Wisconsin Wrestling: Former Badger Dean Hamiti Announces Massive Transfer To Oklahoma State

After spending just days in the transfer portal, former Wisconsin wrestling star Dean Hamiti has announced his transfer to the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Wisconsin wrestling entered the past three seasons with Hamiti full of hope, but failed to reach both their team and individual expectations. Now, Hamiti will join the Cowboys in hopes of reaching his full potential with an undeniably successful staff.

The announcement that Hamiti would enter the transfer portal originally came as a shock since the wrestler had been the heart of the team. However, with one year of eligibility remaining, Hamiti has decided to go somewhere that offers him a better chance at both an individual championship, and a team championship.

Dean Hamiti Primed For Potential Championship Year Following Transfer 

For Hamiti, the transfer to Oklahoma State was a no-brainer and made perfect sense for someone who wants to win an NCAA Championship. Hamiti gave his all for the Wisconsin wrestling team and after three seasons with the Badgers, the 165-pound wrestler was looking for a change of pace and environment. After entering himself as a no-contact entry in the transfer portal, Hamiti narrowed his sights down to what program can benefit him the most.

Oklahoma State wrestling Head Coach John Smith is a name that nearly every collegiate wrestler and wrestling fan knows. Smith holds a OSU-record 476 match wins and has coached 33 individual NCAA Champions in his career, along with five NCAA Championships. Smith is the epitome of greatness in collegiate wrestling, and if there is a place that can turn Hamiti into a champion, it is certainly with the Cowboys.

What is Next For Wisconsin Wrestling Following the Loss of Hamiti, Barnett? 

For Wisconsin wrestling, Hamiti transferring elsewhere after entering the portal was no surprise, especially considering the recruit chose the no-contact option. Given this option, Hamiti would have initiated contact with the Oklahoma State staff, and their track record alone is enough to attract recruits.

The Wisconsin wrestling staff has a major crisis on their hands as plenty of talent has left the team, leaving the staff with many question marks for next season. The Badgers have tons of work ahead of them as they continue to try to find wrestlers in the transfer portal.