Wyatt Hendrickson was aware that the odds were against him when he faced Gable Steveson in the 2025 NCAA Wrestling National Championship Finals.
Facing an Olympic gold medalist, a two-time National Champion, and the top-ranked wrestler in the United States, Hendrickson understood why many believed Steveson was destined to win. However, the wrestler, who transferred from Air Force to Oklahoma State, shared that a sermon about David and Goliath, which he heard in church just days before the tournament, inspired him to believe he could overcome a giant like Steveson.
“It was a vision of victory,” Hendrickson told. “I brought that into this week, thinking about how to apply it to my wrestling. In big matches, it can feel like the outcome is predetermined. I think that’s what most people thought about this match. You have 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 title fight in the finals.”
“Going into the week, I knew my mindset had to be right. That sermon supported me throughout the week.”
Once on the mat, Hendrickson felt confident he could compete with Steveson. He kept the score close throughout the match. With less than a minute left, down 4-2, Hendrickson saw an opportunity, seized Steveson`s leg, and executed the takedown that ultimately secured his victory.
“Thinking back to that moment, the match wasn’t over. I knew that,” Hendrickson said. “Time was running out, it was my moment. I got the leg, got the takedown. In my mind, it was time to act. Control the wrist! Keep him down! I only really had to think when he started to stand because I had a strong grip, like a python. I was wrapped around him; he wasn`t escaping.”
“He began to rise, and I had two options: hold him down or attempt a big lift and return. The lift would have been a spectacular finish, but sometimes it’s better to be safe. I knew I had a good grip and he was feeling my pressure. Those 20 seconds felt very long.”
Hendrickson`s determination paid off as he prevented Steveson from escaping until 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 still had to execute. It was an intense 10-15 seconds, but I was determined. He wasn’t getting up. I was finishing it right there.”
After the match, Hendrickson celebrated, and many declared his win possibly the biggest upset in NCAA wrestling history, if not in all of sports.
While Hendrickson was ranked No. 2, he was facing an athlete of Steveson`s caliber, making the victory a significant upset. They also had a history.
“I’ve wrestled Gable multiple times… the only time I’ve been technically defeated in college was by Gable Steveson,” Hendrickson recalled. “I don’t take offense to the upset label. Considering Gable’s reputation and our records, it’s understandable. To wrestling fans and others, Gable is well-known, and comparing our achievements, the outcome seemed clear.”
“I understand why it’s called a big upset. It truly was. It’s not meant to diminish me, but to emphasize Gable’s greatness.”
In the aftermath, Hendrickson, an Air Force member, saluted President Donald Trump in the crowd before celebrating with family and friends.
Hendrickson barely remembers the celebration, overwhelmed by the moment.
“It was unreal,” Hendrickson said. “I blacked out after the match. Mentally, I was going to stand, and I was just in disbelief. It was unreal. I had envisioned my reaction – salute the commander in chief, hug my family, see the coaches.”
“Thankfully, I had a plan because my body took over. It was pure gratitude. It felt unreal.”
The win has brought Hendrickson significant attention. However, he remains focused and is already training for his next goal: the 2028 Olympic wrestling team, which could lead 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 briefly, but there’s no time to relax. We have momentum, and we’ll keep it going. I can improve my wrestling. You never fully reach the peak. I’m excited to keep growing.”
“Now, there’s a new major goal. This year was Nationals, now it’s becoming an Olympic champion.”
Given his wrestling background and Steveson`s MMA aspirations, Hendrickson addressed his own interest in MMA.
Despite ending his football career early due to concussions, Hendrickson is open to MMA.
“I quit football in freshman year of high school at 160 pounds to protect my body,” Hendrickson explained. “I want to live a happy life and avoid unnecessary risks.”
“If the situation is right, we’ll see. Wrestling is my focus for now, along with my military career after these four years. I`m in the World-Class Athlete Program, which is a blessing. But after that, I`ll have a non-wrestling Air Force role. I might explore MMA training, connect with MMA people, and see where it leads. But for now, it’s wrestling and military service.”
Marcus Blakely