“I don’t really keep tabs on other programs a whole lot,” Penn State’s legendary wrestling HC Cael Sanderson said about how he’s more focused on doing his own stuff. While it seems that focusing on his work has brought the veteran coach uncharted glory, he might need to take a few notes from his peers to maintain that dominance in the NCAA. Second-generation wrestling star Michael Mocco‘s latest move only urges Sanderson to rethink his strategy, and fast!
Son of the 2x NCAA gold medalist Steve Mocco, Michael is carrying forward the family legacy in the most impressive way possible. The 2024 U17 world champ has been on the radar of the country’s top programs, and it looks like he’s just a few steps away from giving the NLWC a run for its money’s worth.
Wrestling reporter Eli McKown posted on X on April 14, sharing details of Michael Mocco’s future trajectory. “Iowa’s Class of 2026 just got a massive addition. Michael Mocco is a Hawkeye, one of the top heavyweight prospects in the class,” McKown wrote in her social media update. Mocco’s father Steve earned a name for himself in the country’s collegiate circuit thanks to his accolades in the 285lb weight class, and Michael has already shown his mettle in an almost similar bracket.
“I’m excited to announce my commitment to the University of Iowa,” reads the caption in the accompanying image of McKown’s post, which looks like a screenshot of Michael’s recent Instagram update. With that, things are sealed. Michael will be donning the hawkeye black and gold, much like his father.
Iowa’s Class of 2026 just got a massive addition.
Michael Mocco is a Hawkeye, one of the top heavyweight prospects in the class. The son of Steve Mocco.
Bo Bassett, Mocco and Owen McMullen put together quite the class for 2026 at the moment. pic.twitter.com/ux4oIloZmg
— Eli McKown (@Emckown23) April 14, 2025
Steve won the first of his two NCAA titles as a Hawkey (won his second competing for OSU) and forever sealed his status as a program icon. However, considering that Iowa finished the 2025 NCAA D1 Championships behind Oklahoma, many would think that Stillwater should have been the place to go for a scintillating talent like Michael. Moreover, the fact that Penn State alum and the 2020 Olympic champ David Taylor sits at the top of the OSU program would only bolster the argument. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
The story is developing
The post Legendary Steve Mocco’s Son Michael Mocco Picks Iowa Over OSU to Continue Father’s NCAA Legacy appeared first on EssentiallySports.