Biggest upset in college wrestling history? Oh, you better believe it! Just hours ago, the unthinkable happened—Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson shocked the entire wrestling world by snatching the NCAA heavyweight title right out from under Olympic champ and two-time NCAA king Gable Steveson. In a packed Wells Fargo Arena, with the crowd going berserk, Hendrickson pulled off a 5-4 stunner—one that’ll be replayed, talked about, and debated for years to come. And let’s not forget, Steveson wasn’t just any opponent—he was an Olympic gold medalist, a two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner, and an absolute force who hadn’t even given up a single takedown all season.

With just 30 seconds left on the clock, Hendrickson went for broke—grabbing a leg, transitioning to a double-leg, and bulldozing his way into history with a buzzer-beat takedown so wild that it left even Daniel Cormier speechless on the ESPN broadcast. And then came the moment that had everyone talking—Hendrickson wrapping himself in the American flag right after his victory. Was it a statement? A message to Steveson? But don’t worry—Wyatt Hendrickson himself is setting the record straight on why he draped himself in the red, white, and blue after pulling off one of the most unforgettable upsets the sport has ever seen!

Wyatt Hendrickson reveals his feelings!

As Evan Smith, The Daily Collegian’s wrestling and hockey writer, dropped a clip from the post-match presser, the burning question finally hit Wyatt Hendrickson—what was the deal with the flag moment? Was it a flex? A little shot at Steveson? Hendrickson wasted no time clearing it up, and his response? Nothing but respect. “Manner of chief right there, baby,” he said with a smirk. He was just locked in, focused on the match, but he did notice something before stepping onto the mat—Steveson walked over to say something.

“He talked about that he’s an Olympic champion. He’s walked with that flag around his shoulders,” Hendrickson recalled. That moment stuck with him, but not as a taunt—as a tribute. “I wasn’t doing that in any way or shape or form to mock him,” he added. It wasn’t about showing up an Olympic champ—it was about recognizing one. But for Hendrickson, the flag wasn’t just about that match—it was about something much bigger.

“I’m proud of my service and what I’ve done and what I’ll continue to do,” he said, standing by his beliefs. This wasn’t just about taking down a legend or shaking up the NCAA world—it was about who he is at his core. That’s why, in that moment, draping the flag over his shoulders felt right. “We’re one nation under God at the end of the day,” he stated firmly, making it clear that, for him, wrestling is just a chapter in a story way bigger than the mat. And guess what? Wyatt Hendrickson has all the right to be proud of his service!

Hendrickson from the Air Force to wrestling!

Wyatt Hendrickson once dreamed of wrestling for Oklahoma State, picturing himself in that iconic orange singlet. But life threw him a curveball, leading him to the Air Force Academy instead. There, he built a stacked resume—four-time NCAA qualifier, two-time All-American, Big-12 champ. Just when it seemed like his college days were over, fate had one last twist. Oklahoma State needed a heavyweight, and Hendrickson was ready. He stepped in, dominated, and even took down an Olympic champion—talk about a full-circle moment.

Funny thing is, Hendrickson almost never went to the Air Force. When he got his recruitment letter, he tossed it in the trash. His dad, Todd, wasn’t having it—sprinting across the room to fish it out. Turns out, Todd once dreamed of the Naval Academy but was turned away due to an eye condition. Wyatt wanted Oklahoma State, but after hearing his dad out, he realized, “I want to serve this great country.” Wrestling in the Big 12 while securing his future? It just made sense.

Then came another twist—his Olympic dream. Thanks to the Air Force’s World Class Athlete Program, Hendrickson got the green light to use his extra NCAA year at Oklahoma State. “I learned a lot at Air Force and I benefited a lot from it,” he said. With five new coaches pushing him, he’s leveled up in ways he never imagined. Now? He’s got NCAA glory under his belt and the 2028 Olympics on his radar.