In a major shakeup to the college wrestling recruiting landscape, Bo Bassett, the consensus No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2026, has officially decommitted from the University of Iowa.
Bassett made the announcement via social media on June 22, stating the decision came after a lot of prayer and conversations with his family. He explained that while he remains grateful for the Iowa program and everything it offered, he no longer believes it is the best fit for him as a wrestler, as a person, and for his faith journey.
He emphasized that Iowa supported him during the recruiting process and that he has no ill will toward the program, but he believes there is another place that aligns better with his personal, spiritual, and athletic goals.
A Generational Talent
Hailing from Pennsylvania, Bassett has long been regarded as one of the most elite high school wrestlers in the country. In 2024, he captured bronze at the U20 World Championships at 65 kg, despite still being high school-aged. He is widely projected to compete in college between 149 and 157 pounds.
Bassett originally committed to Iowa in February 2025, a decision that surprised many as he chose the Hawkeyes over longtime speculation linking him to programs like Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma State.
Faith and Fit Over Hype
Though details surrounding the decommitment remain limited, Bassett’s statement emphasized that faith, personal growth, and cultural fit were the driving factors behind his decision. This is consistent with his previous public comments about the importance of spirituality in his life.
In the past, Iowa was rumored to have made a significant NIL push to land Bassett—some online speculation placed the offer in the seven-figure range, though those numbers have never been confirmed.
Recruitment Reopened
Bassett’s decommitment now makes him the most coveted uncommitted wrestler in the country. A number of high-profile programs are expected to reengage, with Penn State, a program that places high value on both athletic excellence and faith, already being mentioned in speculation.
Given his accolades, media presence, and leadership qualities, Bassett’s next move will undoubtedly be a major storyline for the 2025–26 recruiting cycle.