It has been a wild ride for the Iowa Men's Wrestling program over the summer as one of the top 2026 prospects decommitted from the program.
Bo Bassett, the No. 2 overall wrestling prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, decommitted from the program over the summer under mysterious circumstances.
The rumor was that Bassett and his family asked for special accommodations, including airfare and hotels, for him and his brother, Melvin Miller, to train and practice with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club.
Head Coach Tom Brands reportedly denied their requests, leading to Bassett decommitting from the program.
Shortly after decommitting, Miller (No.1 overall prospect for 2027) also crossed the program off his list of preferred destinations.
The world kept spinning for the program as they continued their preparations for the upcoming season. Over the summer, the Hawkeyes hosted a top 2027 prospect and received fantastic news regarding his future commitment plans.
New Jersey standout Sonny Amato is going to be a Hawkeye!
— Ross Bartachek (@rossbchek) October 8, 2025
The class of 2027 wrestler is currently ranked #3 overall in his class and #3 at 150 by @MatScouts1.
He also considered ISU, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech.
Big pickup for Iowa. pic.twitter.com/CDWvMW7koc
Star junior wrestler for Rumson-Fair Haven High School in New Jersey, Sonny Amato, announced his commitment to the Hawkeyes.
Amato is ranked as the No. 3 overall wrestler in the 2027 recruiting class and has a career 86-5 record and a state championship.
Amato also took visits to Iowa State and Oklahoma State before committing to the Hawkeyes. He canceled another visit to Virginia Tech.
Amato stated that the reason he committed to Iowa was the team, the environment, and the staff, as well as "knowing he will succeed" there.
The Hawkeyes are getting a star wrestler who burst onto the scene as a freshman at 144 pounds. With a senior-heavy group this year, Amato has the chance to make an immediate impact the moment he steps on campus.