Iowa men’s wrestling lands coveted top Class of 2026 recruit Bo Bassett

University of Iowa landed one of the country’s top wrestling recruits.

Bo Bassett, the top-ranked wrestler nationally in the Class of 2026 by Flowrestling, announced Tuesday night that he has verbally committed to the Hawkeyes.

The two-time age-level World medalist, U17 World champion and unbeaten state champion for Bishop McCort Catholic Academy in Johnston, Pa., declared his choice live on Flowrestling after a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association postseason dual victory. Bassett chose Iowa over Penn State, Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech.

“I’ve always wanted to be an Iowa Hawkeye,” Bassett said in the livestreamed interview. “That’s something I didn’t forget since I was six years old when I started wrestling. Iowa’s always been my favorite team.”

Bassett won a world freestyle title in 2021 and claimed bonze at the U20 World Championships in 2024. He owns a 111-0 high school record.

Bassett’s resume attracts attention but he really captivated college wrestling fans the last few months, sharing his recruiting process on social media. He started with 30 schools that were considered. He whittled down programs, recently dropping to nine, seven and then four finalists.

“I think the way I’ve been raised, learned to wrestle, the style I wrestle is part of the Iowa style, I feel, and I can only add to that,” Bassett said. “Iowa is an incredible program and the only thing I want to do is make it bigger, make it better.”

Bassett said he spent a lot of time thinking about the decision and talking to family, coaches and others close to him. He noted that it was harder than expected.

“It wasn’t an easy decision but it was the right decision,” Bassett said. “You get what you earn, so I’m really excited to be a Hawk.”

Coincidentally, Bassett’s commitment is the most anticipated announcement since Iowa’s five-time All-American, three-time NCAA champion, two-time Hodge Trophy and AAU James E. Sullivan award winner Spencer Lee, who was a 2024 Olympic silver medalist for the Hawkeye Wrestling Club.

Bassett grew up admiring Lee and his proclamation came about nine years after Lee publicly shared his commitment to Iowa.

“I’m really excited to get to work with him,” Bassett said. “Hopefully, I can help him out a little bit but I know one thing. He’s going to help me more than I can imagine. I’m really excited to learn from him.”

Bassett’s teammate and classmate, Owen McMullen, has already committed to Iowa. Teammate Jax Forrest, who is ranked in the top three among 2026 recruits, is expected to make his decision soon. Bassett could be the type of wrestler to attract talent to the program, similarly to the way his role model Lee did.

Bassett called Iowa an “empire” and he is ready to join it.

“I know I’m from Pennsylvania but I’m excited to feel that Iowa love,” Bassett said. “I know if you’re from Iowa you know Iowa wrestling. I’m excited to come out in Carver-Hawkeye Arena for the first time. Hopefully, create a legacy that’ll last forever.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com