Wyatt Hendrickson undoubtedly the biggest upset in NCAA wrestling history with a stunning comeback victory over Olympic champion Gable Steveson on Saturday night in Philadelphia.
Heading into the final, Steveson, who won the gold medal at the 2020 Olympics, has not given up on one takedown throughout the season, not just the NCAA tournament that began last Thursday. He scored an early takedown with Hendrickson and seemed to hold back a slow comeback, making him appear to be heading for the third national title.
It changed with less than 30 seconds remaining in the final period when Hendrickson grabbed his leg and didn’t let go until Steveson delivered the takedown. While Hendrickson began his celebration, Steveson sat on the mat and looked absolutely broken, so the Oklahoma wrestler stayed in the position until the time expired.
UFC Hall of Fame Daniel Cormier has called out ESPN’s actions and his response has said it all.
“Yeah, my goodness! Wyatt Hendrickson just beat Gable Steveson!” cried Comer. “Oh, what a god! That’s crazy! Ah, my goodness. This is the craziest moment in NCAA history! I’m happy to say I’m here. I don’t know if I’ve ever been surprised by a wrestling match.”
The final score was Hendrixon’s 5-4.
The results have been much greater considering he left the University of Minnesota and effectively returned to college for his final year qualifications, just to win another NCAA title to pursue a new career when he signed with WWE. Unfortunately, Steveson’s professional wrestling career didn’t pan out and after signing with the Buffalo Bills he tried his hand easily in professional football, but was cut before the season began.
As a result, Steveson returned to college and he ran roughly the competition throughout the season until he came across Hendrickson on Saturday.
“Today I won the gold medal, I’m number one,” Hendrickson said. “I told myself I knew I could do this. God gave me. For a week I’ve seen David and Goliath.
Hendrickson, now a member of the Air Force, moved to Oklahoma for his final year of qualification, when he worked for Olympic champion David Taylor in his first year as head coach. Now his college career is coming to an end as an NCAA champion, and he can proudly promote his victory to Steveson on his resume.
The full results of the 2025 NCAA Wrestling National Championship are as follows:
184 pounds: Carter Starch (Pasnsylvania) def.. Parker Kekksen (Northern Iowa), 4-3
125 pounds: Vincent Robinson (NC) def. Troy Spratley (Oklahoma), 2-1
133 pounds: Lucasbird (Illinois) def. Drake Ayala (Iowa), 3-2
141 pounds: Jesse Mendes (Ohio) 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 lbs: Mitchell Mesenbrink (Pa.) Def. Mike Kaliendo (Iowa), 8-2
174 pounds: Dean Hamity (Oklahoma) def. Keegan O’Toole (Missouri), 4-1
197 pounds: Stephen Buchanan (Iowa) Def. Josh Barr (Pennsylvania), 5-2
285 pounds: Wyatt Hendrickson (Oklahoma) def. Gable Steveson, 5-4