Columbia News

Evan Bates, a two-time NCAA qualifier, has joined the University of Missouri wrestling team as a transfer from Northwestern University. Head coach Brian Smith announced the addition on Monday, June 16. Bates enters as a redshirt senior with one year of eligibility remaining and reunites with Max Mayfield, who previously signed with Missouri.

Bates compiled a record of 69-48 while competing at 197 pounds for Northwestern. During the 2025 NCAA Championships, he secured an opening-round victory over Stanford’s Nick Stemmet by a score of 13-10. He finished the 2024-25 season ranked No. 20 by InterMat and recorded wins against nine ranked opponents along with five pins, five technical falls, and three major decisions.

Prior to his college career, Bates wrestled at Chesterton High School in Indiana where he achieved a record of 124-12 over three years and won an Indiana State Championship. He was recognized as Indiana Class 3A All-State during both his sophomore and junior years and was named Team MVP. From ages eight to fourteen, he also competed for Chesterton Wrestling Club.

"I chose Mizzou because of the great team culture and amazing people," said Bates about his decision to join Missouri.

Coach Brian Smith commented on Bates’ arrival: "Evan is graduating with an engineering degree and has outstanding wrestling accomplishments. His maturity and experience on and off the mat will be valuable to a young team this year. His leadership will help us do great things."