Wyatt Hendrickson has already etched his name in the NCAA wrestling books. After all, with his jaw-dropping victory over Gable Steveson in the NCAA finals, he has become the center of attention. And the fashion in which he did it is even more unforgettable. With just seconds remaining on the clock, Captain America turned the tide in his favor with a 5-4 scoreline. But while this earned him the fans’ approval and a Dan Hodge trophy, something grander is about to come in his life. Something that might make him a legend. So what is it?

Well, for those who love wrestling as much as we do, they know what we are talking about. Yes, it is the US Open. And it is there where he will aim for a spot on the senior World Team for Team USA. But before he can chase that ultimate prize, he’s got a formidable challenge waiting on the card. Enter Hayden Zillmer, another rising star in the wrestling world, who’s been granted a bye heading into the U.S. Open.

But here’s where things get interesting. Hendrickson has also now been granted a bye heading into the tournament. This gives him a little more breathing room, but it also puts the pressure on to perform once the action kicks off. Wrestling insider Justin Basch took to X, posting out the schedule for the 2025 U.S. Open with the caption “97 and 125.” The excitement is palpable. Especially with the major developments in the 125 kg and 97 kg weight classes.

One of the biggest stories? Wyatt Hendrickson, who has been making waves ever since his dramatic victory over Olympic champion Gable Steveson at the NCAA finals. Despite that historic upset, Hendrickson is still not the top seed at 125 kg, a position that belongs to Hayden Zillmer. Zillmer, who made the senior World Team in 2022, isn’t the type to back down. This means Hendrickson’s path to a World Team spot is far from easy.

With so many dangerous competitors in the mix. Trent Hilger, Nick Feldman, and Jordan Wood, the stakes have been raised, and the road to Final X just got a lot more challenging. Adding to the intensity, the 125 kg bracket is loaded with talent, and every single competitor has the potential to turn the tables in Vegas. Even Christian Pyles, FloSports’ Content Director, weighed in on the situation, calling out the tough nature of the bracket.

Fans are all too aware that a slip-up could derail Hendrickson’s chances. The stage is set. The stakes are high, and the wrestling world is ready to witness what could be the match of the year. It’s not just Hendrickson who’s been handed a bye. Kyle Snyder, another wrestling powerhouse, is also set to enter the tournament with a bye heading into the 97 kg bracket.

Snyder, who has been a fixture of the wrestling world for years, isn’t just a contender; he’s a legend. As for the U.S. Open, it’s not just another stop in the season; this tournament is a critical opportunity to sharpen skills and gear up for what’s next. The pressure is on, and the stage is set for another unforgettable performance.

Wyatt Hendrickson’s journey from the Air Force to Olympic glory

Following an unforgettable college career where he clinched the Dan Hodge Trophy and stunned the wrestling world with his victory over Gable Steveson, Wyatt Hendrickson is now ready to prove himself on the senior circuit. The U.S. Open represents a critical first step in his journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where an outstanding performance could secure him a coveted spot in the Final X competition.

What makes Hendrickson’s path even more remarkable is his ability to balance elite-level wrestling with his military commitments. As a member of the U.S. Air Force’s World-Class Athlete Program, he’s been given the rare opportunity to dedicate full-time training hours. While also fulfilling his duties as an active service member.

Perhaps it is this unique combo of the drive for wrestling excellence and a unique discipline developed via his military aspirations that makes him such a complete package. The result is a level of focus, commitment, and sheer tenacity that helped him break the chokehold of Gable Steveson. But while his passion is undeniable for the sport, there is something that he wishes even more than that.

He wants something to leave behind. And no, it is not just a few medals with his name on them. He wants to build a legacy that lasts. And that chance will come sooner rather than later, as the World Championship is right there on the horizon. But we all know that what Wyatt truly wishes to win is at the Olympics. And as each new bout will take him closer to the end goal, Wyatt isn’t one to miss the trees for the forest. So wrestling fans, get ready. Things are about to get wild.