Former Wisconsin wrestler Dean Hamiti commits to Oklahoma State

Former Wisconsin wrestler and All-American Dean Hamiti committed to Oklahoma State, according to a release from the Cowboy RTC.

Following the 2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships, Hamiti ultimately decided to look elsewhere to finish his career. The two-time All-American wrestled three varsity seasons with the Badgers and could hypothetically still redshirt if he chooses.

Hamiti has an 81-14 career record, placing sixth at NCAAs in 2022 and ’23, but finished in the Blood Round this past weekend.

Cowboy Up! Welcome to the family! @HamitiDean pic.twitter.com/OEJX3bQD3z

— Cowboy Wrestling Club RTC (@CowboyRTC) March 27, 2024

“Excited to announce my commitment to Oklahoma State, it’s been a dream of mine since I was little, I wanted to wrestle as a cowboy!,” Hamiti wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to everyone at Wisconsin for the time spent. I’m excited for my next chapter chasing titles for OSU.”

Hamiti won the 2023 Big Ten title at 165 pounds, his career weight. Despite going 28-4 this season, he lost to eventual champion David Carr (Iowa State) on the championship side of the bracket and to Oklahoma State’s Izzak Olejnik in the Blood Round, eliminating him from the tournament.

Ironically, it looks like Hamiti could replace Olejnik in the lineup next year at 165 pounds, if he does not move up to 174 in 2024-25.

Hamiti was on the short list to contend for an NCAA title the past two seasons, following his impressive freshman campaign. But falling short last year and eventually the podium this year was a bit of a surprise.

Hamiti is alum of Joliet (Ill.) Catholic Academy.

This is the first big domino to fall in the transfer portal this season. Hamiti had a “do not contact” tag when he entered and he didn’t take long to make his choice.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The NCAA Transfer Portal, which covers every NCAA sport at the Division I, II and III levels, is a private database with names of student-athletes who wish to transfer. It is not accessible to the public.

The process of entering the portal is done through a school’s compliance office. Once a player provides written notification of an intent to transfer, the office enters the player’s name in the database and everything is off and running. The compliance office has 48 hours to comply with the player’s request and that request cannot be refused.

Once a player’s name shows up in the portal, other schools can contact the player. Players can change their minds at any point and withdraw from the portal. However, once a player enters the portal, the current scholarship no longer has to be honored. In other words, if a player enters the portal but decides to stay, the school is not obligated to provide a scholarship anymore.