As the NCAA decision date approaches, all eyes in the wrestling world are glued to the top two recruits who could reshape the sport for years to come: Bo Bassett and Jax Forrest. These young phenoms are the future of collegiate wrestling, and their talent is undeniable. Bo Bassett, a U20 World Team member and 2021 U17 gold medalist, has been dominating the mats, while Jax Forrest, a U17 silver medalist, has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. Together, they represent the next generation of wrestling prodigies, and it’s no wonder every top program in the country is vying for their signatures.

The latest buzz? Both Bo and Jax were recently spotted visiting the University of Michigan, one of the elite programs in the nation. Michigan seems to be pulling out all the stops to secure these two future stars. Photos of Bo and Jax hanging out with legendary coach Sean Bormet have surfaced, and it’s clear the Wolverines are making their pitch hard to resist. Bormet, who led Michigan to its first Big Ten championship since 1973, is a major draw for recruits, and the excitement surrounding their visit has wrestling fans on edge. Bo even took to Instagram to share his thoughts, writing, “Love wrestling: Michigan Weekend was amazing. Taking my time, looking at every option, and enjoying this recruiting process. Go Blue!!〽️ #Uncommitted.”

Meanwhile, Jax Forrest kept his post simple but filled with anticipation, writing, “Go Blue?” Both athletes remain uncommitted, confidently weighing their options, with programs from across the country battling for their talents. For Jax, the choices are vast: Michigan, UNCC, Stanford, Penn, NC State, Cornell, and Iowa are all in the mix. The decision promises to be nothing short of thrilling.

Bo Bassett, on the other hand, is carving his own path with an unconventional recruitment journey. As of September 18, Bo has already eliminated Stanford from his list, but that still leaves 18 suitors vying for his commitment. Both athletes have some of the biggest names in college wrestling still on their radar. Oklahoma State, Iowa, and, of course, the powerhouse Penn State remain strong contenders for Bo and Jax.

Penn State, led by the legendary Cael Sanderson, stands as a formidable option. Sanderson has built a dynasty at PSU, racking up twelve NCAA team titles since 2009 and leading the Nittany Lions to three consecutive championships from 2012 to 2014. The school has produced some of the most dominant wrestlers in recent history, including David Taylor and Ed Ruth. Interestingly, David Taylor, now head coach of Oklahoma State, is also in the running for these top recruits, making the stakes even higher.

Student Vs. Teacher, aka David Taylor vs Cael Sanderson

Amidst all, the blues shines bright the orange of Oklahoma State. And David Taylor is on a mission to court both Bo and Jax. Taylor, playing the long game, has developed a personalized approach to the recruitment race. Bo noted, “He wanted to make it meaningful. And I think that’s a good strategy.” With Jax, too, Taylor made it personal!

Jax Forrest has had a season to remember with a 53-2 record and the PIAA Class 2A title. He even competed at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Meeting a man of such mettle at such a young age could be a daunting task. Taylor, however, approached it authentically. Taylor and former Olympic Bronze Medalist Thomas Gilman together made a home visit to meet and understand Jax.

As the collegiate season gets closer, Penn is not far behind in their efforts. Jax also had a home visit from the legendary Cael Sanderson. “Great home visit with Coach Cael,” wrote Jax on his Instagram story post-visit. Sanderson does not leave out his other top potential recruit and also made an in-home visit to Bo Bassett. As the weeks unfold, both Bo and Jax continue to attract attention from major programs.

Their mettle on the mat is not the only thing making them the top recruits for the season! The two share a common coach, Jody Strittmatter, who recently had something to disclose about Bo and Jax. “Every word that comes out of their mouth is positive. I’ve never heard Bo or Jax swear in my life! They’re just such good people to be around,” said Jody.

On that note, the clock has begun ticking for the two good men. Will Bo and Jax choose to embrace Penn State tradition, or will they forge their paths at programs like Michigan and Oklahoma State? Regardless of what happens, this is going to be an unforgettable recruiting season.