Know all details about age 24 Wyatt Hendrickson, who staged an insane comeback at the NCAA Wrestling Championships with Donald Trump in the audience
Gable Steveson, aiming for his third national title, entered the NCAA Wrestling Championships on an incredible 70-match win streak. The 2021 and 2022 national champion had previously retired after the 2022 event, venturing into World Wrestling Entertainment and the National Football League before making his highly anticipated return to collegiate wrestling this year. In a gripping heavyweight final, Steveson held a 3-2 lead heading into the third period. However, with just 20 seconds remaining, Wyatt Hendrickson executed a dramatic takedown, turning the tide of the match.
Who is Oklahoma State’s wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson, bio, age, height, actual weight, parents, high school, college and ranking
Carter Starocci made history by securing an unprecedented fifth national title, while Wyatt Hendrickson delivered a shocking upset against Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in the heavyweight final at the NCAA Men’s Wrestling Championships. The event, attended by former President Donald Trump, witnessed a dramatic conclusion as Hendrickson, a transfer from Air Force to Oklahoma State, staged a last-minute comeback.
Wyatt was born to Todd and Lynnette Hendrickson and has two sisters, Megan and Gracie with his grandfather serving in the navy. He is pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration at Oklahoma State. The 24 year old who competes in the heavyweight division which maxes out at 285 pounds has a height of 6 feet.
Wyatt dreamed of being a pilot in the Air Force even before he wanted to wrestle but transferred from Air Force to Oklahoma State this past offseason for his fifth and final year of eligibility. Being a military academy, Hendrickson couldn’t stay at Air Force for his extra year of eligibility because of COVID, so he was granted a waiver to transfer.
Hendrickson wrestles at heavyweight, which tops out at 285 pounds and the weight limit to be a pilot for an F-35 is 245 pounds but he was 270 pounds with gear when he first tried. He is currently ranked the No. 3 recruit at his weight by The Open Mat.
Oklahoma State’s two-time Kansas state high school champion and three-time state finalist, he spent four years at Newton High School and was twice named team captain. He also earned a gold letter for academics as a senior.
A native of Newton, Kansas, Hendrickson was a two time state champion and three time finalist for Newton high school and was a four time All – American at the Fargo national championships for both freestyle and greco. Hendrickson was also a USA wrestling folkstyle All – American, and a runner – up at the Super 32 championships, he won titles at the NHSCA senior nationals and the Flonationals.
Hendrickson competed for the Air Force academy in the 2021 season compiling a record of 16-5 as a freshman and finished third at the Big 12 championships and entered the NCAA tournament as the 17th seed going 3-2.
WYATT HENDRICKSON BEATS GABLE STEVESON TO WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE
BIGGEST UPSET IN COLLEGE WRESTLING HISTORY!
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 23, 2025
Why Wyatt Hendrickson’s celebration went viral?
Wyatt Hendrickson etched his name in NCAA wrestling history with a stunning upset over Olympic gold medalist and undefeated collegiate champion Gable Steveson. Competing for Oklahoma State, Hendrickson overcame a 4-2 deficit in the final moments, securing a dramatic 5-4 victory with a decisive takedown. Draped in an American flag, he acknowledged the encouragement of President Trump, who later expressed his pride in the wrestler’s achievement.
Hendrickson, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, transferred from the Air Force Academy to Oklahoma State for his final collegiate season, determined to leave a lasting mark on the sport. His triumph ended Steveson’s unbeaten streak dating back to the 2018-19 season, solidifying one of the most remarkable moments in NCAA wrestling history. With this milestone win, Hendrickson’s future in wrestling appears promising as he prepares to represent the U.S. Air Force.
In a moment of celebration, he saluted Trump, draped himself in the American flag, and walked over to shake hands and embrace the former president. Trump’s presence at the championship marked his second visit, following his attendance in 2023 when the tournament was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Wyatt Hendrickson — a second lieutenant in the @usairforce — salutes President Donald J. Trump after winning an @NCAAWrestling national championship 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/KK4ngwH7mW
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 23, 2025