“America needs Gable Steveson for the 2028 Olympics and the world tournaments between now and then….” Josh Lowe, the 2023 OHSWCA media service awardee, made this point. His post came right after watching Gable wrestle No. 16 Yaraslau “Ya” Slavikouski on March 20. In their Round of 16 heavyweight clash, Gable forced five stall calls on Ya in the opening period alone—an absolutely stunning display. The match ended quickly, with the Belarusian star having no answer for Steveson’s relentless pace and trickery. That victory didn’t just send Gable into the next round—it set up a blockbuster rematch of the 2022 NCAA Wrestling Championships title fight against Cholton Schultz. But here’s the real question: How does all of this add up to Gable’s Olympic chances?
Think about it: this is a man who took a two-year break from the mat and still made an elite, world-ranked wrestler look utterly helpless. That’s not just dominance—it’s a warning shot to the global wrestling scene. With performances like these, is there any reason Gable Steveson shouldn’t be aiming for another Olympic gold? After all, he’s already proved he can come back and crush the competition. Example? On Thursday, he overpowered No. 33 Hayden Filipovich almost in the same style. The Purdue wrestler looked helpless in front of the 25-year-old and ultimately accepted his loss. Was that not a statement?
Yes. Additionally, in the quarterfinals, Gable Steveson faced a familiar foe: Cohlton Schultz. The Arizona powerhouse was ranked No. 2 in Team USA’s 130 kg class for the 2024-25 season—a legitimate Olympic contender. But that didn’t matter. Gable took him down with the same precision and authority he displayed earlier in the day against Yaraslau Slavikouski. Now think again: in the span of just a few hours, Steveson dismantled two Team USA-caliber wrestlers with ease. If that’s not a statement, what is? So, why shouldn’t Gable be thinking about LA 2028? Well, he already is—and he’s not shy about it.
After his quarterfinal win, reporters pressed him on the depth of Team USA’s heavyweight class and whether he felt he was adding to it. Without hesitation, Gable Steveson made his stance clear: “A lot of great competitors, a lot of guys trying to make the team—and rightfully so. You know, I made the team before, won the Olympic championships. I feel like I can do it again. And there’s guys that are just in the way, and I plan on taking them out and doing the best I can with it.” It was pure confidence. The kind of confidence that comes from already standing on top of the Olympic podium once before. And based on his NCAA rampage, the 25-year-old is sending a clear message to the wrestling world: he’s coming for that spot again. And if Thursday was carrying that message, the events on Friday were pinning it on the board.
On Friday (March 21), Gable Steveson took one step closer to cementing his legacy. In a dominant display, he ended Owen Trephan’s NCAA run, defeating the Lehigh All-American with a convincing 13-5 scoreline. Trephan fought hard, but Steveson was simply on another level, showcasing the power, precision, and control that make him one of the most feared heavyweights in the world. And now, it all comes down to one final match.
Standing between Gable and another NCAA Wrestling Championship title is Wyatt Hendrickson. Just one last collegiate showdown—and it could very well be the final match of Gable’s storied college wrestling career. Win it, and he not only claims another national title but also bolsters his case for a spot on Team USA in LA 2028. But despite his dominance, the debates rage on about his comeback to NCAA wrestling.
Gable Steveson still had to hear the criticism
“It’s wild that Gable Steveson is still eligible and wrestling in college. Dude has already had like four different (and cool) careers. Life Maxing.” That kind of sentiment is still making the rounds on social media. Fans are scratching their heads, wondering how Steveson, who has already conquered Olympic gold, WWE, and beyond, is somehow still competing in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Questions about his eligibility flood comment sections and forums. But does Gable Steveson let the chatter get under his skin?
Not a chance. To Gable Steveson, the noise is just part of the show. The bigger question is: Can anyone stop him from adding another chapter to his already legendary college career? No. In fact, comments like these chased him this year when he won the B1G Heavyweight title on March 9. The achievement made him the first heavyweight wrestler in history to win four B1G Heavyweight titles. Also, on the same night, he claimed titles like the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament and the 2025 Wrestler of the B1G Championship. But in the comment box, lines followed, “Started college in 2018. Left and went pro. Should not be wrestling in college. Absurd.” And look where the former Olympic champion is! Almost to the Mt. Rushmore of college wrestling. Even Gable couldn’t stop himself from making fun of it.
After storming through the NCAA semifinals, Gable Steveson walked into the post-match press conference with his trademark blend of swagger and humor. When asked about his performance, he casually shrugged and quipped, “Not bad for a 30-year-old.” The room, meanwhile, chuckled, but the message was clear: Steveson is still levels above the competition, no matter how long he’s been around—or how many times fans jokingly add a few years to his age. The real kicker? If he keeps dominating like this, he might just be winning Olympic medals at 30—and probably still making it look easy.
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