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Gophers' Gable Steveson eyeing fourth Big Ten title as No. 1 seed

Steveson is looking to become the first to win four Big Ten heavyweight titles.
Tony Liebert|
Mar 18, 2022; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota wrestler Gable Steveson celebrates after defeating Penn State wrestler Greg Kerkvliet (not pictured) in a 285 pound weight class semifinal match during the NCAA Wrestling Championships at Little Cesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2022; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota wrestler Gable Steveson celebrates after defeating Penn State wrestler Greg Kerkvliet (not pictured) in a 285 pound weight class semifinal match during the NCAA Wrestling Championships at Little Cesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images | Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

The 2025 Big Ten Wrestling Championships take place this weekend in Evanston, Illinois. Penn State is the overwhelming favorite to leave with the team championship, but Gophers legend Gable Steveson is looking to become the first heavyweight to win four individual Big Ten titles.

After an attempted NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, Steveson decided to make a shocking return to collegiate wrestling in November. He rolled through regular season competition with a perfect 10-0 record, and he earned the No. 1 seed in the heavyweight division for this weekend's tournament.

Related: Gable Steveson wins final match at Maturi Pavilion, finishes regular season undefeated

Steveson's biggest road block to earning a fourth conference title will be Penn State's Greg Kerkvliet, who is the No. 2 seed. They have history dating all the way back to 2018, when they competed in the Minnesota high school state championship. Steveson won that match and he defeated him twice at the college level — once in 2021 and then again in 2022. Kerkvliet is 16-0 and the reigning NCAA Champion, so he's an opponent Steveson cannot overlook.

Another Gophers wrestler to keep an eye on this weekend is redshirt freshman Max McEnelly, who is the No. 2 seed in the 184-pound division. McEnelly compiled an 18-0 record in the regular season, but he would have to get past Penn State's top-seeded Carter Starocci, who is the four-time defending NCAA Champion.

The event will be streamed on Big Ten Network and BTN+ throughout the weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The final championship session is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network on Sunday evening.

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Tony Liebert
TONY LIEBERT

Tony Liebert is particularly known for his coverage of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, though he also contributes to coverage of the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves and Twins. His writing style is noted for providing in-depth analysis and insights, making him a go-to source for fans looking for comprehensive coverage of Minnesota sports.

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