A wave of debate swept through collegiate sports circles this summer as Travis Hunter, Colorado’s two-way football standout, was named the Big 12 Athlete of the Year. Hunter’s season was remarkable, registering 92 receptions, 14 touchdowns, and 1,152 receiving yards while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. The honor also coincided with personal developments, as his father, taken into custody for probation violations, was released after the state withdrew its allegations. Yet amid the celebration, certain fans and analysts questioned whether Hunter’s accomplishments overshadowed other exceptional athletes in the conference. Many pointed to Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson, whose dominance on the wrestling mat had captured national attention.

Wyatt Hendrickson’s 2024-25 campaign was historic. But more on that later. And despite that extraordinary season, Hendrickson was overlooked for the Big 12 Athlete of the Year. However, now, Oklahoma State Athletics has recognized Hendrickson’s accomplishments at the 2025 Cowboy Choice Awards. He has been named Cowboy Athlete of the Year. The university’s official X handle posted, “Congratulations to Wyatt Hendrickson on winning Cowboy Athlete of The Year 🤠,” signaling a measure of validation for the wrestler’s remarkable season. And that’s where his seasonal recap comes into the conversation again.

Transferring to Oklahoma State for his final collegiate season, Wyatt utilized an extra year of eligibility through the Air Force’s World Class Athlete Program and immediately flourished under first-year coach David Taylor, an Olympic gold medalist. Hendrickson concluded the season with a perfect 27-0 record, defeating nine All-Americans and compiling a 60:3 takedown ratio. His crowning achievement arrived at the NCAA Championships, where he defeated Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson to win the heavyweight national title and the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy. The achievements didn’t end there…

His season included a third Big 12 championship, 22 bonus-point victories, a near-fall tally of 23, and recognition as NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler for the third time in his career. And so, while the Big 12 award eluded him, Hendrickson’s historic accomplishments are now being honored by his university in a significant institutional recognition.

The juxtaposition of Hendrickson’s recognition at OSU and his omission from the Big 12 award illustrates a recurring conversation in collegiate athletics regarding how achievements are evaluated across different sports. Many argued that Hendrickson’s historic victories, flawless dual-season record, and national accolades merited the conference’s highest male athletic distinction. Undoubtedly, Hunter’s 2025 season was impressive, too.

Adding the Big 12 Athlete of the Year honor to an already decorated career, including the Heisman Trophy, Biletnikoff Award, Bednarik Award, and Walter Camp Award, Travis Hunter solidified his status as a generational talent in collegiate football. Yet the discussion surrounding Hendrickson’s snub highlighted the disparity in visibility and perceived prestige between football and wrestling. Fans and analysts alike contended that Hendrickson’s feats—including a 48-match win streak and three All-American honors—deserved equal, if not greater, consideration.

Oklahoma State celebrated Hendrickson’s success comprehensively.

Beyond his individual awards, his performances contributed to the resurgence of OSU wrestling under Taylor’s guidance. Hendrickson’s NCAA final takedown of Steveson, 22 bonus-point wins, and consistent dominance across the dual season reinforced his status as a cornerstone of OSU athletics. His story exemplifies a career defined by perseverance, skill, and strategic acumen, culminating in recognition as Cowboy Athlete of the Year.

Ultimately, the contrast between Hunter’s Big 12 honor and Hendrickson’s Cowboy Athlete of the Year award underscores the challenges of evaluating achievement across different sports. Recognition at the institutional level may not fully erase the sting of the conference snub, but it affirms the enduring significance of Hendrickson’s achievements in wrestling and the broader sports landscape.

And despite being overlooked for major collegiate honors, Wyatt Hendrickson is stepping into the spotlight as the star of a new professional wrestling league.

Wyatt Hendrickson to lead new professional wrestling league after NCAA snub

Wyatt Hendrickson will assume a leading role in Real American Freestyle’s inaugural event scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland, signaling a deliberate step beyond the collegiate sphere. The league, co-founded by Chad Bronstein, intends to cultivate a professional arena for wrestlers while providing them with a sustainable platform to extend their careers. Hendrickson’s participation underscores both his resilience and commitment to advancing the sport in new dimensions.

The announcement coincides with Real American Freestyle’s partnership with Takedown apparel, which will provide athletes with both performance-oriented and lifestyle clothing, merging athletic precision with contemporary design sensibilities. Dustin Kawa, Takedown’s CEO, remarked, “Both brands share a deep love for wrestling and a commitment to fighting for the sport, the athletes, and the community that raised us.”

This alliance, coupled with ongoing discussions involving Olympic champion Gable Steveson, hints at potential marquee matchups that could confer immediate visibility and credibility upon the fledgling league. And Hendrickson’s presence at the helm effectively frames him as both a competitor and an ambassador, bridging the traditional wrestling culture with emerging professional avenues.

Wyatt Hendrickson’s focus appears unwavering despite the absence of certain collegiate honors that might have otherwise cemented his legacy within NCAA records. His trajectory now extends into a professional setting that seeks to redefine the career arc for wrestlers while offering audiences an elevated level of competition. By fronting Real American Freestyle’s debut and collaborating with established brands, Hendrickson positions himself not merely as a participant but as a pivotal figure in reshaping how wrestling is perceived and sustained beyond conventional collegiate or Olympic contexts.