Bo Bassett is undoubtedly the most sought-after recruit for the class of 2026. And Bo knows it, too! He has been approaching his college recruiting process with his favorite “Machine Gun Mindset” that he shows on the mat. The unconventional process of college elimination that began with 80 schools has now reached a salvageable 15. Bo put out his latest school list on October 9th, and one school had been cut from the list. The school to be cut was, unfortunately, Air Force. As sad as it is, the list is still a strong one.

The names still on the list include Arizona State, Cornell, Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Penn State, and Rutgers, amongst others. Bo has, many times, over the course of elimination, made it clear that he will not settle until he finds the right college. And it seems he’s getting closer, as one of the programs on his latest list just hosted him for an official visit!

Bo meets a wrestling legend at the University of Iowa!

The latest stop on Bo Bassett’s tedious journey was Iowa. While two colleges from Iowa remain on the list, this visit was to the University of Iowa. The visit, unlike other colleges, saw a new kind of excitement from Bo. Even before stepping into the Uni gates, Bo took it to X and did a little throwback. He wrote, “Heading to Iowa this weekend for my official visit! My whole family is excited to check out the Hawkeyes.” Yes, you read that right, folks. After Michigan, this is the second time that Bo’s family has been on campus. While the familial proximity is exciting, something else awaited Bo on the other side of the gate.

The visit to understand the Hawkeyes turned into a masterclass in what they can do! As Bo arrived, he found himself amidst Hawkeye royalty. Spencer Lee, the legendary Hawkeye who went on to win three NCAA titles and a pair of Hodge Trophies during his college career, was waiting for Bo. Lee is not just a great wrestler to Bo but also a source of inspiration, so much so that Bo’s college process was one that Lee inspired. As Bo himself puts it, “When I was in elementary school, I would have done anything to follow along with Spencer Lee, Jason Nolf, or Zain Retherford’s recruiting process.”

So, finally getting the chance to meet and spend some time on the mat with Spencer Lee was not just a brush with fame. But also a full-circle moment. As expected, the visit did not disappoint Bo. Soon after, he took it to X again and wrote, “So grateful for these opportunities. Got to scrap with Spencer & Austin. I looked up to these guys since I started wrestling.” Yes, that is right. Lee was not the only one there.

To make the visit even more memorable, Bo met another Haweye favorite. The man is none other than Austin DeSanto, Iowa’s four-time All-American. This was not just a visit but a moment when inspiration and impact came together to present a rather compelling case. If that wasn’t enough, Spencer Lee did not arrive empty-handed either.

As Bo Bassett writes, “Heading to the football game next. #MachineGunMindset #grateful.” You read that right: Spencer Lee brought with him the tickets to the upcoming football match. While the case and points presented are strong, Spencer Lee’s opponent in the battle of Bo is the Magic Man, who also happens to be Bo’s idol.

A battle of inspiration vs. idol!

While Spencer Lee has evidently had a huge impact on BO, there is another man who Bo Bassett has looked up to in the battle. The man is none other than Olympic champion and head coach of Oklahoma State University, David Taylor. There is no doubt that Taylor’s resume speaks for itself. And to make the case stronger, Taylor has left no stone unturned in trying to bring Bassett to OSU. But the drama doesn’t end there!

In the recruiting tug-of-war, battling the two colleges is none other than Taylor’s own college coach and mentor, Cael Sanderson. Perhaps the most formidable competition in this ear. It is no secret that the Penn State Nittany Lions, since Sanderson took over, have become the gold standard in NCAA wrestling. Over the years, they have won 11 team titles and 39 individual championships under Sanderson. Now the question is, will Bo pick Legacy? Or will he choose his idol? If you thought that was all, hold your ropes because a few more big names have given it their all for Bo.

Michigan is a name that stands tall on the list. The Wolverines have been on a rollercoaster that has only gone up since coach Sean Bormet took over. It was when he stepped in that Michigan went on to their first Big Ten championship since 1973. Bo himself had something to say about the visit. “Michigan Weekend was amazing. Taking my time, looking at every option, and enjoying this recruiting process. Go Blue!!” he wrote post-visit. It’s clear that Michigan has positioned itself rather well here, but will he pick them? Only time, and Bo Bassett has the answers.

Regardless of what Bo decides, one thing is certain. Wherever he ends up, he’ll have earned it through a recruitment process as meticulous as his wrestling style.