It was a shot at the big time, a chance to skip ahead in line. Marcus Blaze and Bo Bassett, two of America’s most promising young wrestlers, both stepped onto the senior stage earlier this year, hoping to punch their ticket to wrestling’s biggest events at the 2025 Senior World Team Trials in Louisville, Kentucky.
Blaze, competing at 65kg, had an impressive run, winning four out of five matches, even taking down the U17 World champion, none other than Bo Bassett. Two-time NCAA champion Jesse Mendez eventually stopped his momentum in a 4-1 quarterfinal decision. Bassett, also at 65kg, notched a notable 1-0 victory over NCAA finalist Beau Bartlett but couldn’t quite advance far enough to secure a spot on the senior team. Both left the trials with valuable experience, but no ticket to the senior squad. So, what’s next for these rising stars after their senior-level aspirations hit a temporary snag?
Now, in a surprising move, Marcus Blaze, the Penn State recruit, is making a return to the Junior Trials this weekend at 61kg. Despite not being officially registered until very recently, his participation has been confirmed. This is a bold decision, especially with his true third-place match against Brock Hardy at Final X still on the horizon. His choice to drop back to 61kg for the U20 level clearly shows his determination to dominate the junior division once again. But how will Blaze’s return shake up an already fierce U20 Trials field?
Returning JR World Bronze Medalist Marcus Blaze will be entering JR Trials this weekend at 61kg. He’s not registered yet but is going.
Kyler Larkin sits in the finals there.
Blaze makes for six 2024 World Teamers in the field.
— MatScouts (@MatScouts1) May 26, 2025
Well, Blaze’s entry adds serious firepower to an already stacked lineup that includes six 2024 World Teamers. Kyler Larkin, who awaits in the finals at 61kg, has been a dominant force, and the field is buzzing with talent. However, all eyes are on a potential clash with Bo Bassett, the Bishop McCort junior who’s aiming to secure his spot on the U20 team at 65kg. Bassett fell to Blaze earlier this month at the Senior Trials and is undoubtedly hungry for redemption. Can he turn the tables on his rival this time around?
As the U20 Trials kick off, the wrestling world is on edge. Blaze, the defending champion, and Bassett, the determined challenger, appear to be on a collision course. Who will claim the U20 spot and the coveted bragging rights?
Bo Bassett training with the college elite, Austin DeSanto
Bo Bassett, the wrestling prodigy topping the Class of 2026, isn’t just counting down the days until he sets foot on the University of Iowa campus. He’s already living the Hawkeye grind. This high school junior from Bishop McCort Catholic Academy is putting in serious work with none other than Austin DeSanto, a former Iowa standout whose fiery, relentless style became legendary within the program.
These aren’t your average training sessions; they’re a sneak peek into Bassett’s future in the black and gold, a clear signal that he’s embracing the renowned Iowa wrestling culture well ahead of time. For a kid with an undefeated high school record and an Iowa commitment that drew over flocks on FloWrestling, this is like throwing gasoline on an already roaring fire. But what’s really pushing Bassett to train with a Hawkeye legend like DeSanto?
Bassett is doing what he does best: bouncing back from recent challenges by digging in, working harder, and learning from those who’ve already blazed the trail he’s chasing. DeSanto, who boasts a 17-4 record in 2019-20 and earned All-American honors with seven wins over ranked opponents, brings a high-octane, in-your-face intensity that could be the key to unlocking the next level of Bassett’s already formidable game. How will this powerful mentorship shape Bassett’s journey as he gears up for the U20 Trials? It’s clear he’s not just preparing for competition; he’s preparing to become a Hawkeye legend in his own right.
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