“I don’t really keep tabs on other programs a whole lot,” Penn State’s legendary wrestling HC Cael Sanderson said about how he’s more focused on doing his own stuff. While concentrating on his work has brought the veteran coach uncharted glory, he might need to take a few notes from his peers to maintain that dominance in the NCAA. Second-generation wrestling star Michael Mocco‘s latest move only urges Sanderson to rethink his strategy, and fast!

Son of the 2x NCAA champion Steve Mocco, Michael is carrying forward the family legacy in the most impressive way possible. The 2024 U17 world champ has been on the radar of the country’s top programs, and it looks like he’s just a few steps away from giving the NLWC a run for its money.

Wrestling reporter Eli McKown posted on X on April 14, sharing details of Michael Mocco’s future trajectory. “Iowa’s Class of 2026 just got a massive addition. Michael Mocco is a Hawkeye, one of the top heavyweight prospects in the class,” McKown wrote in her social media update. Mocco’s father Steve earned a name for himself in the country’s collegiate circuit thanks to his accolades in the 285lb weight class, and Michael has already shown his mettle on the mat and is ranked #15 on 2026 Big Board.

“I’m excited to announce my commitment to the University of Iowa. I feel blessed to have these opportunities, and I’m excited for what the future holds. Go Hawks!” reads the caption in the accompanying image of McKown’s post, which looks like a screenshot of Michael’s recent Instagram update. The 2024 Ironman Champion at 285 pounds is also a Fargo 16U title winner in the 220-pound bracket, and is joining the Hawkeyes 24 years after his father announced his commitment for them after a recruitment battle that went down to the wire.

Steve won the first of his two NCAA titles as a Hawkey (won his second competing for OSU) and forever sealed his status as a program icon. However, considering that Iowa finished the 2025 NCAA D1 Championships behind Oklahoma, many would think that Stillwater should have been the place to go for a scintillating talent like Michael. Moreover, the fact that Penn State alum and the 2020 Olympic champ David Taylor sits at the top of the OSU program would only bolster the argument. But the heart wants what the heart wants.

But the Hawkeyes won’t have anything to complain about. Mocco is the second big recruit for the Class of 2026 after Bo Bassett committed to Iowa in February. The 2021 U17 world champ was also the unanimous No. 1 recruit of the ’26 class thanks to his incredible 110-0 high school record. With such high-profile names waiting to make their Iowa debut, one thing’s for sure: it’s only a matter of time before the Hawkeyes climb back up the NCAA ladder. However, not leaving things to luck, Basset is giving it his all to make Iowa great again.

Michael Mocco’s future teammate is on the lookout

With 25 national team titles to its name, Iowa is the second-most decorated wrestling program in the country. However, with Penn State dominating the circuit, the Hawkeyes haven’t managed to make much impact in the NCAA Championships in the last four years. But all that could change soon. Both Michael Mocco and Bo Bassett had visited Oklahoma State, among other colleges, before deciding to settle in Iowa. And it’s the choice that Basset wants other top talents in the country to make as well.

“I’m texting guys who aren’t committed yet, I’m like, ‘Hey, we get you, we can do this,’ kind of planting that seed in these guys’ ear,” Bo told McKown earlier this month about how he has been trying to use his exceptional social media reach and influence to bring top talents to the Hawkeyes camp. The 2023 Clarion Open champ from Bishop McCort High School made a lot of noise when he gave word to Tom Brands to be a flagbearer for the Hawkeyes, and he has been clear about how joining the Hawkeyes was a dream come true for him. His goal? Crystal clear. “What this program and the standard they had, you want to keep that up,” Bassett told McKown earlier this month. “You want to make another dynasty, make another run,” he added.

How do you think Michael Mocco will fit into Bo’s vision to make Iowa a formidable force in the NCAA scene? And how do you think Steve Mocco’s son would use his knowledge and skill to earn himself a similar reputation as the former? Tell us your thoughts about Iowa’s 2026 roster in a comment!