COLUMBUS, Ohio — “Kyle Snyder is the best wrestler ever.”

That’s what Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs wrote on Twitter Saturday night in the moments following one of the great wrestling matches in NCAA championship history.

Snyder is Ohio State’s super sophomore and reigning World Champion in the 97kg class. Snyder defeated N.C. State’s Nick Gwiazdowski 7-5 in overtime to win the NCAA heavyweight wrestling title Saturday night in New York City. It was Snyder’s first NCAA title and Gwiazdowski’s first loss in 89 matches. Gwiazdowski had won the past two NCAA heavyweight titles.  

Snyder, who was outweighed by 30 pounds, rallied for a takedown in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime. Snyder then scored the winning takedown just seconds into the extra session. 

“When I win something big, i don’t relax. It makes me hungrier.” Snyder said following the match. “I want it again.”

Snyder’s win was considered a mild upset, but nothing compared to the upset win Myles Martin delivered for OSU. Martin, a true freshman and the 11th seeded wrestler in the 174lb. weight class, stunned top-seeded Bo Nickal from Penn State 11-9 in the final Saturday night. It was Martin’s first career win over Nickal. Martin began the year as a redshirt but OSU coach Tom Ryan opted to pull the redshirt early in the season. 

Oddly enough, Snyder was also planning to Redshirt this season but then later decided to compete for OSU while also training for the Olympic Trials. 

A year ago Ohio State brought home the first NCAA team title in the 90 year history of the program. Saturday night Ohio State finished third as Penn State cruised to the title. Oklahoma State took second place.

Buckeyes Nathan Tomasello and Bo Jordan both earned 3rd place finishes in the tournament. Tomasello had won 43 straight matches before falling in Friday’s semifinal.

Several of the Buckeyes, including Snyder and Tomasello, will head to the Olympic Trials in three weeks in Iowa City. Former Buckeye and 4 time NCAA champion Logan Steiber will also compete there to win a spot on the Rio Olympic team. 

“I’ve got pretty big goals and if you want to achieve them you’ve got to do it right now.” Snyder said.