Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State pulled off what commentators called the “biggest upset in NCAA history” by defeating Olympic champion Gable Steveson to claim the heavyweight wrestling national title on Saturday.
Hendrickson was behind 4-2 in the match but managed to secure a stunning takedown in the final seconds — the only takedown Steveson had given up all season — to win 5-4 at the 2025 NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia.
As soon as his victory was confirmed, Hendrickson fell on his back in disbelief while his coaching staff surrounded him. Steveson, still kneeling in amazement, took in the shocking turn of events.
After standing up, Hendrickson saluted President Donald Trump, who was in the crowd, before shaking his hand and sharing a hug, all while draped in an American flag.
“It’s bigger than worlds, Olympics, anything,” a visibly emotional Hendrickson said after the match.
Steveson, the gold medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 125kg weight class, entered the final with a 70-match unbeaten streak. He was on track to finish his fourth consecutive college season undefeated until his loss to Hendrickson.
Hendrickson entered Saturday’s final undefeated, but he found himself trailing the two-time national champion, Steveson, with the match looking all but decided.
However, with just 20 seconds left, Hendrickson managed to pull off an unexpected takedown to take the lead, holding on for the win as the crowd erupted in excitement.
“I was watching the clock and squeezing him,” Hendrickson recalled, according to Oklahoma State, when asked about his mindset in the final moments. “I made up my mind. If he stood up, I didn’t want to lock my hands. I didn’t want to risk a locked hands call, but I was squeezing. If he got up, I was just going to lock him and lift him in the air for the last few seconds because I knew I was going to win this match. I didn’t care if I had to tear my arms off — I was going to hold him down and win.”
Hendrickson’s dramatic win capped a strong day for Oklahoma State, following an upset victory by Dean Hamiti Jr., who beat two-time national champion Keegan O’Toole to secure the 174-pound title.
In other action, Penn State’s Carter Starocci claimed his fifth national title, defeating Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen 4-3 in the 184-pound final.