Oklahoma State wrestlers lit up the 2026 U.S. Open, capturing gold medals and multiple podium finishes in Las Vegas. Wyatt Hendrickson dominated with a lightning-fast pin, while rising stars like Landon Robideau shone brightly.
LAS VEGAS, NV — The 2026 USA Wrestling U.S. Open Championships took place April 22-26 at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas, drawing elite senior, U20, and age-group wrestlers from across the country in freestyle and Greco-Roman styles.
For Oklahoma State University’s wrestling program and its affiliated Cowboy Regional Training Center (RTC), the event represented a resounding success. Cowboy RTC athletes, many current or former Oklahoma State wrestlers, captured multiple national titles, podium finishes, and Final X berths, showing the depth and talent pipeline that has made the Cowboys a perennial NCAA contender.
With standout performances headlined by dominant wins and hard-fought silvers, Oklahoma State-affiliated wrestlers once again proved why Stillwater remains a hotbed for freestyle excellence.
Leading the charge was Wyatt Hendrickson of Cowboy RTC/WCAP, who claimed the gold medal in the Senior Men’s Freestyle 125 kg division. Hendrickson, often called “Captain America” for his explosive style, delivered a masterclass performance. He teched multiple high-level opponents en route to the finals, including a 12-2 technical fall over four-time NCAA All-American Tony Cassioppi in the quarterfinals and an 11-1 tech over former NCAA champion Greg Kerkvliet in the semis.
In the championship bout, Hendrickson wasted no time, pinning Demetrius Thomas in just 27 seconds to secure his second straight U.S. Open title. The victory not only earned him the national championship but also punched his ticket to Final X, where he will compete in a best-of-three series for a spot on the U.S. World Championship team.
Hendrickson’s dominance highlighted his growth and reaffirmed his status as one of America’s top heavyweights.
In the U20 division, current Oklahoma State standout Landon Robideau (Cowboy RTC/Titan Mercury WC) continued his meteoric rise.
Fresh off becoming one of the program’s three freshman national champions at the 2026 NCAA Championships earlier in March, Robideau captured gold at U20 Freestyle 70 kg. His performance added to an already stellar year that included Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors and a standout NCAA title run at 157 pounds (converted for freestyle).
Robideau’s technical ability and relentless pace make him a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ future, and his U.S. Open victory signals strong international potential.
Cowboy RTC also produced two silver medalists in the highly competitive Senior Freestyle division.
At 65 kg, Joseph McKenna (Cowboy RTC/Titan Mercury WC) reached the finals before falling in a technical fall to Bo Bassett. McKenna’s run showcased his veteran savvy and ability to navigate a stacked bracket filled with world-level competitors.
Similarly, Dustin Plott (Cowboy RTC/Titan Mercury WC) earned silver at 92 kg after a technical fall-filled path to the championship match. Plott’s power and finishing ability have long been assets for the Cowboy RTC program, and his podium finish keeps him in contention for future international squads.
Additional strong showings came from other Cowboy RTC representatives.
Cameron Amine placed fifth at Senior Freestyle 74 kg, while Dean Hamiti Jr. finished eighth at 79 kg.
These placements reflect the depth of Oklahoma State’s post-collegiate training environment, which continues to produce athletes capable of mixing it up with the nation’s best.
On the youth side, Cowboy WC athletes like Jett Kline (8th, U17 Freestyle 51 kg), Alex Lobdell (multiple U15 Greco-Roman medals), and Denver Wolf (UWW Futures silver) demonstrated the strength of Oklahoma’s developmental pipeline feeding into the college program.
The results extend beyond individual medals. Cowboy RTC put three wrestlers into U.S. Open finals, a testament to the program’s coaching staff and training philosophy under former Oklahoma State head coach John Smith’s legendary influence.
With NCAA runner-up finishes and multiple All-Americans in recent years, the Cowboys’ emphasis on freestyle development is paying dividends at the senior level. Hendrickson’s quick-pin final, Robideau’s continued ascent, and the silvers from McKenna and Plott not only boost Oklahoma State’s prestige but also position several athletes for World Team Trials contention.
Overall, Oklahoma wrestlers, particularly those tied to Cowboy RTC, earned hardware across nearly every division, from senior freestyle to U15 Greco-Roman.
The week’s performances reinforce Oklahoma State’s reputation as a national powerhouse and a launching pad for international success. As the wrestling calendar shifts toward Final X and future World Championships, fans in Stillwater have every reason to be optimistic. The Cowboys aren’t just competing, they’re contending at the highest levels, week in and week out.