The 2x NCAA Champ and Gold medalist is back for his 5th year of eligibility!
The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers wrestling team shocked everyone when they announced on Tuesday afternoon that two time NCAA Heavyweight Champion, and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Gold medalist Gable Steveson would return to the U of M for his 5th season of eligibility.
The two-time Hodge Trophy winner as the nation’s best NCAA wrestler will make his return to action in the maroon and gold on November 24th against Campbell.
“First I would like to thank the University of Minnesota for their time, their effort and their persistence with me to push me to the man I am today,” Steveson said in his comeback video.”Minnesota has given me everything, and now it’s my turn to give it right back to them: to put my feet back on the wrestling mat, to be the champ, one more time.”
Your attention please… pic.twitter.com/du4gkIIFvx
— Minnesota Wrestling (@GopherWrestling) November 12, 2024
“Gable has the burning desire to compete for the Maroon and Gold one last time,” Eggum said. “We are thankful he has chosen the opportunity to add to his historic legacy with our program. He is one of the best to ever compete in the sport of wrestling, and we are grateful for the impact has had at our program.”
Steveson still has a 5th year of eligibility remaining even though he last wrestled for Minnesota in the 2021-22 season thanks to the extra year he was granted due to Covid. With the change in NCAA regulations allowing players to seek outside opportunity, Gable retailed his eligibility despite flirting with the WWE, and trying out and playing for the Buffalo Bills in the preseason this summer.
He returns for one final season to try and add to his already impressive record as one of the best to wear the maroon and gold. The heavyweight is one of six in program history to win multiple NCAA championships (2021-22), one of eight to win three Big Ten titles (2020-22) and one of 11 to be a four-time All-American (2019-22). He boasts the best winning percentage in Gophers history with an 85-2 career record (.977), including a perfect 48-0 mark in dual competition and a 36-0 tally against Big Ten opponents. Of his 85 career wins Gable has has recorded 13 pins, 22 tech falls and 25 major decisions. Steveson resumes his career on a 52-match winning streak, having gone undefeated over each of his last three seasons.
Minnesota fans and the media will get to hear from Gable and Gopher wresting coach Brandon Eggum next Monday at approximately 10:30 a.m. in Classroom 105 in the Bierman Athletic Building following head football coach P.J. Fleck’s press conference.
Welcome Back Gable!!