Former Gophers wrestler Gable Steveson announced his return to the Gophers wrestling program Tuesday after a nearly three-year hiatus, according to head coach Brandon Eggum. 

Steveson is expected to make his season debut at Maturi Pavilion against Campbell on Nov. 24. 

After Steveson left the program, he competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and won a gold medal at 125-kilograms. He signed to play with the Buffalo Bills during this year’s training camp but did not make the final regular season roster.

After winning gold, Steveson announced he would return to amateur wrestling. Several people thought he would join the maroon and gold, but complications with his WWE commitment put that to an end.

Steveson last wrestled for the Gophers during the 2021-22 season. He finished with an 18-0 record that season and won his second NCAA heavyweight championship, his third Big Ten championship and earned the Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year. 

Eggum had high praise for Steveson upon his return. 

“We are thankful he has chosen the opportunity to add to his historic legacy with our program,” Eggum said. “He is one of the best to ever compete in the sport of wrestling, and we are grateful for the impact he’s had at our program.”

Steveson was excited about the chance to return to his home state.

“Minnesota has given me everything, and now it’s my turn to give it right back to them: to put my feet back on the wrestling mat, to be the champ, one more time,” Steveson said in a video posted on X. 

Steveson is able to compete due to taking an Olympic redshirt and the 2020 COVID-19 redshirt that every current athlete at the time received. 

Over his wrestling career, Steveson went 85-2 (.977) overall, 48-0 in dual competition and 36-0 in Big Ten competitions. He picks up on his 52-match win streak.