Columbia News

Missouri wrestling alumnus Ben Askren will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. He joins J'den Cox, another former Missouri wrestler, in receiving this honor.

Head coach Brian Smith expressed his admiration for Askren's achievements and ongoing contributions to the sport. "I am very proud of Ben and everything he represents," said Smith. "He is a great ambassador for the sport of wrestling, from his accomplishments at Mizzou or the U.S. Olympic Team, to how he has become the model club coach throughout the country. Ben has always lived it right, and even with his mental health, he continues to motivate and teach people how to live it the right way. Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment, making it into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame."

John Harris III, Chairman of the Board of Governors for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, commented on this year's group: "The National Wrestling Hall of Fame is honored to announce the Class of 2026, an illustrious group whose enduring contributions exemplify the foundational principles of our sport. Every Hall of Fame class is special, but this one is even more so as it includes Lee Roy Smith, who will be retiring next year after more than 20 years of superb leadership as executive director of the Hall of Fame," said Harris. "These individuals have demonstrated exemplary leadership, discipline, and commitment, both on and off the mat, thereby advancing the legacy and cultural integrity of wrestling."

The induction ceremony will take place during Honors Weekend on June 5 and 6, 2026 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Distinguished members are selected based on extraordinary success in competition or significant long-term impact on wrestling through coaching or other contributions. Wrestlers must have retired from active competition for five years before being eligible.

Askren was a two-time national champion and four-time NCAA finalist at Missouri. He competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics after runner-up finishes in his first two collegiate seasons. Askren then secured back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007 while winning 87 consecutive matches—one of NCAA history’s longest streaks. His career record stands at 153-7 with a program-record 93 wins by fall and an NCAA record for pinning 18 straight opponents in the first period.

He won both the Dan Hodge Trophy (awarded annually to college wrestling’s top athlete) and Wade Schalles Award (for best pinner) in both 2006 and 2007. Askren became Missouri's first four-time All-American wrestler and its first Olympian wrestler. He was also named Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Championships in 2006.

During high school at Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wisconsin, Askren was a two-time state champion and three-time All-American.

In addition to his competitive career, Askren co-founded Askren Wrestling Academy with his brother Max Askren and their former high school coach John Mesenbrink in 2011. The academy has produced over 160 Wisconsin state champions as well as three NCAA Division I champions: Parker Keckeisen, Mitchell Mesenbrink, and Keegan O'Toole.

Askren underwent a double lung transplant in June 2025 due to necrotizing pneumonia—a rare form that severely damages lung tissue—and was released from hospital care on July 22.