Iowa Wrestler Gabe Arnold Overcomes Mental Health Struggles to Become NCAA All-American

Arnold, a 5-foot-7 sophomore, placed seventh at 197 pounds despite being the No. 27 seed.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:03pm

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Iowa wrestler Gabe Arnold overcame mental health challenges, including a hospitalization in 2024, to become an NCAA All-American. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-7 and wrestling up two weight classes at 197 pounds, Arnold placed seventh at the NCAA Championships, exceeding expectations.

Why it matters

Arnold's story highlights the mental health struggles that many student-athletes face and his perseverance in overcoming those challenges to achieve success on the mat. His achievement as a lower-seeded wrestler moving up in weight class also demonstrates the importance of team-first mentalities in college sports.

The details

After losing in the round-of-16 at 184 pounds the previous year, Arnold bumped up to 197 pounds this season to help his team. Despite being the No. 27 seed, he won four straight matches in the consolation bracket before securing a seventh-place finish with a 5-2 record. Arnold's coaches, including Terry Brands, provided tough love that motivated him to work harder and overcome his past struggles.

  • In December 2024, Arnold was hospitalized and struggled with his mental health, questioning his 'worth, ability, and will to live'.
  • At the 2024 Soldier Salute tournament, Arnold was set to face off against teammate Angelo Ferrari in the 184-pound finals before his mental health issues arose.
  • At the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, Arnold placed seventh at 197 pounds to become an NCAA All-American.

The players

Gabe Arnold

A 5-foot-7 sophomore wrestler at the University of Iowa who overcame mental health challenges to become an NCAA All-American.

Tom Brands

The head coach of the Iowa wrestling team, who supported Arnold through his struggles.

Terry Brands

The associate head coach of the Iowa wrestling team, who provided Arnold with tough love and motivation after his previous year's struggles.

Remy Cotton

A wrestler from Rutgers University who Arnold defeated 4-3 in the bloodround match to secure his All-American status.

Angelo Ferrari

A true freshman wrestler at Iowa who was set to face off against Arnold in the 184-pound finals of the 2024 Soldier Salute tournament before Arnold's mental health issues arose.

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What they’re saying

“Terry (Brands) told me, and I was sucking my thumb a little bit, he was like, 'Listen, you need to get your head out of your a--, you need to work, you need to wrestle. If you're tired of this feeling, then be tired of it and stop the feeling.'”

— Gabe Arnold, Iowa Wrestler

What’s next

The Iowa coaching staff will likely work with Arnold to help him maintain his mental health and continue developing as a wrestler, with the goal of him returning to the NCAA Championships next year and potentially earning an even higher finish.

The takeaway

Gabe Arnold's story is a powerful example of the mental health challenges that student-athletes face and the importance of having a strong support system to overcome those struggles. His achievement of becoming an NCAA All-American despite the odds shows the impact that perseverance and determination can have in the face of adversity.