Wyatt Hendrickson, inspired by a sermon about David and Goliath, achieved a stunning victory against Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in the 2025 NCAA Wrestling National Championship Finals, marking one of the biggest upsets in NCAA wrestling history, and now aims to qualify for the 2028 Olympic wrestling team while considering a future in MMA.
Wyatt Hendrickson faced a daunting challenge in the 2025 NCAA Wrestling National Championship Finals. Going up against Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time National Champion, was no small feat. But something unexpected gave him hope—a sermon about David and Goliath he heard just days before the tournament.
“It was a vision of victory,” Hendrickson shared with MMA Fighting. He carried that inspiration into his final college wrestling week, knowing he had to find a way to topple a giant like Steveson. Most people assumed Steveson would win, given his impressive accolades. Yet, Hendrickson believed he could defy those expectations.
As the match unfolded on Saturday night, Hendrickson’s confidence grew. He kept the score tight through three periods, trailing 4-2 with less than a minute left. Then, he saw his chance—an opening to snatch Steveson’s leg for a takedown.
In that moment, Hendrickson knew the match wasn’t over. “It was time for my shot,” he recalled. With determination, he executed the takedown and held on with a python-like grip. It was a tense 20 seconds as he fought to keep Steveson down.
When the final whistle blew, Hendrickson’s persistence paid off. He’d done it—he’d defeated Steveson in what many called one of the biggest upsets in NCAA wrestling history.
Despite being ranked No. 2 heading into the tournament, Hendrickson wasn’t expected to best an athlete of Steveson’s caliber. They had a history; Steveson was the only one to ever achieve a technical fall against him in college.
Afterward, emotions ran high for Hendrickson. Overwhelmed by the moment, he barely remembered his celebration. “It was unreal,” he said, describing how he’d envisioned saluting President Donald Trump and embracing loved ones post-match.
The victory brought newfound attention to Hendrickson’s career. But there was no time to rest; he was already back in the gym aiming for his next goal—a spot on the 2028 Olympic team.
“Obviously next steps,” he said, “we’re going to take it year by year.” Training continued relentlessly as he set sights on becoming an Olympic champion.
Amidst all this, there were whispers about MMA. While past concussions ended his football dreams early, Hendrickson isn’t ruling out an MMA future entirely.
For now, though? Wrestling remains his focus alongside his military career in the Air Force’s world-class athlete program. But who knows where life’s winding path might lead?