Mark Coyle All But Confirms Gable Steveson’s Return to Gopher Wrestling

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Photo: University of Minnesota

Gable Steveson is already one of the greatest collegiate wrestler to ever put on a Minnesota Gophers singlet. But most who have followed Steveson’s career from afar believed his amatuer days were over, after his successful finish to last season.

That was until a couple of months ago, when the 2-time heavyweight National Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist made a surprise return to amatuer competition and won the 2023 US Open in Las Vegas at 125 kg.

Rumors of Gable’s return to the Gophers for the 2023-24 season took another step toward becoming reality when reports surfaced (via FloWrestling) in June that Steveson — who is still enrolled in classes at the University of Minnesota — was in fact planning to use the additional year of eligibility, which was granted to most DI college athletes after many sports had their seasons cancelled or altered in the name of COVID.

Mark Coyle releases statement on possible return of Gable Steveson

On Wednesday, U of M Athletic Director, Mark Coyle, released a statement all but confirming Steveson’s return to the Gopher wrestling team. I mean, why else would the athletic department send this out? They wouldn’t.

Gable is a generational talent and one of the most accomplished athletes – regardless of sport – in school and state history. He is an Olympic gold medalist, a two-time NCAA champion, a three-time Big Ten champion, and we are excited about the opportunity of him returning to Minnesota for one final season. The two-time Hodge Trophy winner and Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient is the most entertaining athlete in collegiate sports, and we are thrilled about the possibility of being able to watch him compete once again as a Gopher.

Statement from University of Minnesota Athletic Director Mark Coyle

If Steveson does return to Dinkytown, he will look to improve on an already ridiculous 85-2 career record and become one of just six heavyweights to ever win three National Championships. It’ll also delay his WWE career, along with any other professional opportunities he was planning to pursue.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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