“I wasn’t doing so good, and I wanted to give up, and my dad just always motivated me to keep pushing through it,” Wyatt Hendrickson said in a YouTube video posted by Oklahoma State Athletics. It’s difficult to imagine those words coming from someone like Hendrickson—especially now. But, indeed, it is the NCAA champ himself reflecting on a moment when the pressure nearly outweighed the passion. And yet, here he is: pushing boundaries, rewriting expectations, and stepping into one of the biggest moments of his wrestling career.
Wyatt Hendrickson’s journey has been nothing short of electric. Representing the Air Force Academy, he didn’t just shine—he dominated. His recent NCAA title was a career-defining moment, but the real buzz? His stunning win over Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson. That final minute of the match where Hendrickson secured a 3-point takedown to upset Steveson alone sent a powerful message: the 24-year-old is not just here to compete—he’s here to shake up the heavyweight division.
And now, he’s got something big to say. As per the FloWrestling X post, there is a big announcement about the U23 world champion—one that marks a whole new chapter in his wrestling story. While fans are still buzzing about his collegiate dominance, Wyatt is already locking eyes on the next big stage. That next step? The U.S. Open and hopefully, Final X.
NCAA champion Wyatt Hendrickson has entered the US Open! He’ll attempt to punch his ticket to Final X April 25-26 LIVE on FloWrestling! #USOpen pic.twitter.com/WQf310tbg8
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) April 16, 2025
Founder of Basch Solutions, Justin Basch, also posted on X, “Wyatt Hendrickson is officially IN & REGISTERED for the US Open next weekend! That makes it both of Oklahoma State’s 2025 NCAA Champs (Hamiti) that will be competing in the first step to make the 2025 World Team. Winning the Open would send them right to Final X.” Oklahoma State wrestler Dean Hamiti has received recognition for his performance against Missouri’s Keegan O’Toole in a sudden victory overtime. The 4-1 decision in the 174-pound final at the NCAA Championship saw Hamiti take the win.
Moving on, the 2025 USA Wrestling U.S. Open is the high-stakes event where the top Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers clash to earn their place on the national team or bye to Final X. It is set to kick off on April 23 and will be taking place at the Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas, Nev. The wrestlers that get through this stage will then take part in the Final X. The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, will host the Final X on Saturday, June 14.
As of now, the brackets for the U.S. Open haven’t been released but the entry lists are flowing and let’s just say that it looks pretty stacked with Bo Bassett, Jax Forrest, PJ Duke, Marcus Blaze, Austin DeStanto, and David Carr. Captain America will also be competing in the 125kg weight category—traditionally stacked with some of the most explosive and elite talents in freestyle wrestling.
With his relentless drive and newfound momentum, Wyatt Hendrickson is aiming to prove that his rise is no fluke—it’s just beginning.
Wyatt Hendrickson’s is on the rise
Wyatt Hendrickson’s emotional words linger, but now he has already turned heads. From nearly quitting wrestling to becoming a headline name in American freestyle, his journey is extraordinary. The NCAA champ—once a kid from Newton, Kansas—has now become a symbol of grit, purpose, and power on the mat.
In March, Hendrickson pulled off a stunner—handing Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson his first collegiate loss in 70 matches, with a last-second takedown to seal a 5-4 win. But that’s just one chapter. Building on that momentum, the Air Force Academy standout didn’t just take home the NCAA title—he also earned the Dan Hodge Trophy and was named Big 12 Wrestler of the Year.
And at the Wells Fargo Center, the scene felt big—Donald Trump was in the crowd, and Hendrickson saluted him after his victory. Adding to the moment’s significance, Donald Trump shook hands with both the wrestlers. With emotions high and the spotlight firmly on him, the question naturally follows—what’s next?
Now? It’s the US Open. But with the fire he’s shown and the momentum on his side, this event could be his launchpad to LA 2028. As per an update by baschamania on Instagram, Hendrickson is currently delaying his 5-year Air Force Service commitment to 2028, where he will look to stick around in Stillwater and train to win the World and Olympic titles through the 2028 Olympics Games in LA.
WCAP, which is managed by the Air Force Services Center, will oversee the wrestler’s focus on training to qualify for the Olympics. Reflecting on the same, Hendrickson said, “I’ll be in the WCAP program for the next three years preparing to compete in the Olympics.”
Having already conquered the NCAA scene, Hendrickson is riding on considerable confidence. And one thing’s for sure—his rise isn’t just a comeback story, it’s the start of a legacy. Do you think he can make it big in the U.S. Open? Let us know in the comments below.
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