How Tall Is Austin DeSanto? Here’s What We Know

Austin DeSanto is one of those wrestlers you don’t forget. Known for his explosive style and intense energy on the mat, he’s made a serious name for himself in collegiate wrestling. But as with any standout athlete, fans want to know more than just the stats. They want to know who he really is—how he trains, where he comes from, and yes, even how tall he is.

It might sound like a random detail, but for wrestlers, height can actually say a lot about their performance style. So, if you’ve been wondering how tall is Austin DeSanto, you’re not alone. Let’s dig into the details and break it all down.

Who Is Austin DeSanto?

Austin DeSanto is a former standout collegiate wrestler who made waves during his time at the University of Iowa. Competing primarily in the 133-pound weight class, he quickly became known for his aggressive, high-paced style. Originally from Exeter, Pennsylvania, DeSanto first made national headlines during his high school career with a dramatic upset over Spencer Lee in the state finals.

After starting his college journey at Drexel University, he later transferred to Iowa, where he truly found his stride. With a reputation for relentless offense and unmatched intensity, DeSanto became a fan favorite and a key part of Iowa’s powerhouse wrestling team. His passion, grit, and controversial moments only added to his notoriety.

How Tall Is Austin DeSanto?

Let’s get right to it: Austin DeSanto is listed at 5 feet 6 inches tall (or about 168 cm). That height puts him right in the average range for his weight class and gives him a low center of gravity that many wrestlers would consider an advantage.

In videos and match photos, DeSanto tends to look compact and powerful—a build that works well for quick takedowns and explosive moves. His listed height is consistent across Iowa Hawkeyes’ rosters and NCAA profiles, so we can be confident that 5’6″ is accurate.

Why Height Matters in Wrestling

In wrestling, height isn’t just a number—it can influence everything from leverage to takedown ability. For someone in DeSanto’s weight class (133 lbs), a slightly shorter frame often means:

• Better balance and core control
• Lower center of gravity, making it harder for opponents to shoot under them
• Compact power, ideal for quick shots and counters

While taller wrestlers may have the reach advantage, DeSanto’s size allows him to get under his opponents quickly and explode into attacks. It’s a great match for his aggressive, high-pressure style.

Height vs. Other Top Wrestlers

When you compare DeSanto to other elite wrestlers in his class, 5’6″ is pretty typical. For instance:

• Roman Bravo-Young (Penn State) is also around 5’6″
• Daton Fix (Oklahoma State) is listed at 5’7″
• Seth Gross (South Dakota State) stands around 5’8″

So, DeSanto fits right in. His height isn’t particularly short or tall for his class, and that balance has served him well. His physical attributes complement his aggressive mindset, making him hard to counter and even harder to predict.

Photo Breakdowns & On-Camera Clues

If you dive into match footage or post-match interviews, DeSanto’s stature becomes even more clear. In team photos, he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with his fellow 133-pounders. On video, especially during weigh-ins or side-by-side with opponents, his listed 5’6″ height lines up accurately.

A few examples:

• In the NCAA tournament face-offs, he stands just slightly shorter than taller 133-pounders
• In training room footage, he looks about even in height with teammates in similar weight classes
• During post-match interviews, the camera often shows him seated, but when standing, his compact build is evident

Beyond Height: His Athletic Profile

Let’s be clear: Austin DeSanto isn’t just a height number on a stat sheet. His full athletic profile is what makes him stand out. Some key traits:

• Weight class: 133 lbs during his NCAA career
• Reach: Not officially listed, but his in-match reach appears strong for his frame
• Conditioning: Known for pushing the pace and wearing opponents down

What makes DeSanto special is how he combines these traits into a relentless, in-your-face wrestling style. His speed, power, and endurance make him a constant threat, regardless of who’s across the mat.

Issues & Insights: Height vs. Results

There’s no question DeSanto’s results speak louder than his height ever could. Some people argue that taller wrestlers have an advantage, but DeSanto proves that with the right mindset and training, physical stature is just one small piece of the puzzle.

His ability to stay low, shoot fast, and scramble out of tight positions has nothing to do with being tall or short—it’s about awareness, speed, and execution. In fact, his build likely plays a key role in the kind of matches he’s able to dominate.

Conclusion

So, how tall is Austin DeSanto? He stands at 5’6″, and that height has worked in his favor more often than not. It’s not about being tall or short; it’s about how you use what you’ve got. For DeSanto, that means harnessing his build to create fast-paced, high-pressure matches that wear down even the best of opponents.

While height can matter in wrestling, DeSanto’s intensity, heart, and raw skill are what truly set him apart. He may not tower over his opponents, but he more than makes up for it in attitude and results.

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