Wyatt Hendrickson, following his stunning victory over Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in the 2025 NCAA Wrestling National Championship finals, has been awarded another prestigious title.
Hendrickson received the 2025 Hodge Trophy on Monday, an annual award recognizing the top college wrestler. The Oklahoma State heavyweight earned this esteemed honor. Named after legendary wrestler Dan Hodge, the Hodge Trophy is wrestling`s equivalent to the Heisman Trophy in football, with past recipients like Ben Askren and Bo Nickal.
Hendrickson was chosen over Penn State`s Carter Starocci, an exceptional wrestler who made history as the first, and possibly only, five-time National Champion after his victory in the 184-pound division. Starocci`s fifth championship was made possible by an additional year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Starocci`s unprecedented achievement is remarkable, Hendrickson`s historic upset, one of college sports` biggest, propelled him to the nation`s top wrestling spot.
As an active Air Force member, Hendrickson was initially ineligible for the extra year of eligibility, which didn`t apply to service academy members. He then transferred to Oklahoma State and was coached by 2020 Olympic gold medalist David Taylor.
After an impressive senior season, Hendrickson reached the 285-pound finals, facing Steveson. The University of Minnesota wrestler, a two-time National Champion and two-time Hodge Trophy winner, had not conceded any takedowns all season.
That changed in the final minute when Hendrickson secured a leg takedown, earning three points and winning the match against Steveson 5-4 in dramatic fashion.
“I remember taking him down and deciding he wasn`t getting back up,” Hendrickson told MMA Fighting regarding the final moments. “I knew I was winning. It was over, but I had to finish strong. It was an intense 10-15 seconds, but I was determined. He wasn`t getting up; I was ending it right there.”
This victory crowned Hendrickson National Champion and Hodge Trophy winner, setting the stage for his next career goal: competing for the 2028 Olympics and a potential Steveson rematch.
“Now there`s a new big goal,” Hendrickson stated. “This year was about the National Championship, and now the overarching goal for the next few years is to become an Olympic champion.”
