Wyatt Hendrickson: Biography, Career, Achievements, and Wrestling Style
October 7, 2025
On January 13, 2001, Wyatt Hendrickson was born in Newton, Kansas. He is the son of Todd and Lynnette Hendrickson and has two sisters, Megan and Gracie. Hendrickson was a talented athlete from a young age, especially in wrestling, where he quickly became one of Kansas’ best competitors.
Hendrickson was a three-time state finalist and two-time Kansas state champion at Newton High School. He won gold at 195 pounds in 2018 and 220 pounds in 2019. He did well in national events too, winning All-American accolades in freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folkstyle wrestling. He won several national titles at important events, including the NHSCA Senior Nationals and FloNationals, which set him up for his college wrestling career.
Collegiate Career
Air Force Academy (2020–2024)
After high school, Hendrickson enrolled at the United States Air Force Academy, competing in the heavyweight division for the Falcons. Encouraged by his father to embrace the Air Force opportunity, he not only pursued his education but also built one of the most successful wrestling careers in Academy history.
Hendrickson finished his Air Force career with 104 wins, becoming the program’s all-time leader in pins. He earned two Big 12 Conference titles (2022,2023), was named an NCAA All-American, and placed third at the NCAA Championships in both 2023 and 2024. His aggressive, bonus-point-heavy style made him one of the most dominant wrestlers in the country, and he was recognized as the NCAA’s Most Dominant Wrestler multiple times.
Oklahoma State University (2024–2025)
Thanks to an extra year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hendrickson transferred to Oklahoma State University for his final collegiate season. He joined the Cowboys as part of the Air Force’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), which allowed him to continue competing at an elite level while deferring his active military service.
The 2024–25 season was historic for Hendrickson. He went undefeated with a perfect 27–0 record and captured the 2025 NCAA Division I heavyweight championship. In the final, he secured a dramatic last-second takedown to defeat Olympic gold medalist and former two-time NCAA champion Gable Steveson, winning 5–4. This victory brought him national recognition and solidified his place in wrestling history.
Following his championship, Hendrickson received the Dan Hodge Trophy, awarded to the nation’s most dominant collegiate wrestler. He was also named Big 12 Wrestler of the Year, marking a perfect conclusion to his college career.
International Competition
Hendrickson has had success in wrestling outside of the NCAA. He won the U23 World Championship in men’s freestyle at 125 kg in 2023, which indicated that he is even better than he already was on the world stage.
He won the Final X in 2025, which got him a spot on Team USA. This meant he could compete for the United States in the 125 kg freestyle division at the Senior World Wrestling Championships. He also won gold at the Pan American Championships in 2025, which helped him become one of the best heavyweights in the world.
Wrestling Style and Technique
People recognize Wyatt Hendrickson for his aggressive and relentless style of wrestling. Hendrickson doesn’t play defensively like many heavyweights do; instead, he always pushes the pace and tries for extra points.
- Pinning Ability: He led the NCAA in falls for multiple seasons, showcasing his ability to finish matches quickly.
- Dominance: Hendrickson won many of his matches by technical fall or major decision, often overwhelming opponents with his strength and conditioning.
- Agility for Heavyweight: At 6’2” and competing at 285 pounds (125 kg), he maintains impressive agility, which allows him to capitalize on scoring opportunities, even late in matches.
- Clutch Performance: His last-second takedown against Gable Steveson in the 2025 NCAA final demonstrated his composure under pressure.
He is one of the most entertaining heavyweights in modern wrestling because he is big, athletic, and always ready to attack.
Achievements and Honors
- NCAA Heavyweight Champion (2025)
- Dan Hodge Trophy Winner (2025)
- Big 12 Wrestler of the Year (2025)
- Three-Time Big 12 Champion (2022,2023,2025)
- Three-Time NCAA All-American (2023,2024,2025)
- Three-Time NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler (2023,2024,2025)
- Air Force Academy All-Time Leader in Pins
- U23 World Champion (2023)
- Pan American Championships Gold Medalist (2025)
- Senior World Team Member (2025)
- He completed his collegiate career with an outstanding 127–11 overall record, finishing undefeated (27−0) in his final season.
Personal Life and Military Commitment
Wyatt Hendrickson is a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force when he’s not wrestling. He can train for international wrestling and get ready for his future military service through the World Class Athlete Program. Hendrickson wants to continue serving after his wrestling career because his family has a military past. He wants to become a pilot. He is also going to graduate school at Oklahoma State University, where he is juggling his schoolwork with his military and sports duties.
Conclusion
Wyatt Hendrickson has become one of the most important people in American wrestling. He is a role model for discipline, resilience, and excellence both on and off the mat, from his Kansas beginnings and high school success to his historic NCAA title and worldwide achievements. Hendrickson’s tale is an inspiration for both athletes and service members because he is still competing on the world stage while also being an officer in the U.S. Air Force.
