After 2 Penn State Greats, David Taylor Might Add Oklahoma Cowboys Legend to Wrestling Coaching Team

David Taylor seems to be on a roll. Hanging up his wrestling vest to dry, he’s now exploring uncharted territory, aka something he fits the bill for. Continuing the tradition of excellence in wrestling coaching, the spotlight is now on David Taylor, who recently joined as Oklahoma State’s head coach. Penn State alum David Taylor recently added legends Jimmy Kennedy and Thomas Gilman along with him as associate head coach and assistant coach. The reason behind hiring two more phenoms is, so that Oklahoma State has all the reservoir of knowledge it needs to ace their professional endeavours, and who better than this holy triumvirate? If you look at NCAA champion Jordan Oliver’s recent social media posts, it seems like Oklahoma State might be getting ready to welcome another legend. But this time, in a coaching position. 

 While this paradigm-altering shift with John Smith stepping down, the reins taken over by Taylor and Co will be monumental to their success. With that in mind, Jordan Oliver is one of the biggest names in wrestling. He is currently working as a volunteer assistant coach for the University of North Carolina. Moreover, being a Cowboy himself, Oliver seems to have just the correct qualifications to transition into coaching for Oklahoma State. 

Jordan Oliver: From cowboy to coach? An unknown quantity for Oklahoma State

Recently, @TheLowSingle shared a series of pictures of Jordan Oliver on X and captioned it, “I know a guy that would fit that new look Cowboy coaching staff like a glove! You all Cowboy’d up before, let’s run it back!” He further added that Oliver was an original Cowboy and many would like to see him join the Cowboy Wrestling staff, saying, “Come on Magic Man, bring in a Cowboy legend.” Jordan Oliver reposted this tweet with the caption, “Once a Cowboy, ALWAYS A COWBOY 👊🏽 📞 😈”. So it is evident that a perfect spot might be opening for Oliver alongside Penn State powerhouses “Magic Man” David Taylor and Jimmy Kennedy. Taylor’s announcement to join Oklahoma State came weeks after he narrowly missed representing the USA at the 2024 Paris Games, losing to Aaron Brooks in the Olympic Trials. Oliver isn’t one to forget his roots and to be honest, neither is Penn State, as is evident by Taylor’s iron-clad loyalty.

Reflecting on his career, he said, “I knew in 2024 this was going to be it for me as a competitor,” and added, “Every decision that I made in my life was to be an Olympic champion. Every decision.” Despite being only 33, Taylor boasts an impressive track record and will be following the same path as David Taylor: “My journey as a competitor is done, but my journey as a coach is now just getting started.” Coaches David Taylor and Jimmy Kennedy will be paving the way for Young Oliver to traverse and he will make sure to do right by them for his alma mater- Oklahoma State.

With Oliver already possessing sound knowledge of the nitty gritty of Oklahoma State politics, wrestling, bureaucracy, judging and whatnot, this seems to be a full circle journey for him. While still young in years, can he make up for it with his can do attitude and exercise his rightful agency? Leaving that pot simmering, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out the rivalry between Oklahoma State and Penn State, as that has been a massive bone of contention. How exactly does David Taylor factor in here?

Penn State rivalry and influence of David Taylor and coaches

Taking learnings and musings from the legendary Cael Sanderson and extrapolating it onto the big leagues will be a task for Taylor and the team, though possible. As per current news, with the transfer portal effectively shutting its doors down, the transient impact will be that Penn State will not be host to a sudden turnover. Oklahoma State and Penn State Universities are on opposite ends of the spectrum, and this seems to be only heightened given Olympic Champion David Taylor’s transition from being a mentor for Penn State’s Nittany Lions to becoming head coach for the wrestling program at Oklahoma State. He also added two Penn State jewels: Jimmy Kennedy, his brother-in-law, as well as Thomas Gilman, who won Olympic silver in the 2021 Tokyo Games.

The NLWC under the iron-clad tutelage of Jimmy Kennedy will see some sudden changes in trajectory. With just Gilman and Kennedy roped in for now, can we expect more Penn State alums in the Oklahoma State roster? Considering Taylor’s connections and nexus with Penn State, Oklahoma State might be in for a losing treat as the former will still trudge along for a couple more seasons. The Cowboys will most surely be grappling and fighting for a second place from the looks of it. With the moratorium being whether he will take in more people and college-level athletes into his new roster or not. With talent headhunting and active legwork a major forte with Cael Sanderson, there’s no doubt because Taylor may very well follow suit. Time will tell what vast webs Taylor will string, given his forte.

As Oklahoma State is gearing up for a great comeback in the sport, it seems to be at the cost of Penn State alums. Taylor’s name and reputation could put him head-to-head against Cael Sanderson where recruiting is concerned. Though Penn State’s roster is probably not going to see any immediate turnover, as athletes Levi Haines and Tyler Kasak remain at Penn State and continue to dominate wrestling. In the future, top recruits like Zack Ryder will definitely be scouted by Taylor for Oklahoma State. It is possible that tensions are going to be on the rise from here on out.