In a moment that will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets in NCAA wrestling history, Wyatt Hendrickson achieved a remarkable comeback victory against Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson on Saturday night in Philadelphia.
Steveson, the 2020 Olympic champion, entered the finals undefeated in takedowns for the entire season and the NCAA tournament. After securing an early takedown against Hendrickson, it seemed he was on track to claim his third national title, seemingly in control of the match.
However, with less than half a minute left in the final period, Hendrickson dramatically shifted the momentum. He seized Steveson`s leg and executed a decisive takedown. Hendrickson maintained his grip until the clock ran out, leaving a visibly defeated Steveson on the mat while Hendrickson celebrated his incredible win.
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, commentating for ESPN, perfectly captured the astonishment of the moment.
“Oh my goodness! Wyatt Hendrickson just beat Gable Steveson!” Cormier exclaimed. “Oh my god! That’s crazy! Oh my goodness. This is the craziest moment in NCAA history! 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.”
Hendrickson secured the victory with a final score of 5-4.
This victory is even more significant considering Steveson`s return to college wrestling was primarily to secure another NCAA title after an unsuccessful stint in WWE and a brief attempt at professional football with the Buffalo Bills. Steveson had dominated his competition throughout the season until facing Hendrickson.
“Today, I took the gold medal, I’m No. 1,” Hendrickson stated. “I kept telling myself I could do this. God has gifted me. All week I’ve been reflecting on David and Goliath, and how no one believed David could defeat Goliath, but he did.”
Hendrickson, an Air Force member, transferred to Oklahoma State for his final year, training under Olympic champion David Taylor, who is in his first year as head coach. He concludes his college wrestling career as an NCAA champion, highlighted by this monumental win over Steveson.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely