Hodge Trophy Standings

[DEWrestlingFan]

I am curious. What all goes into the Hodge rankings? To me, because Steveson and Starocci are 1 and 2, I am thinking a lot of it has to do with popularity? Mesenbrink the best in the country at bonus rate and most wins without a loss and is third. Hendrickson on this list with the most pins, wins without a loss, and highest dominance score and is 5th. As far as Keckeisen goes, do they include exhibition matches towards the Hodge? Just curious is all.

RANK	NAME	SCHOOL	WEIGHT	YEAR	PREVIOUS	RECORD	PINS	BONUS RATE	DOMINANCE SCORE
1	Gable Steveson	Minnesota	285	SR	1	14-0	2	92%	4.85
2	Carter Starocci	Penn State	184	SR	3	22-0	6	85%	4.09
3	Mitchell Mesenbrink	Penn State	165	SO	2	22-0		94%	4.78
4	Keegan O'Toole	Missouri	174	SR	6	16-0	2	87%	4.5
5	Wyatt Hendrickson	OK State	285	SR	7	22-0	10	85%	5.19
6	Caleb Henson	Virginia Tech	149	JR	8	18-0	3	72%	4.38
7	AJ Ferrari	CSU-Bakersfield	197	JR	14	16-0	2	82%	4.75
8	Parker Keckeisen	Northern Iowa	184	SR	20	23-1	2	82%	4.47

 

[topc22blue]

Btw 1 and 3 in my opinion. Most dominant. Both deserving.

 

[cowboyfan05]

From WIN Magazine, who gives the award:

The committee, made up of all past Hodge winners, select national media, a retired college coach from each region, and a representative of each national wrestling organization will each vote based on four criteria: record, dominance/bonus-point percentage, quality of competition and sportsmanship.

 

[Cali_Nittany]

I am curious. What all goes into the Hodge rankings? To me, because Steveson and Starocci are 1 and 2, I am thinking a lot of it has to do with popularity? Mesenbrink the best in the country at bonus rate and most wins without a loss and is third. Hendrickson on this list with the most pins, wins without a loss, and highest dominance score and is 5th. As far as Keckeisen goes, do they include exhibition matches towards the Hodge? Just curious is all.

RANK	NAME	SCHOOL	WEIGHT	YEAR	PREVIOUS	RECORD	PINS	BONUS RATE	DOMINANCE SCORE
1	Gable Steveson	Minnesota	285	SR	1	14-0	2	92%	4.85
2	Carter Starocci	Penn State	184	SR	3	22-0	6	85%	4.09
3	Mitchell Mesenbrink	Penn State	165	SO	2	22-0		94%	4.78
4	Keegan O'Toole	Missouri	174	SR	6	16-0	2	87%	4.5
5	Wyatt Hendrickson	OK State	285	SR	7	22-0	10	85%	5.19
6	Caleb Henson	Virginia Tech	149	JR	8	18-0	3	72%	4.38
7	AJ Ferrari	CSU-Bakersfield	197	JR	14	16-0	2	82%	4.75
8	Parker Keckeisen	Northern Iowa	184	SR	20	23-1	2	82%	4.47

Interesting. I don't know why they would include the CStar/Keck exhibition match. I only double checked Steveson and CStar but I can say they are off with CStar's dominance score. He should be at 4.86 with counting the Keck match. (Steveson is correct.)

 

[wrestleknownothing]

I am curious. What all goes into the Hodge rankings? To me, because Steveson and Starocci are 1 and 2, I am thinking a lot of it has to do with popularity? Mesenbrink the best in the country at bonus rate and most wins without a loss and is third. Hendrickson on this list with the most pins, wins without a loss, and highest dominance score and is 5th. As far as Keckeisen goes, do they include exhibition matches towards the Hodge? Just curious is all.

RANK	NAME	SCHOOL	WEIGHT	YEAR	PREVIOUS	RECORD	PINS	BONUS RATE	DOMINANCE SCORE
1	Gable Steveson	Minnesota	285	SR	1	14-0	2	92%	4.85
2	Carter Starocci	Penn State	184	SR	3	22-0	6	85%	4.09
3	Mitchell Mesenbrink	Penn State	165	SO	2	22-0		94%	4.78
4	Keegan O'Toole	Missouri	174	SR	6	16-0	2	87%	4.5
5	Wyatt Hendrickson	OK State	285	SR	7	22-0	10	85%	5.19
6	Caleb Henson	Virginia Tech	149	JR	8	18-0	3	72%	4.38
7	AJ Ferrari	CSU-Bakersfield	197	JR	14	16-0	2	82%	4.75
8	Parker Keckeisen	Northern Iowa	184	SR	20	23-1	2	82%	4.47

The first step is to produce a list of finalists. The process for that changes from year to year, but it is always from among the NCAA champions. Sometimes it is all ten, and sometimes it is a subset. For example, in 2023 it was all ten and last year it was 5 of the ten.

Once the finalists are chosen the vote described by @cowboyfan05 takes place. But what is not mentioned in that excerpt is that there is also a fan vote. The winner of the fan vote receives an additional 5 votes (about 8.5% of the total). It is winner take all in the fan vote and last year there were almost 27,000 fan votes cast.

Mike Chapman, the creator of the award, wrote this recently on the Intermat forum about the award:

"Good discussion and beneficial to anyone interested in wrestlers being honored. When I first came up with the concept back in 1994, I sat down with Dan Hodge (my first book was "Two Guys Named Dan" in 1976 and we became very good friends) and told him of my plans to create something similar to the Heisman Trophy, to draw more media attention and to give college wrestlers something extra to shoot for.

Dan endorsed the idea and said if I named it after him, he would like pinning to be an essential part. In 1956, Dan won three national titles (collegiate, freestyle and Greco-Roman) in two weeks time by pinning all 13 foes. I quickly agreed that pinning would be a main factor.

But since then, Bryan Van Kley (who bought WIN from me many years ago) and I have tried to "keep up with the times" by including dominance to mean techs and majors, as well as pins. And we consult with many former coaches and leaders of the sport who are on the voting committee and try to listen to what fans are saying (WKN and JB, in particular) and some of my longtime friends who have been involved with the sport for over half a century.

Bryan and I are proud that over 20,000 fans vote on line each year and that all the colleges that have a winner play it up big, both at the annual wrestling banquet and at a football game in the fall, often with 70,000 fans in attendance. And we greatly appreciate our sponsor Asics. The goal was always to make wrestling more visible and to honor those who excel at Mankind's Oldest Sport. -- Mike Chapman"

 

[Old Number Nine]

Mike Chapman, the creator of the award, wrote this recently on the Intermat forum about the award:

Dan endorsed the idea and said if I named it after him, he would like pinning to be an essential part. In 1956, Dan won three national titles (collegiate, freestyle and Greco-Roman) in two weeks time by pinning all 13 foes. I quickly agreed that pinning would be a main factor.

This is what I thought. Going into the Big 12 finals I thought Wyatt had as much chance of losing to Schultz as he did for beating Steveson at nationals but we saw what almost happened. That being said, Wyatt doesn't deserve the Hodge unless he beats Steveson but right now, with 10 pins and no losses, he should be in first

 

[RudeDogs]

So that just happened! Wyatt deserves to win it.

 

[osufanatic4life]

New hodge standings
1. Wyatt Hendrickson



Everyone else.

 

[Travis25]

Wyatt is the clear winner. Hamiti has the best argument for second.

 

[Cali_Nittany]

Wyatt is the clear winner. Hamiti has the best argument for second.

Hamiti has a loss. He's not even on the list. It will be between Wyatt and CStar with Mesenbrink in 3rd place.

 

[Travis25]

Hamiti has a loss. He's not even on the list. It will be between Wyatt and CStar with Mesenbrink in 3rd place.

It won't be between Wyatt and anyone, dude. It is Wyatt.

 

[DEWrestlingFan]

Should be Wyatt or Mesenbrink. I would think the quality of schedule would favor Wyatt, plus pins and dominance scores. Mesenbrink would have the bonus rate. However, I think it is gonna be Starocci because of being a 5 Time Champ and he wrestles for Penn State. Wyatt or Mesenbrink definitely deserve it though.

 

[Gabe H Coud]

If they have CStar the MOW, they’re giving him the Hodge too. Which sucks because it clearly was Wyatt this year

 

[OHkie]

There is a vote for former Hodge winners also, I think looking at the list there are 8 Penn State Votes now that David’s 2 votes are clearly aligned with OSU. Gable probably uses his 2 votes on Wyatt, Askren’s take would be interesting given his close relationship with the Messenbrinks but his complete infatuation with Wyatt.

 

[Travis25]

Hodge voters actually do a good job of giving it to the wrestler who best fits the criteria: record, dominance, quality of competition, and sportsmanship. Wyatt has an edge in all four on everyone. I will be shocked if it is anyone other than him.

 

[Cali_Nittany]

Here are the #s for the Hodge. Under O (other), Wyatt had a MF, CStar stalled Ruth out, Mitchell had 2 forfeits and a Ryan Duck*.

It's interesting that Wyatt went the entire season without a major and especially that Mesenbrink didn't pin anyone (he did have 4 pins last season so he knows how to do it...) I did NOT include the All-Star classic at the beginning of the season.

Edit: Bonus % does not include other results (MFs, DQs, FFs). Dominance number counts other results as 6 points just like match scoring.

	W	D	MD	TF	F	O	B %	DOM
Wyatt	27	5	0	8	13	1	77.7	5.15
CStar	26	4	5	10	6	1	80.8	4.77
Mitch	27	3	3	18	0	3	77.7	4.78

*Ryan Duck - when a coach medically forfeits a wrestler in the championship bracket of a conference tournament and then has them wrestle in the consolations for a more favorable draw to qualify for NCAAs. This type of ducking has had mixed results for Coach Ryan of Ohio State.

 

[Old Number Nine]

I heard a rumor that that after the match last night Dan Hodge Jr. said they need to change the name to the Hodge/Hendrickson award. Hodgedrickson for short.

 

[oklahomaglory]

Here are the #s for the Hodge. Under O (other), Wyatt had a MF, CStar stalled Ruth out, Mitchell had 2 forfeits and a Ryan Duck*.

It's interesting that Wyatt went the entire season without a major and especially that Mesenbrink didn't pin anyone (he did have 4 pins last season so he knows how to do it...) I did NOT include the All-Star classic at the beginning of the season.

Edit: Bonus % does not include other results (MFs, DQs, FFs). Dominance number counts other results as 6 points just like match scoring.

	W	D	MD	TF	F	O	B %	DOM
Wyatt	27	5	0	8	13	1	77.7	5.15
CStar	26	4	5	10	6	1	80.8	4.77
Mitch	27	3	3	18	0	3	77.7	4.78

*Ryan Duck - when a coach medically forfeits a wrestler in the championship bracket of a conference tournament and then has them wrestle in the consolations for a more favorable draw to qualify for NCAAs. This type of ducking has had mixed results for Coach Ryan of Ohio State.

Why MD someone when you can pin him. Look at that PIN numbers, it should be Wyatt. Pinning his way to beat two former NCAA champions, one of them with Olympic Gold, is no small feat.

 

[oklahomaglory]

There is a vote for former Hodge winners also, I think looking at the list there are 8 Penn State Votes now that David’s 2 votes are clearly aligned with OSU. Gable probably uses his 2 votes on Wyatt, Askren’s take would be interesting given his close relationship with the Messenbrinks but his complete infatuation But hoping common sense prevails.

Hopefully common sense prevails and not school loyalty.

 

[Old Number Nine]

Why MD someone when you can pin him. Look at that PIN numbers, it should be Wyatt. Pinning his way to beat two former NCAA champions, one of them with Olympic Gold, is no small feat.

During the 2003-2006, My 16 to 19 year old son attended all four and in one of them he got Danny Hodges autograph which he sadly lost somehow. I distinctly remember that in said, "Pinning is more important than Winning!! Danny Hodge."

 

[OHkie]

There is a different award for pinning, it’s the Schalles, the hodge is all around.

 

[oklahomaglory]

Out of Carter and Wyatt only one needed OT to beat his opponents and has less pins. And it's not Wyatt. It should be his award to lose.

 

[Chasingthirty-five]

It's a toss up between 3 amazing seasons. Obviously rooting for Wyatt, but they're all worthy. IMO MM can win next year so it's truly between Cstar and Wyatt.

 

[wrestleknownothing]

If they have CStar the MOW, they’re giving him the Hodge too. Which sucks because it clearly was Wyatt this year

It is two different sets of theys

 

[Air_Thurman]

If its a career award give it to CStar. If it’s about who had the best season there really is only one choice and that is not any kind of knock on CStar or MM.

 

[Travis25]

If its a career award give it to CStar. If it’s about who had the best season there really is only one choice and that is not any kind of knock on CStar or MM.

It is not a career award. Many of the best career wrestlers never got one. Diakomihalis, Kyle Snyder, and Jason Nolf all finished great careers without a Hodge. Starocci will be in fine company.

 

[OHkie]

Deiringer’s Hodge was a career award, he didn’t have the best season that year.

 

[wrestleknownothing]

Deiringer’s Hodge was a career award, he didn’t have the best season that year.

Back then that was one of the criteria. And the procedure was also pretty different. How the award is determined these days with the vote of past Hodge winners added to the committee vote and the fan vote added to that, it is real hard to predict based on criteria alone.

 

[DavidHasselhoff]

Per Grok:
Who will win the 2025 Hodge Trophy?

As of March 24, 2025, it’s impossible to definitively predict the winner of the 2025 Dan Hodge Trophy since the NCAA Wrestling Championships, held March 20-22 in Philadelphia, have just concluded, and the voting process is only now beginning. The Dan Hodge Trophy is awarded annually to the most dominant NCAA Division I wrestler, based on criteria including record, dominance/bonus-point percentage, quality of competition, and sportsmanship. The winner is determined by a voting committee of past winners, retired coaches, national media members, and fan votes, with the announcement typically made about a week after the championships.
Given the timing—today is the first full day after the NCAA finals—official results and standout performances are still being evaluated, and no winner has been announced yet. However, we can look at likely contenders based on recent discussions and performances leading up to and during the championships.

