But Hendrickson's not the only wrestler rewriting narratives at the championships. Dean Hamiti Jr. of Oklahoma State also made waves by defeating the two-time national champion, Keegan O’Toole, in the 174-pound weight class, securing another title for the Cowboys. Hamiti triumphed in sudden victory, ending O’Toole’s storied run. This heightened the excitement around Oklahoma State’s recent resurgence in the wrestling ranks.
With such thrilling matchups, the NCAA event also highlighted a broader picture of collegiate wrestling prowess. Oklahoma State has now solidified its legacy with 145 NCAA championships and keeps its status as one of the most celebrated programs across all NCAA sports.
The emotional undertone of Hendrickson’s win resonated beyond the arena. Commentator Ben Askren remarked on social media saying, "Most shocking final I can remember." The reactions poured in, with fans and officials alike awed by the unfolding events of that evening.
Reflecting on his victory, Hendrickson's determination was clear as he stated, "When Gable joined, I said let's do it. I love hard wrestling. I want to wrestle the best and to be the best you got to beat the best... and I did." This sentiment resonates as a narrative that is likely to inspire a new generation of wrestlers, who may look up to Hendrickson not just for his athletic proficiency but for embodying tenacity and belief over the odds.
In a landscape dotted with fierce competitors and high-stakes matches, Hendrickson’s victory stands as a testament to the spirit of the sport—a reminder that in wrestling, the unexpected can and does happen, and that the heart of an underdog can triumph when the odds seem insurmountable.
As the dust settles from this year’s championship, both Wyatt Hendrickson and Dean Hamiti Jr. have not only secured their places in NCAA history but are also heralded as the harbingers of a revitalized era at Oklahoma State. With aspirations set for what's next, fans can only wait to see how they will continue to shape their legacy in the world of wrestling.
