The Dan Hodge Trophy stands as the pinnacle of college wrestling. And it has come to symbolize absolute dominance on the mat. And for this season, a three-way battle is building up among the NCAA competitors to claim the ultimate prize. From the top dogs to up-and-coming talents and the unstoppable beast that is Gable Steveson. All are eyeing it. But who will leave the fray with their name on the gold? It is too early to say. But one thing is clear. It will not be easy. But what is the current scenario?

Among the many hopefuls, two names are shining the brightest. And either of the two men can lay their claim to the Dan Hodge Trophy. Will it be Aaron Brooks, who won bronze in the Paris Olympics and secured this victory last year? Or will it be the returning Gable Steveson who looks to add another trinket to his expansive collection already shining with two NCAA titles and an Olympic gold? And if it is Gable, then will he finally be the one that will put an end to the juggernaut named Penn State?

Gable Steveson is performing on the wrestling mat like no one else. Moreover, in his latest match against Northwestern’s Dirk Morley, he clinched his 59th win in a row. With a flawless 55-0 dual meet record and 40 straight Big Ten wins, he’s closing in on Minnesota’s all-time streak records. His 92-2 career record reflects a legacy of unmatched consistency and power. And Steveson’s ability to control the mat continues to solidify his place as one of the most dominant forces in NCAA wrestling history.

On the other hand, Mitchell Mesenbrink’s decision to join Penn State’s powerhouse program has established him as a strong competitor. He delivered an impressive victory, including a dominant 12-1 victory over seventh-ranked Cam Amine of Michigan, followed by an 18-9 win over tenth-ranked Caleb Fish. As if that wasn’t enough, he also clinched a bronze in the U23 World Championships in Albania. Under Chael Sanderson, Mitchell has already proven himself capable as a top guy. And is looking forward to entering the three-way for the trophy.

In addition to this, Penn State’s Carter Starocci earned a 3-1 win against Iowa State’s Angelo Ferrari. The whole community is debating about who will get hold of that trophy. The tension is building! And there is no shortage of talent. But the fans have no idea who to support.

Wrestling fans are divided over the Hodge Trophy and Gable Steveson

Wrestling fans all over the nation are buzzing with excitement and debate over who should be considered the top wrestler. Gable Steveson and Mitchell Mesenbrink are among the names thrown into the ring, each with their legion of supporters. Some fans believe Mesenbrink is the clear favorite for the Hodge Trophy.

“Mesenbrink for Hodge? Perhaps the biggest gap there is from #1 to #2,” one fan remarked. But not everyone agrees. Many are quick to point out Steveson’s unmatched dominance. That athlete has an impressive record, which makes him the rightful winner. “Some guy named Gable disagrees,” one fan joked, referring to the Olympic champion’s remarkable credentials.

Steveson’s dominance on the mat has some fans convinced that the Hodge Trophy is already his to lose. “It depends on what you mean by gap. The gap is mostly because #2 isn’t really that good. Gable is by far the best wrestler in college,” one fan argued. If he continues to overpower top-tier opponents like Greg Kerkvliet, there’s little doubt he’ll solidify his case for the award.

But among all these debates, Gable Steveson didn’t shy away from giving his take. He mentions, “I want to win the Dan Hodge Trophy. It’s stuff I’ve done before, and I can do it again.” Steveson followed this up by saying, “Is it harder to repeat? Of course. But I’ve done it once; I can do it twice. But can I do it three times?” But Steveson and Mitchell are not the only big names in this mix.

Penn State has built a stacked roster filled with potential Hodge winners. Alongside Mesenbrink, wrestlers like Aaron Brooks, Carter Starocci, and Greg Kerkvliet are all making strong cases for themselves. With so much talent in the field, the 2025 race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events.

Some fans have pointed out that dismissing wrestlers like Michael Caliendo was unreasonable. “Saying Caliendo ‘isn’t that good’ is ridiculous,” one fan argued. Caliendo, who placed 4th at the NCAA Championships in the 2023-24 season and earned his 2nd All-American honors, has proven himself time and again. As the season heats up and competition day approaches, who will claim this title? What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.