BASSETT'S DECOMMIT FROM IOWA SIGNALS BIG TIME TROUBLE FOR THE HAWKEYES

 

The University of Iowa Hawkeyes received some devastating news on Sunday.  The type of news that can cause some real problems for the Hawkeye wrestling future.  The top recruit in the 2026 class informed the University that he is decommitting and reopening his recruitment.   

"Bassett, who competes for Bishop McCort High School in Pennsylvania, was a major pickup for Iowa this past February, according to the Des Moines Register.  Bassett was a U17 World champion in 2021 and U20 World bronze medalist in 2024.  In the United States, he is also a three-time Ironman, Powerade and Super 32 champion.  He chose Iowa after a lengthy recruiting process, during which Bassett considered around 80 different programs".    

There has been a myriad of rumors for Bassett's change of heart.  Some say there was a disagreement between the parents and the Iowa coaching staff.  Others suggest something that at first blush makes no sense at all.  Bo Bassett and Melvin Miller wanted to train at the Hawkeye Wrestling Club, as other programs do with their recruits.  Brands told them no and he wasn't gonna be told how to run his program.  Melvin wanted to commit to Iowa.  He is the #1 ranked wrestler on the class of 2027 Big Board.  He is a teammate of Bassett at Bishop McCort.  Why would you choose something so petty to stand your ground it would cause some of the top wrestlers in the country to say, goodbye?    

As big a loss as there is....

Here is Bassett's story from his Instagram account.  "After a lot of prayer and talking with my family, I've decided to decommit from the University of Iowa.  This wasn't easy, but I believe it's not the right fit for me as a wrestler, a person or for my faith journey.  I'm grateful for the opportunity, and I'll never speak a bad word about their program.  This is about finding the place God wants me to be.  This is a huge decision in my life, and it has to be the right one".    

From Bassett's post, the words, "I believe it's not the right fit for me as a wrestler, a person or for my faith journey",  are more than damning to Iowa recruiting-wise.  It's words like that can set back a program for years.  It will be more than interesting to see where Bassett lands.  If it's Oklahoma State, wow!!  Penn State is clearly the leader of the collegiate wrestling world, but Nebraska and the Cowboys are trying all they can to close the gap.  Sunday's decision is going to put Iowa outside the top three for sure.  

Iowa had shown in recent months they were making some in-roads with some recruiting wins.  My guess is, some other committed athletes will now begin looking around.  Is this enough to signal a change at the heading coaching position?  Not sure.  But I do know this....an Iowa fan base is wanting things to return to the glory days.  It's been far too long in their minds.  This won't help matters.

Would love to be a fly on the wall in Dan Gables' sauna.  I'm sure he has a few thoughts of his own.

Hopefully better days ahead Hawk fans...