Gable Steveson Returns with Dominant Win as Gophers Outperform North Dakota State

MINNEAPOLIS – Gable Steveson, a two-time NCAA heavyweight champion, made a triumphant return to college wrestling, leading the Minnesota Golden Gophers to a 39-0 victory over North Dakota State on Friday night. The dual, held in Fargo at the Scheels Center, marked Steveson’s first appearance for the Gophers since March 2022 and drew a record crowd of 1,529 spectators.

The Minnesota team improved its all-time record against North Dakota State to 22-2, extending their current winning streak to 20 matches against the Bison. They have also amassed an 11-0 record on the road in Fargo, marking their most wins without a loss against a single school in an away setting.

Steveson, ranked No. 1 in all major wrestling publications, showed no signs of rust in his comeback. He needed just 1:50 to achieve a technical fall over Drew Blackburn-Forst, with a score of 18-3, securing his 53rd consecutive victory in college. This win brought his career record to an impressive 86-2 for the Gophers.

The dual began at 125 pounds with Minnesota’s No. 14 ranked wrestler winning a 4-1 decision, setting the tone for the night. Throughout the evening, Minnesota wrestlers delivered standout performances, including No. 8 at 133 pounds holding off Kyle Burwick in a 3-2 decision, and No. 5 earning a tech fall against Kellyn March by 22-6 at the 141-pound weight class.

Notably, No. 22 at 149 pounds edged out No. 32 Gavin Drexler with an 8-6 decision. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s No. 10 at 184 pounds maintained his streak of tech falls by defeating Aidan Brenot 22-7.

The Gophers have now won eight consecutive duals, outscoring opponents 255-51 in this period, and have not allowed more than 12 points in any dual since last season. They continue their wrestling campaign by hosting Campbell at Maturi Pavilion on Sunday, adding another opportunity for the team to extend their impressive streak.