Wyatt Hendrickson from Air Force is a strong candidate being highlighted in current sentiment on X. Posts suggest he went undefeated, defeated two former NCAA champions, and potentially beat both Greg Kerkvliet and Gable Steveson en route to the heavyweight title, with a high bonus-point rate including multiple pins. If these claims hold true, his dominance and quality of wins could make him a frontrunner. Another name mentioned is Carter Starocci from Penn State, a four-time NCAA champion, whose career achievements might sway voters despite the award’s focus on a single season. Mitchell Mesenbrink, also from Penn State, is noted as a potential dark horse if he showcased exceptional dominance at his weight class.

Without official NCAA results or voting outcomes yet, any prediction is speculative. Historically, wrestlers like Aaron Brooks (2024 winner) and Gable Steveson (2021 co-winner) have won with undefeated seasons and high bonus-point totals, setting a precedent Hendrickson might follow if the X posts reflect reality. Starocci’s pedigree could edge him ahead if voters weigh past success, though Mesenbrink’s case would depend on standout stats from this weekend.
Check back in early April—likely around April 1st—for the official announcement from WIN Magazine, as that’s when the winner is traditionally revealed after fan voting concludes. For now, Hendrickson seems to have the loudest buzz, but it’s too early to call.

 

[wrestleknownothing]

Per Grok:
Who will win the 2025 Hodge Trophy?

As of March 24, 2025, it’s impossible to definitively predict the winner of the 2025 Dan Hodge Trophy since the NCAA Wrestling Championships, held March 20-22 in Philadelphia, have just concluded, and the voting process is only now beginning. The Dan Hodge Trophy is awarded annually to the most dominant NCAA Division I wrestler, based on criteria including record, dominance/bonus-point percentage, quality of competition, and sportsmanship. The winner is determined by a voting committee of past winners, retired coaches, national media members, and fan votes, with the announcement typically made about a week after the championships.
Given the timing—today is the first full day after the NCAA finals—official results and standout performances are still being evaluated, and no winner has been announced yet. However, we can look at likely contenders based on recent discussions and performances leading up to and during the championships.

Wyatt Hendrickson from Air Force is a strong candidate being highlighted in current sentiment on X. Posts suggest he went undefeated, defeated two former NCAA champions, and potentially beat both Greg Kerkvliet and Gable Steveson en route to the heavyweight title, with a high bonus-point rate including multiple pins. If these claims hold true, his dominance and quality of wins could make him a frontrunner. Another name mentioned is Carter Starocci from Penn State, a four-time NCAA champion, whose career achievements might sway voters despite the award’s focus on a single season. Mitchell Mesenbrink, also from Penn State, is noted as a potential dark horse if he showcased exceptional dominance at his weight class.

Without official NCAA results or voting outcomes yet, any prediction is speculative. Historically, wrestlers like Aaron Brooks (2024 winner) and Gable Steveson (2021 co-winner) have won with undefeated seasons and high bonus-point totals, setting a precedent Hendrickson might follow if the X posts reflect reality. Starocci’s pedigree could edge him ahead if voters weigh past success, though Mesenbrink’s case would depend on standout stats from this weekend.
Check back in early April—likely around April 1st—for the official announcement from WIN Magazine, as that’s when the winner is traditionally revealed after fan voting concludes. For now, Hendrickson seems to have the loudest buzz, but it’s too early to call.

Hendrickson only potentially beat Kerkvliet and Steveson? Did I dream that?

 

[Air_Thurman]

Hendrickson only potentially beat Kerkvliet and Steveson? Did I dream that?

Its AI generated and AI apparently doesn't know he the NCAA tournament happened.

 

[wrestleknownothing]

Its AI generated and AI apparently doesn't know he the NCAA tournament happened.

My favorite AI term is hallucination aka make stuff up.
What should we call it when it does the opposite? A bad trip?

 

[pokepelli]

Could CStar and MM split votes and possibly help Wyatt?

 

[okokzach]

When/where is the fan vote?

 

[wrestleknownothing]

When/where is the fan vote?

Supposed to happen this week, but when I click on the Hodge Voting button on WIN-magazine.com I am getting an Error 404 message. They must not have the page set up yet.

https://www.win-magazine.com/2023/03/21/fanvote/

 

[wrestleknownothing]

When/where is the fan vote?

Just got a note from the publisher and they are hoping to have it running in the next 30 minutes.