The 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, currently underway at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, feature a highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between two of college wrestling’s all-time greats: Minnesota’s Gable Steveson and Penn State’s Greg Kerkvliet. This clash is drawing significant attention, given both wrestlers’ impressive careers and past encounters.
Gable Steveson, the No. 1 seed at 285 pounds, is a two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner and Olympic gold medalist. After securing his fourth Big Ten title by defeating Kerkvliet, Steveson aims to add another NCAA championship to his storied legacy. citeturn0search2
Greg Kerkvliet, the No. 3 seed, enters the tournament with a 38-match unbeaten streak and a career record of 71-10. As a four-time All-American and reigning NCAA champion, Kerkvliet has consistently challenged Steveson’s dominance. citeturn0search1
Their previous matchups have been closely contested, with Steveson edging out Kerkvliet in their most recent encounter at the Big Ten Championships. citeturn0search2 This history sets the stage for a thrilling rematch at the NCAA Championships, where both athletes are determined to cement their legacies.
Beyond the heavyweight division, Penn State has secured four No. 1 seeds in the tournament, underscoring the team’s depth and strength across various weight classes. Notably, Carter Starocci, a four-time NCAA national champion, is competing for his fifth title, an unprecedented achievement in the sport. citeturn0search0
As the championships progress, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these narratives unfold, particularly the heavyweight battle between Steveson and Kerkvliet, which could have significant implications for their respective legacies in college wrestling.
