Wyatt Hendrickson, a native of Newton, Kansas, has distinguished himself in collegiate wrestling by combining talent, willpower, and physical prowess. Hendrickson’s size has played a big role in his wrestling career. He stands 6 feet tall and competes in the heavyweight division, which accepts fighters weighing up to 285 pounds. In addition to meeting the weight class requirements, his physical attributes have given him a competitive advantage on the mat.
Hendrickson’s commitment to wrestling was clear during his time at Newton High School. He twice held the position of team captain and was a four-year letterwinner. His dedication paid off as he became a three-time state finalist and a two-time Kansas state champion. His subsequent pursuits in the sport were facilitated by these early successes.
Hendrickson made the switch to collegiate wrestling and enrolled in the Air Force Academy, where he maintained his stellar record. He had a 103–11 record over four years and was twice named an All-American. Among his notable accomplishments during his time in the Air Force were winning several Big 12 Conference titles and leading the country in pins for two straight seasons.

Hendrickson transferred to Oklahoma State University for the 2024–25 season after receiving an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was able to compete at a high level and get ready for future goals thanks to this calculated move. He had an undefeated 27-0 record at Oklahoma State, which culminated in a thrilling NCAA Championships victory over Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson. This victory not only demonstrated his talent and readiness, but it also demonstrated how crucial his physical characteristics are to defeating strong opponents. Wikipedia+1 New York Post+1
The symbiotic relationship between an athlete’s physical attributes and technical skill is highlighted by Hendrickson’s journey. He has successfully used his height and weight to his advantage, which goes well with his intense training and tactical approach to games. This combination has paved the way for his future goals and catapulted him to the top of collegiate wrestling.
Hendrickson’s dedication is demonstrated outside of the mat by his work as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force. His ability to juggle the rigors of collegiate athletics with the demands of military service is evidence of his discipline and commitment. In line with his trajectory of constant improvement and success, he hopes to compete for the United States in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. New York Post+1Sports Spectrum+1
Hendrickson’s story illustrates a trend in collegiate wrestling where athletes strive for success by balancing their physical characteristics with skill development. His accomplishments serve as motivation, showing that aspiring wrestlers can achieve incredible heights with the correct balance of mental toughness and physical preparedness.
People like Wyatt Hendrickson serve as examples of the commitment and balance needed to succeed in both sports and national service as society continues to honor athletic achievement. His story highlights the complex nature of success in collegiate wrestling and provides insightful information about the relationship between physical characteristics and athletic accomplishment.
Please visit Wyatt Hendrickson’s profile on the Oklahoma State University Athletics website for more thorough details about his career and achievements: Athletics at Oklahoma State University
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Wyatt Hendrickson |
Date of Birth | January 13, 2001 |
Hometown | Newton, Kansas |
Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
Weight Class | Heavyweight (up to 285 lbs / 129.3 kg) |
High School | Newton High School |
College Career | Air Force Academy (2019–2024): 103–11 record, two-time All-American |
Oklahoma State University (2024–2025): 27–0 record, NCAA National Champion | |
Notable Achievements | Defeated Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in 2025 NCAA Championships |
Multiple Big 12 Conference championships | |
Led the nation in pins for consecutive seasons | |
Military Service | Second Lieutenant, United States Air Force |
Future Aspirations | Aim to represent the USA in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics |