“My arms have never felt this strong… I didn’t care if I had to tear them off while squeezing him. I was determined—‘I am holding this man down and winning this match,’” declared Wyatt Hendrickson, the 2025 NCAA champion, after pulling off one of the biggest upsets in collegiate wrestling history. On Saturday at the NCAA finals, Hendrickson ended the 70-match winning streak of former two-time NCAA champion and Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson.
As an Air Force second lieutenant and a standout wrestler, Hendrickson’s remarkable journey culminated in a flawless 30-0 season, capped off with his first NCAA heavyweight title in a stunning 5-4 victory. For much of the match, it seemed as though Steveson was in control. But with just 18 seconds remaining, Hendrickson seized his moment, executing a perfectly timed high-crotch double-leg takedown to secure the lead and, ultimately, the championship. However, it was what happened next that stole the spotlight.
In a defining moment, the fifth-year senior from Newton, Kansas, wrapped himself in the American flag and saluted President Donald Trump, who was in attendance at the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia. The electrifying display of patriotism sent shockwaves through the crowd and cemented Wyatt Hendrickson’s status as an emerging national figure in wrestling. His monumental win even caught the attention of combat sports legends. Among them was former NCAA champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo, who lauded Hendrickson’s achievement on his Pound for Pound podcast.
“Look at that, man—there’s nothing like having a military heavyweight go up to President Trump, shake his hand… man, you can almost write a damn movie on this, quite honestly,” Cejudo remarked. His co-host, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, also weighed in on Wyatt Hendrickson’s potential. “I’m excited to see what he does next,” ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ said. “Winning an NCAA title is a huge accomplishment, but if he can carry this momentum and claim Olympic gold… man, he becomes a new American hero.” In just a matter of days, Wyatt Hendrickson has become the most talked-about athlete in the country.
NCAA, College League, USA Wrestling: DI Wrestling Mar 21, 2025 Philadelphia, PA, USA Gable Steveson of Minnesota looks on before the quarterfinals of the NCAA Wrestling Championships at Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center PA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBillxStreicherx 20250321_bs_sq4_00146
Recently named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week by the U.S. Air Force, his meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing down. However, the proudest moment came for his parents, who, overwhelmed with joy, called it “the most exciting thing” they have ever experienced. But Hendrickson is far from finished. With his sights set on even greater achievements, he remains determined to push forward—not just for himself, but for his family and his country. And by the looks of it, he’s just getting started.
Wyatt Hendrickson opened up about his future in wrestling
While Gable Steveson’s name has surfaced in discussions about a potential MMA-UFC debut, Wyatt Hendrickson is just beginning his journey. With a stunning victory over the former Olympic gold medalist, Hendrickson secured his first NCAA gold, catapulting his confidence to new heights. His triumph was further acknowledged by President Donald Trump, further elevating Hendrickson’s status. Now riding high, Hendrickson has his eyes set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Speaking to Pat McAfee, Wyatt Hendrickson expressed his aspirations, saying, “Absolutely. Yeah. It feels great to fly that flag here, but you know, LA 2028—that’s right around the corner. I can already imagine comparing the clips years from now, with that American flag around my back once again. That’s the ultimate goal right now.” Hendrickson, who began his wrestling journey at the U.S. Air Force Academy, finally clinched his NCAA gold after finishing in third place in 2023 and 2024. Now, all eyes are on the Oklahoma State standout as he makes his mark on the wrestling world.
What do you think about Hendrickson’s future? After his wrestling career, do you see him transitioning to MMA, perhaps making waves in the UFC’s heavyweight division? Share your thoughts below.
The post Ex-UFC Champ Backs Wyatt Hendrickson to Become ‘A New American Hero’ After Beating Gable Steveson at NCAA Finals appeared first on EssentiallySports.
