David Taylor, aka “The Magic Man,” is back and ready to make his much-anticipated return to the wrestling spotlight! After his surprising loss at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, Taylor decided to switch gears, stepping into the role of head coach at Oklahoma State University. Naturally, this move had everyone wondering: had the Magic Man finally run out of tricks? Well, not so fast!

Taylor is all set to compete at the 2024 U.S. Senior World Team Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. And guess what? He’s coming in as the top seed in the 92 kg freestyle weight class, adding another twist to his already fascinating journey. In an Instagram post by OSU Cowboy Wrestling, it was announced that Oklahoma State’s head coach David Taylor, along with former Cowboy wrestlers Daton Fix, Alex Dieringer, and Jordan Oliver, will take the mat this weekend in Omaha.

At these trials, the competitors will battle it out in the four weight classes that weren’t featured at the Olympics. The winners will then get to represent the USA at the Senior World Championships in Tirana, Albania, from October 28-31. Oh, and a little caveat: the U.S. wrestlers who competed at the Olympics this past summer aren’t eligible for this event, making it an open battlefield for the rest. And David Taylor? He’s aiming for another shot at glory in Albania. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What’s really making this return so intriguing is Taylor finally stepping out from the long shadow of his Penn State days.

For 15 years, he was almost synonymous with Penn State and the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club (NLWC). His time there? Absolutely legendary. We’re talking two NCAA titles, four Big Ten championships, a pair of Dan Hodge Trophies, and a staggering 134-3 record with bonus points in nearly 90% of his matches. He didn’t just stop there—Taylor went on to dominate the freestyle circuit, securing four Olympic or World gold medals and a seven-year win streak of 70 out of 71 matches against the world’s toughest opponents.

Now, after all that time repping Penn State, he’s finally in orange and black with OSU. Taking over from the legendary John Smith at OSU, Taylor’s transition to head coach isn’t just a career move; it’s a complete shift of allegiance. Chad Weiberg, OSU’s athletic director, summed it up perfectly: “I think it’s a great thing any time that we can put the brand of the program out in the wrestling world. For our team here to see him competing and doing the things to get ready to compete, it only makes what’s happening in our room better.” So, now the real question is:

Will this be the Magic Man David Taylor’s greatest trick yet?

Considering David Taylor’s rollercoaster journey, the answer to his comeback might just be a resounding yes! The Magic Man’s career has been nothing short of epic, marked by jaw-dropping wins, heart-stopping comebacks, and yes, a few gut-wrenching losses along the way. His golden streak dates back to 2018 when he claimed his first World Championship. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Taylor. Remember the 2019 World Wrestling Championships, where an injury derailed his dreams of defending his title? That tournament was a tough pill to swallow.

But redemption is Taylor’s specialty. Fast forward to the epic 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he faced Iran’s Hassan Yazdani. In a nail-biter, Taylor took down Yazdani to claim Olympic gold. Sweet revenge, right? But just when it seemed like the gold streak would continue, he hit a roadblock at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. In a shocking turn of events, he was defeated by four-time NCAA champion Aaron Brooks, knocking him off the Paris Olympics list. A massive setback, no doubt—but if Taylor’s history tells us anything, it’s that he’s far from finished.

Let’s not forget Taylor’s incredible history at the World Championships. After his 2018 gold in Budapest, he proved he was no one-trick pony by winning gold again in 2022 and 2023, all in the 86 kg category. Now, here’s the twist: for the 2024 World Trials, Taylor is making the bold move to the 92 kg weight class.

To make another World Team, Taylor faces a tall order in the challenge tournament. Waiting for him at the finish line? None other than 2023 World bronze medalist Zahid Valencia, sitting in the best-of-three championship series like a boss. But before that showdown, Taylor has to get through a field stacked with former National Team studs like Trent Hidlay, Jonathan Aiello, and Michael Macchiavello. Here’s the kicker: Taylor’s never tried his luck at 92 kilograms before—he’s been an 86-kilo guy since 2015.

And there’s some added history here! Former Oklahoma State head coach John Smith bagged his sixth and final gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, just months after kicking off his coaching gig at OSU. Now, it’s Taylor’s turn to follow in those legendary footsteps. “I’m excited to represent Oklahoma State and the Cowboy RTC, go Pokes,” Taylor said. And with that, the stage is set. Can the Magic Man pull off another trick? Share your thoughts below!