Gable Steveson Aims for 60th Straight Win as Gophers Face Rutgers

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The No. 7-ranked Minnesota Gophers wrestling team (7-1, 3-1 B1G) will host No. 12 Rutgers (11-4, 3-2) on Sunday at noon, with heavyweight Gable Steveson looking to extend his match win streak to 60. Steveson, a two-time NCAA champion and Olympic gold medalist, has been a dominant force in collegiate wrestling, boasting a career record of 92-2, including 55-0 in duals and 40-0 within the Big Ten.

Steveson recently surpassed Tim Hartung for the third-longest winning streak in Gophers history. Only Dustin Schlatter (65 wins, 2005-07) and Cole Konrad (76 wins, 2005-07) have longer streaks. Steveson’s last loss came in 2019 against Penn State’s Anthony Cassar, making his current run even more remarkable.

Minnesota enters the match riding high, having won 13 of its last 14 duals dating back to last season. The team’s 184-pounder, Max McEnelly, is also undefeated this season at 14-0, with 12 bonus-point wins, including 10 by technical fall. McEnelly, a Waconia High School alum, has been a key contributor to the Gophers’ success.

Rutgers, meanwhile, has struggled this season, sitting at 28th in the FloWrestling rankings with just 12.5 points. Despite their challenges, the Scarlet Knights remain a formidable opponent, having secured three Big Ten wins this season.

Steveson’s return to collegiate wrestling after a brief stint with WWE has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans argue that his extensive experience, including his Olympic gold medal and professional wrestling career, gives him an unfair advantage. Others see his return as a testament to his loyalty to Minnesota. Steveson, however, remains focused on his goals. “Minnesota has given me everything, and now it’s my turn to give it right back to them,” he said.

In his seven matches this season, Steveson has secured six technical falls and one pin, adding to his career totals of 28 tech falls, 14 pins, and 25 major decisions. His dominance was on full display in January 2025, when he led the Gophers to a 29-12 victory over Northwestern, defeating Dirk Morley with four takedowns and multiple near-fall points.

As the Gophers prepare to face Rutgers, all eyes will be on Steveson as he continues his quest for a third NCAA title and further cements his legacy in collegiate wrestling.