COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri wrestling head coach Brian Smith announces the signing of transfer Evan Bates on Monday, June 16. Bates joins Mizzou from Northwestern with one year of eligibility remaining as a redshirt senior. Additionally, the former Wildcat is reunited with Max Mayfield, who signed with Tiger Style on April 17.

Evan Bates | Chesterton, Indiana | Chesterton | Northwestern
Bates comes to Columbia as a two-time NCAA qualifier at 197 pounds and a career record of 69-48. The redshirt senior earned an upset win in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Championships over No. 25 Nick Stemmet of Stanford, 13-10. Finishing the 2024-25 season ranked No. 20 by InterMat, the former Wildcat earned wins over nine ranked opponents and totaled five pins, five technical falls and three major decisions.

Wrestling for Chesterton High School, Bates was 124-12 in three years wrestling for the Trojans and was an Indiana State Champion. Additionally, he earned Indiana Class 3A All-State honors during his sophomore and junior seasons, as well as Team MVP. Bates also wrestled for Chesterton Wrestling Club from the ages of 8-14.

Bates on Choosing Tiger Style
I chose Mizzou because of the great team culture and amazing people.

Coach Smith on Evan
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.

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