In a stunning turn of events, world witnessed arguably the greatest upset in NCAA wrestling history at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships finals. Gable Steveson, who returned to college only to secure another NCAA title, the Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight titan, fell to Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson in a dramatic 5-4 final on March 22 in Philadelphia. Hendrickson, a lieutenant in the Air Force who transferred to the Cowboys, sealed the upset with a late takedown, avenging his 2021 loss to Steveson by technical fall and etching his name into wrestling lore. For fans who’ve watched Steveson dominate with an almost mythical aura, this defeat felt like a seismic shift in the sport’s landscape. Well, with this loss marking the end of Steveson’s collegiate career, support from the wrestling community pours in to navigate this heartbreaking conclusion.
As Gable Steveson sat on the mat, grappling with the end of his collegiate career, Spencer Lee, the 2024 Olympic silver medalist, Iowa’s three-time NCAA champion, and a fellow wrestling icon, offered a poignant message of solidarity. On March 23, Lee posted on X, “Wrestling is hard” a three-word reflection that spoke volumes as Steveson closed his college chapter. Lee’s words—rooted in his own experiences with defeat, like his 3-2 loss to Masanosuke Ono, Japanese World Champion at Xtream Arena, the main event of FloWrestling Night in America.
Wrestling is hard.
— Spencer Lee (@LeeSpencerlee36) March 23, 2025
Others who followed, Daniel Cormier, one among them, pronounced the outcome as the craziest moment in NCAA history. Daniel, who was calling the match alongside Jordan Burroughs, couldn’t contain his disbelief: “Oh my goodness! Wyatt Hendrickson just beat Gable Steveson!” Cormier shouted. “Oh my god! That’s crazy! Oh my goodness. I’m just happy I could say I was here to watch. I don’t know if I’ve ever been that surprised at a wrestling match.” But how could a wrestler of Steveson’s calibre be toppled so unexpectedly?
Well, what actually transpired in the finals, in Philadelphia, Gable Steveson, entered undefeated, having not surrendered a single takedown all season or throughout the NCAA tournament that began the previous Thursday. Poised for a third national title, Steveson took an early lead with a takedown on Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson and seemed set to fend off any comeback at the Wells Fargo Center. But with less than 30 seconds left in the final period, Hendrickson seized a leg, refusing to let go until he delivered a shocking takedown—the first Steveson had given up all year—clinching a 5-4 victory. As time expired, Steveson sat on the mat, visibly gutted, while Hendrickson erupted in celebrations.
Yet, with such a storied career at Minnesota, what remains is Steveson’s lasting legacy of college wrestling!
‘Gable, Out’, Gable Steveson’s Collegiate Wrestling Exit Leaves a Lasting Legacy
‘Gable, out’ Steveson stated at the end of a long Instagram post, announcing the closure. Steveson’s collegiate wrestling career came to a dramatic close in a final that stunned the wrestling world. Well, despite the loss, Steveson’s legacy at the University of Minnesota remains untouchable—he finishes with a career record of 103 wins and 3 losses, the best winning percentage (.980) in Gopher history, and as the program’s only two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner (2021, 2022). For fans who’ve marveled at his dominance, Steveson’s run, which included 4 big-ten titles and 2 NCAA titles, cements him as one of the greatest heavyweights ever. But how will this final defeat shape the way his college career is remembered?
Beyond the numbers, Steveson’s impact on college wrestling is defined by his flair and fearlessness, traits that made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents. He was the first heavyweight to win the Dan Hodge Trophy twice, a testament to his technical brilliance. Moreover, Steveson’s return for the 2024-25 season after stints with the WWE and a tryout with the Buffalo Bills showed his enduring love for the sport, even if it ended in heartbreak. Named Big Ten Wrestler of the Year after the 2025 Championships, he remained a beacon of excellence, earning the Most Outstanding Wrestler award at the Big Ten Championships for the second time—a feat only he has achieved as a Gopher, and is one of the only three in the Big Ten history. What does the exit of such a legend mean?
For the passionate wrestling community, Steveson’s legacy isn’t just in the titles, but in the way he elevated the sport’s visibility, leaving an indelible mark. How will his influence continue to inspire the future of collegiate wrestling? remains to be seen. The likes of Vance VomBaur, Max McEnelly have the huge weight on their shoulders that they must prove themselves to be the worthy successors of the all-time legendary wrestler and Gophers star, Gable Steveson.
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