Gable Steveson returns for his fifth season with the Gophers wrestling team

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Gable Steveson is back for another run with the University of Minnesota wrestling team.

Steveson and the Gophers announced Tuesday that he is returning to Minnesota for his fifth and final collegiate season. He still has one more year of eligibility remaining due to the NCAA's waiver to redshirt for the Olympics, plus an additional year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

Steveson is an Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA heavyweight champion. He is also a two-time winner of the Hodge Trophy, awarded annually to the top collegiate wrestler.

He is one of six Gophers wrestlers in history to win multiple NCAA titles and one of eight to win three Big Ten titles. He is also one of 11 players to earn All-American honors four times.

Steveson has a career record of 85-2 at Minnesota, 48-0 in dual competition and 36-0 in Big Ten play. Steveson took his talents to WWE and completed an NFL training camp with the Buffalo Bills before his release.

What they say

Steveson made the announcement through a post on Gopher Wrestling's social media pages.

“First, I want to thank the University of Minnesota for their time, dedication and persistence in making me the man I am today,” Steveson said in his comeback video.
“Minnesota gave me everything, and now it's my turn to give it back: to put my feet back on the wrestling mat, to be the champion once again.”

His coach couldn't be more excited to have him back.

“Gable has a burning desire to compete for the Maroon and Gold honors one last time,” said Brandon Eggum. “We are grateful that he chose the opportunity to contribute to his historical legacy through our program. He is one of the best to ever compete in wrestling and we are grateful for the impact he has had on our program.”

What's next?

Steveson will make his 2024-25 Gophers debut on Nov. 24 against Campbell.