Wyatt Hendrickson named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare

Wyatt Hendrickson (Newton, Kan./Oklahoma State) has been named the USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, on March 26, 2025.

Hendrickson, a 2023 U23 World Champion in men’s freestyle, won his first NCAA title at 285 pounds in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, last weekend. In the championship finals, the Cowboy defeated 2021 Tokyo Olympic champion, two-time NCAA Champion and two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner Gable Steveson of Minnesota, 5-4.

In Saturday’s finale at 285 pounds, Steveson jumped to a 3-0 lead with a first period takedown, and Hendrickson was able to make a quick escape for a 3-1 score. After starting the second period down, Hendrickson’s escape closed the gap to 3-2. In the third period, Steveson pushed ahead 4-2. With 18 seconds remaining in the match, Hendrickson scored on a high crotch to a double leg takedown, taking a 5-4 lead.

Hendrickson’s top finish helped Oklahoma State to a third place team finish, along with Dean Hamiti’s first place finish at 174 pounds for the Cowboys. Prior to his final year of NCAA eligibility, Hendrickson competed for the U.S. Air Force Academy.

In his collegiate career, Hendrickson was a five-time NCAA qualifier, three-time NCAA DI All-American, three-time Big 12 Champion, led the NCAA in Most Falls in a season, and was twice named the NCAA’s Most Dominant Wrestler.

To nominate a wrestler for this honor please email the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments, and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.