Wyatt Hendrickson was aware that defeating Gable Steveson at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling National Championship Finals was a long shot.
Facing an Olympic gold medalist, a two-time National Champion, and the nation`s top wrestler, it seemed almost inevitable that Steveson would win. However, Hendrickson, who transferred from Air Force to Oklahoma State, found inspiration in a church sermon about David and Goliath just before the tournament. This sermon gave him the belief that he could overcome a giant like Steveson.
“It was a vision of victory,” Hendrickson explained. “I applied that to my wrestling that week. In big matches, it can feel like the outcome is predetermined. I think that’s what many people thought about this match. You had a good wrestler, a two-time All-American, against an Olympic gold medalist and multiple National Champion. People didn`t expect it to be a competitive title fight in the finals.”
“Going into the week, I knew my mindset was crucial. That sermon really supported me throughout the week.”
When he stepped onto the mat, Hendrickson was confident he could compete with Steveson. He kept the score close for three periods. With under a minute left and down 4-2, Hendrickson saw an opportunity, grabbed Steveson’s leg, and executed the takedown that ultimately secured his win.
“Looking back, I knew the match wasn’t over,” Hendrickson said. “Time was running out, and it was my moment. I got the leg and the takedown. In my head, it was time to act. Secure the wrist! Keep him down! I only had to think when he started to stand because I had a tight grip. I felt like a python, wrapped around him. He wasn’t escaping.”
“He started to rise, and I had two options: hold him down or go for a big lift and return. A big lift would have been a great finish, but safety first. I knew I had a good grip and he was feeling my pressure. Those last 20 seconds felt very long.”
Hendrickson’s determination paid off as he prevented Steveson from escaping, and time ran out.
“As soon as I took him down, I decided he wasn’t getting up,” Hendrickson stated. “I told myself I was winning. It was decided, but I had to make it happen. It was an intense 10 to 15 seconds, but I was determined. He wasn’t getting up. I was finishing it then and there.”
After the match, Hendrickson celebrated, and many declared his victory possibly the biggest upset in NCAA wrestling history, if not in all of sports.
It`s important to note, Hendrickson wasn`t an underdog who unexpectedly reached the finals. He was the No. 2-ranked wrestler. However, he was facing an athlete with incredible achievements in the NCAA, and they had history.
“I’ve wrestled Gable multiple times… the only time I’ve been technically defeated in college was by Gable Steveson,” Hendrickson said. “I understand why it’s seen as a big upset. Looking at our records, even for non-wrestling fans, Gable’s reputation and achievements made him the clear favorite.”
“I get it. When people call it a huge upset, it is. They`re not trying to disrespect me, but highlighting Gable’s greatness. They`re emphasizing the magnitude of his reputation.”
Following the unexpected win, Hendrickson, an active Air Force member, saluted President Donald Trump in the audience and embraced his family and friends.
Hendrickson barely remembers the celebration, overwhelmed by the moment.
“It was unreal,” Hendrickson said. “I blacked out after the match. I was going to stand, and I was just like, wow, that happened. It was unreal. I had envisioned my actions after winning – salute the commander in chief, hug my family, see my coaches.”
“Thankfully, I had a plan for what I wanted to do because my body just took over. It was pure gratitude. It felt unreal.”
The victory has brought Hendrickson more attention than his entire college career. But he`s not slowing down.
Hendrickson is already training for his next goal: a spot on the 2028 Olympic wrestling team, potentially leading to a rematch with Steveson.
“Next steps are year by year,” Hendrickson said. “There are competitions to qualify for World teams. The immediate future is back to training. I trained 45 minutes ago. Training won’t stop. It’s good to celebrate a bit, but no time to relax. We have momentum and will keep it going. I can improve my wrestling, and you never reach perfection. I’m excited to keep growing as a wrestler.”
“Now there’s a new big goal. This year was National Champion – now it’s Olympic champion.”
Given his wrestling background and Steveson`s MMA interest, Hendrickson addressed his own potential in MMA.
Despite ending his football career early due to concussions in high school, Hendrickson isn’t ruling out MMA.
“I quit football early, in freshman year, at 160 pounds. God gave me one body, and I want to protect it,” Hendrickson said. “I want to live happily and not risk my life unnecessarily.”
“If I consider risking my health, we’ll see. For now, wrestling is my focus. I might cross-train, maybe with MMA people, to explore future paths. Right now, it’s wrestling and then my Air Force career after these four years. I`m in the world-class athlete program, very fortunate. But after that, I’ll have a non-wrestling Air Force job.”
