Dean Hamiti Jr. is a distinguished American wrestler known for his exceptional collegiate career. Born in Joliet, Illinois, he began his wrestling journey at Joliet Catholic Academy, where he secured three Illinois state championships. His senior year was marked by the tournament’s cancellation due to COVID-19, leaving him on the cusp of a fourth title. Nationally, he clinched the Fargo Juniors Nationals in 2019 and the Super 32 Challenge in 2020.
Hamiti’s collegiate career commenced at the University of Wisconsin, where he competed at 165 pounds. He earned All-American honors in both 2022 and 2023, achieving sixth-place finishes at the NCAA Championships in those years. In 2023, he also secured the Big Ten Championship at 165 pounds.
In May 2024, Hamiti transferred to Oklahoma State University, moving up to the 174-pound weight class. This transition proved successful; during the 2024-2025 season, he amassed a 27-1 record, with a 96.43% win rate and a 67.86% bonus rate. At the 2025 NCAA Championships, Hamiti clinched the national title by defeating Missouri’s Keegan O’Toole in a sudden-victory overtime match, concluding with a 4-1 decision.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Hamiti has been recognized for his academic achievements, earning honors such as NWCA Scholar All-American and Academic All-Big Ten. His journey reflects a blend of resilience, adaptability, and excellence both on and off the mat.
For a visual recap of his championship match, you can watch the following video: