Wyatt Hendrickson achieved a remarkable upset at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling National Championships by defeating Olympic champion Gable Steveson with a last-minute takedown, securing a 5-4 victory and ending Steveson’s previously undefeated season.
Wyatt Hendrickson pulled off what many are calling the greatest upset in NCAA wrestling history. On Saturday night, he staged a stunning comeback against Olympic champion Gable Steveson in Philadelphia.
Heading into the finals, Steveson was untouchable. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist hadn’t surrendered a single takedown all season or during the NCAA tournament. It seemed like he was cruising to his third national title after an early takedown on Hendrickson.
But everything changed in the blink of an eye. With less than 30 seconds left in the final period, Hendrickson grabbed hold of Steveson’s leg. He refused to let go until he secured the takedown, holding on until time expired. The scene? Steveson sat gutted on the mat as Hendrickson celebrated.
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier was there, calling the action for ESPN. His reaction? Priceless. “Oh my goodness! Wyatt Hendrickson just beat Gable Steveson!” Cormier exclaimed. “This is the craziest moment in NCAA history!”
The final score? A nail-biting 5-4 for Hendrickson.
This victory is even more monumental considering Steveson’s journey. After leaving college for WWE—and a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills—he returned solely to reclaim another NCAA title. Yet, Hendrickson had other plans.
“Today, I took the gold medal, I’m No. 1,” said Hendrickson, brimming with confidence. “All week I’ve been looking at David and Goliath…but I did it.”
Hendrickson, a member of the Air Force, transferred to Oklahoma State for his last year under coach David Taylor. Now, as an NCAA champion, he ends his college career on a high note with this unforgettable win over Steveson.
Curious about the rest of the championship results? Here’s a quick rundown:
- 184 pounds: Carter Starocci (Penn State) def. Parker Keckeisen (Northern Iowa), 4-3.
- 125 pounds: Vincent Robinson (NC State) def. Troy Spratley (Oklahoma State), 2-1.
- 133 pounds: Lucas Byrd (Illinois) def. Drake Ayala (Iowa), 3-2.
- 141 pounds: Jesse Mendez (Ohio State) def. Brock Hardy (Nebraska), 12-9.
- 149 pounds: Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) def. Caleb Henson (Virginia Tech), 1-0.
- 157 pounds: Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) def. Joey Blaze (Purdue), 4-2.
- 165 pounds: Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State) def. Mike Caliendo (Iowa), 8-2.
- 174 pounds: Dean Hamiti (Oklahoma State) def. Keegan O`Toole (Missouri), 4-1.
- 197 pounds: Stephen Buchanan (Iowa) def. Josh Barr (Penn State), 5-2.
- 285 pounds: Wyatt Hendrickson (Oklahoma State) def. Gable Steveson, 5-4.
What a night for wrestling!