“It’s crazy that I can search my name online and I’ll show up,” commented Stephen Buchanan, reflecting on his viral wrestling fame. The All-American, who made headlines with a win over Dakota Geer, recently transferred from Oklahoma to Iowa. His move follows David Taylor’s appointment as head coach at Oklahoma, prompting a wave of controversy. Buchanan, a Wisconsin native and three-time All-American, had a stellar high school record and finished third at the 2024 NCAA Championships. 

The wrestling community is buzzing with mockery and debate over his decision to switch teams, with critics questioning the motives and supporters hoping it will boost his career. Fans are also disappointed and wondering about Taylor’s influence and the abrupt shift despite earlier ‘loyalty’ advice.

David Taylor’s mentee faces backlash after controversial state switch

Recently, on X, The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) posted a profile of Stephen Buchanan with the caption, “He’s from ‘Loyal’… 🤔😂,” highlighting the irony in Buchanan’s frequent university changes despite his loyalty claims. The wrestling community is buzzing with mixed emotions as Buchanan’s shift to Iowa comes even after having the legendary David Taylor at Oklahoma University. In 2022, Stephen moved to Oklahoma University and made his mark with the Sooners. In his first season, Buchanan posted an impressive 29-3 record. 

He dominated with nine wins over ranked opponents and solidified his status as one of the top wrestlers with a standout performance at the NCAA Championships. But his move to Iowa caused a stir in the wrestling community. Fans and critics are reacting strongly, debating the impact of his transfer on his career. The decision, made after significant success at Oklahoma under coach David Taylor, has sparked a heated discussion about loyalty and career choices in wrestling.

Iowa revealed their roaster changes on Tuesday when it became clear that Stephen joined Hawekeys. However, the newcomer Jacori Teemer appears to be around the corner. Drake Ayala seems to have changed weights, and four starters have moved from Hawkeyes. As per the post on X by ShallengeLoast, Stephen’s deal was confirmed. That post taught fans how much money he may have received after joining Iowa. “Buchanan is getting $500k for what essentially will be 1 semester,” ShallengeLoast wrote on X. But, fans could not digest this transfer news and showed their disgust to Stephen after seeing the amount he will get from it.

Stephen Buchanan’s shocking decision ignites fan outrage in wrestling community

Fans were left outraged after Stephen’s transfer news broke. Their disbelief and shock quickly turned into frustration, as the loyal fans could not fathom that he would not be at Oklahoma University. Hence, social media buzzed with emotional reactions. One fan expressed frustration, noting, “He’s loyal to the dollar (like most of us).” This reflects the backlash over Buchanan’s transfer, with reports suggesting he is receiving a reported $500,000 in NIL earnings for what will essentially be one semester with the Hawkeyes. Many fans find this significant financial gap hard to accept, fueling his move’s controversy.

Another fan took a positive view, saying, “It means he’s dedicated to his craft.” Despite Stephen Buchanan’s frequent transfers, including his recent move from Wyoming to Iowa, this fan saw his commitment to wrestling as a sign of dedication. Buchanan, a 2023 NCAA All-American, is viewed as staying true to his sport rather than leaving it behind.

A fan urged others to stop fussing over the transfer, saying, “Jeezuz…get over it.” She pointed out that athletes like Stephen Buchanan often switch universities. Buchanan, who had a 16-3 record against ranked opponents and won 15 of his last 16 matches, is viewed as part of the sport’s ongoing evolution. For this fan, the move is nothing out of the ordinary.

Another fan asked, “So quit hating?🫠😂” criticizing those unhappy with the transfer. They pointed out that Stephen Buchanan, who lost to national champion Aaron Brooks but then bounced back to defeat John Poznanski in the consolation round, is showing resilience. They argued that negative online reactions are pointless and won’t change the decision.

One fan jokingly said, “I would take that money, car, and housing real quick too! 😂” This lighthearted comment underscores the surprise over Stephen Buchanan’s substantial financial gain from his move to Iowa. The fan’s humor highlights the shock at the lucrative offer Buchanan received, suggesting that the opportunity is hard to pass up. While the fan’s playful outrage adds to the debate, it raises a serious question: Will Buchanan perform well in his new wrestling environment? Can he handle the new training challenges? All eyes are on him to see how he fares.