The moment the wrestling world has been eagerly anticipating has finally arrived! Bo Bassett, the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2026, has officially committed to his college of choice. But where will the young phenom continue his wrestling journey? Drumroll, please! It’s none other than the University of Iowa! That’s right—Bassett is set to become a Hawkeye, stepping into a program rich with history and dominance. He even shared a tweet to show his excitement.

A dominant force on the mat, Bo Bassett has cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished young wrestlers of his generation. With an impressive resume that includes three Super 32 titles, three Ironman Wrestling Tournament victories, and three Powerade Wrestling Tournament championships. And now he has landed himself in Iowa! From Patrick Kennedy to Kyle Parco, Tom Brands, and the legendary Spencer Lee, Iowa has been home to some of the greatest wrestlers of all time. But what drove Bassett to this decision?

The decision to choose Iowa is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream inspired by those who came before him. In a recent video shared on social media, when asked what it felt like to sign a kid’s shirt and be a role model, Bassett experienced a full circle moment in his journey. He reflected on the wrestlers who shaped his journey, none more so than Spencer Lee, a Hawkeye legend.

“I remember getting Spencer Lee’s [autograph] more than once. A ton of times,” he recalled. “He was always my big role model. One time when I was like eight, I went to the training center, and that was unbelievable.” For Bassett, Spencer Lee wasn’t just a name in the record books. He was a tangible source of inspiration, someone who set the standard for excellence and determination.

A dominant force on the mat, Lee’s accomplishments speak for themselves. He is a Paris Olympic silver medalist in the 57 kg category, a 2014 World Champion, and a three-time NCAA Champion. Incredible! Three-time PIAA State Champion, three-time Big Ten Champion, and Wrestler of the Year as well. All this while compiling a great collegiate record of 98-6. On January 27, while speaking to FloWrestling, Bassett made his admiration clear when asked about his favorite wrestler.

“I gotta go, Spencer Lee. That’s my guy. I looked up to him since I was young,” he said. It’s safe to say that the Hawkeye legend played a significant role in shaping Bassett’s decision to commit to Iowa. Bassett derived the important mindset and competitive spirit from the Hawkeye legend and its all that drives him to be the best.

Bo Bassett’s resilience shines through

Bo Bassett’s wrestling journey has been nothing short of extraordinary since the beginning. His memorable loss at the national level failed to diminish the ongoing respect and recognition that he receives in the wrestling community. Bassett reached multiple important achievements during his season when he delivered a major 21-5 technical fall against Wyatt Fry. Bassett’s 100th straight high school win!

Through his participation, Bassett helped Bishop McCort claim victory against Wyoming Seminary after their 719-day undefeated run. The athlete secured additional honors through his Powerade and Super 32 championship wins while defeating opponents to triumph at the Ironman Tournament. A

new distinguished distinction has emerged to accompany his ongoing list of accomplishments.

During his successful career, Bassett experienced an unforgettable moment by meeting his childhood wrestling hero, Spencer Lee. Bo Bassett visited the University of Iowa when he was seeking college recruitment opportunities. During Bo’s arrival, he discovered the Hawkeye greatness that surrounded him. College wrestler Spencer Lee was there waiting to meet Bo Bassett.

That guy has clinched three NCAA titles and two Hodge Trophies during his college career. But for Bo, Lee is more than just a champion. Guiding Bo through his entire wrestling career path toward college competition. As Bassett is set to make his own legacy in Iowa, can he follow in the footsteps of his idol? Let us know in the comments: what do you think?