Renowned for tenacity on the wrestling mat, Austin DeSanto developed a name as one of the most dynamic and exciting collegiate wrestling athletes. Known for his time at the University of Iowa, DeSanto was a fan favorite and a feared rival with his aggressive approach, unrelenting pace, and technical accuracy.
He was highly regarded for his mental toughness and explosive technique and earned All-American marks during his college career. DeSanto notably competed for Drexel University prior to moving to Iowa, where he improved his national wrestling profile.
Transition to Professional Wrestling and Post-College Goals
Austin DeSanto never disappeared from the scene after graduating. Rather, he turned his attention to the professional wrestling scene and investigated avenues inside USA Wrestling as well as freestyle wrestling. Reports show he started training and participating in elite events, suggesting his aspirations went much beyond college performance.
Using his 135–141 lb weight class skill set, DeSanto entered several freestyle events following NCAA. He was a real competitor on the national scene since his mat awareness and signature rapid-fire strikes fit this style.
Austin DeSanto and the US Olympic Pipeline
DeSanto is deeply ingrained in the Olympic development process even though he has not yet formally guaranteed a place on the U.S. Olympic Team. Working with top-level coaches and former Olympians in Colorado Springs, where USA Wrestling houses many of its best prospects, apparently forms part of his training program.
He has indicated hopes of representing Team USA in next World Championships and Olympic Games, which fuels rumors that his long-term objective still is international supremacy.
Coaching and Mentorship Roles
Apart from his own wrestling activities, Austin DeSanto has also entered mentoring and coaching roles. He has been seen at several youth and high school wrestling clinics all around the Midwest, particularly in Pennsylvania and Iowa where his legacy is most prominent.
DeSanto stresses often mental toughness, discipline, and technical clarity—principles that defined his success in college. Young wrestlers who look up to him as a symbol of tenacity and will have found great inspiration in his attendance at these events.
Training and Fitness Endeavors
Apart from wrestling events, DeSanto has expressed interest in the sports performance and fitness sector. Using his personal knowledge of elite training, he has apparently been working with gyms and athletic development centers to create programs catered to grapplers and combat sport athletes.
Often posted on social media snippets and interviews, his workouts consist in explosive drills, functional strength exercises, and cardiovascular conditioning methods reflecting the demands of elite wrestling. De Santo might soon start his own branded training series or fitness content platform, according to rumors.
Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement
DeSanto keeps a small but devoted following online even though he is not particularly active on mainstream sites like Instagram or Twitter. Forums for wrestling, Reddit threads, and Facebook groups keep talking about his career and guessing about his next steps.
Still garnering hundreds of thousands of views, videos of his most exciting NCAA events confirm his status as a cult favorite among wrestling aficioners. He occasionally provides updates, training videos, or shows up in podcasts and wrestling roundtables talking about mental health in sports, training development, and wrestling psychology.
Austin DeSanto’s Influence on Modern Collegiate Wrestling
DeSanto’s impact on modern collegiate wrestling technique is still strong even now, post-college. Coach and analyst references to his bouts abound as teaching tools to show underhook sequences, tempo control, and transition wrestling. Wrestling rooms all around regularly examine his performances against elite opponents such as Roman Bravo-Young and Nick Suriano.
DeSanto is also credited with popularizing an aggressive strategy that drives action and wears down defensive-minded wrestlers—a concept now reflected in many Division I athletes.
Speculation About Future Career Moves
DeSanto’s possible crossover into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has been under increasing discussion. Though he has not publicly confirmed such a change, his explosive grappling base, cardio, and competitive grit fit the cage naturally.
Elite collegiate wrestlers have long attracted interest from companies like Bellator and PFL, and supporters are keen to see if DeSanto might pursue professional fighting following the path of fellow wrestlers like Bo Nickal or Aaron Pico.
Whispers around the wrestling scene also indicate he might finally join a collegiate coaching staff full-time, maybe at Iowa, Drexel, or even Penn State, where he could provide unparalleled practice room intensity.
Personal Life and Off-the-Mat Focus
Austin DeSanto has kept a quiet profile in his personal life even if he is fiery on the mat. Having lately been candid about the emotional and psychological difficulties of competitive sports, he still promotes mental health awareness in athletics.
In addition, he enjoys outdoor activities, weightlifting, and travel when not wrestling and is close to his family.
Whether through competition, coaching, or athlete development, his emphasis seems to be on keeping grounded, motivating the next generation, and establishing a long-term career in combat sports.
Conclusion
Austin DeSanto is not about to retire and fade. Training future athletes, he is actively following his love in competitive wrestling and maybe laying the foundation for a career in coaching, MMA, or sports entrepreneurship. His career path is evidence of the ability of top athletes to redefine themselves while yet honoring the core of their competitive drive.
Whether you enjoy wrestling or study mental toughness, tracking DeSanto’s path provides insightful analysis of the mindset of an athlete never stopping in development.
FAQs:
What is Austin Aries doing now?
Austin Aries is currently active on the independent wrestling circuit and involved in fitness and wellness coaching.
Why did Austin DeSanto get suspended?
Austin DeSanto was suspended briefly in 2020 due to an unspecified violation of team rules at Iowa.
What college does Austin DeSanto wrestle for?
Austin DeSanto wrestled for the University of Iowa after transferring from Drexel University.
What rank is Austin DeSanto?
During his senior year, Austin DeSanto was consistently ranked in the top 5 nationally at 133 lbs.
