Daniel Kerkvliet flips commitment from Minnesota to Oklahoma State wrestling

Daniel Kerkvliet has changed his plans.

Kerkvliet, ranked No. 3 at 285 pounds for the 2019 class by FloWrestling, announced via Twitter on Sunday that he has committed to Oklahoma State after originally being committed to his home state Minnesota. He committed to the Golden Gophers back in October 2016.

The Simley, Minnesota product is a two-time Class 2A state champion and 2017 Cadet world champion at 100 kilograms. He received a shoutout for his decision from former NCAA All-American and current UFC Light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, who said “Congratulations Cowboy!!! Big Commit!!,” on Twitter.

Many have speculated that Kerkvliet made the decision based on three-time world champion Gable Steveson making his commitment to the Golden Gophers earlier this year. The two would’ve been competing for the starting spot. Now the two will likely seize the starting role for their respective programs going forward.

The Cowboys currently have three heavyweights on its roster: redshirt junior Blake Andrews, redshirt freshman Ethan Andersen and freshman Cornelius Putnam. Andrews went 12-3 in open tournaments last season while Andersen was 10-4.