The Iowa Wrestling program suffered two huge blows to future recruiting classes over the weekend. The 2026 recruiting class was loaded with talent, headlined by the 2026 No.2 overall prospect Bo Bassett.
Bassett has future-star potential and initially committed to the Hawkeyes in February following an unconventional recruiting announcement.
Bassett immediately became a fan favorite as Hawkeye fans flocked to see him during an event at Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
Over the weekend, it was rumored that Bassett and his family were asking for accommodations for Bassett and his brother, Melvin Williams, to train in Iowa City. The rumors claimed the Bassett requested flights, hotels, and other accommodations for the boys.
After Head Coach Tom Brands declined, Bassett decommitted from the program.
Immediately after Bassett decommitted, Williams, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, scratched Iowa off his top choices list, citing "family first" in his post.
On Tuesday, the Hawkeyes finally received some good news on the recruiting trail.
#3 overall in the Class of 2027, Sonny Amato releases initial school list pic.twitter.com/kOZ42VbBkd
— MatScouts (@MatScouts1) June 24, 2025
2027 wrestling prospect Sonny Amato released his initial destinations list, with the Hawkeyes making the top 11. Amato is ranked as the No. 3 overall wrestler by MatScouts and is No. 30 on FloWrestling's big board for 2027.
Amato won the New Jersey 144-pound State Championship as a freshman (2023-2024) and finished in third last season (2024-2025).
Amato was projected to capture his second straight state title last season, but he was upset by Blase Mele in the semifinals and finished third.
Amato noted that following his state title as a freshman, he got too comfortable at the top, and it cost him.
After Melvin Williams removed Iowa from his list of top destinations, the Hawkeyes need to add Amato to bolster the 2027 recruiting class.