Starocci Secures Unprecedented Fifth National Title; Hendrickson Stuns Steveson at NCAA Wrestling Championships
Penn State’s Carter Starocci achieved a historic fifth national championship, while Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson delivered a stunning 5-4 victory over Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in the heavyweight final at the NCAA men’s wrestling championships on Saturday night. Former US President Donald Trump was present at the event.
Hendrickson’s Upset Victory Over Steveson
Hendrickson, an Air Force transfer, was trailing in the final match of the evening before executing a crucial takedown in the closing minute. Notably, this was the only takedown Steveson conceded throughout the entire season.
Following his triumph, Hendrickson saluted Trump. He then approached Trump, draped in an American flag, and exchanged a handshake and hug as part of his celebration. Trump’s presence at the event echoed his attendance as a candidate in 2023 when the tournament took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“This is bigger than worlds, Olympics, anything,” an emotional Hendrickson expressed immediately after his landmark win.
Steveson of Minnesota, aiming for his third national title and riding a 70-match winning streak, had returned this year after periods with World Wrestling Entertainment and the National Football League. He had previously retired after the 2022 championships, where he secured his second national title (2021 and 2022).
Steveson held a 3-2 advantage entering the third period but conceded the decisive takedown with approximately 20 seconds remaining. The crowd erupted upon Hendrickson’s score and as time expired.
Penn State Nittany Lions Dominate, Clinch Team Title
Starocci and the Nittany Lions secured their third consecutive four-peat, dominating the competition to win their 12th men’s Division I wrestling national title under the guidance of coach Cael Sanderson.
In his final match, Starocci defeated Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen 4-3 in the 184-pound division. Keckeisen was the reigning champion in this weight class.
Starocci maintained a grounded perspective on his achievement.
“It means a lot to me, and while I appreciate the moment, Coach Cael consistently emphasizes that this is all preparation for what lies ahead,” Starocci stated.
Penn State, only the second program to boast 10 All-Americans in a single season, amassed 177 points, surpassing their previous record from last year. Mitchell Mesenbrink added to Penn State’s championship tally, securing an 8-2 victory over Iowa’s Michael Caliendo in the 165 final. Mesenbrink concluded the season undefeated, after reaching the national final last year.
Other Championship Highlights
Nebraska finished second with 117 points, marking their best-ever tournament performance. Ridge Lovett at 149 and Antrell Taylor at 157 contributed to Nebraska’s success with individual championships. Oklahoma State secured third place with 102.5 points, followed by Iowa in fourth with 81 points.
Freshman Vincent Robinson from North Carolina State defeated Oklahoma State’s Troy Spratley 2-1 at 125, and Illinois’ Lucas Byrd overcame Iowa’s Drake Ayala 3-2 at 133.
At 141, Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez recovered from a 5-0 deficit to defeat Nebraska’s Brock Hardy 12-9 and claim his second consecutive national title. Hardy was the top-seeded wrestler.
In the 149 division, Lovett defeated defending champion Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech 1-0, becoming Nebraska’s first national champion since Jordan Burroughs in 2011.
Nebraska’s Taylor narrowly defeated Purdue’s Joey Blaze 4-2.
Oklahoma State’s Dean Hamiti triumphed over Missouri’s Keegan O’Toole 4-1 in overtime to win at 174. O’Toole, the national champion at 165 in 2022 and 2023, challenged a takedown ruling during regulation, which was overturned, allowing him to reach overtime. In sudden victory, another takedown was challenged but upheld, leading to Hamiti’s celebration with first-year coach David Taylor.
Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan defeated Penn State’s Josh Barr 5-2 in the 197 final. Buchanan has achieved All-American status at Wyoming, Oklahoma, and now Iowa.