Penn State’s Aaron Brooks is looking to make waves in Paris this July. After having won the 86kg bracket at the US Olympic Trials last month, Brooks is now waiting to show similar mettle on the grandest stage. However, while one NLWC star is eyeing Olympic glory, another’s unprecedented move has taken the country’s collegiate wrestling scene by surprise. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist David Taylor recently announced his new role as Oklahoma’s head wrestling coach, and Brooks has a few things to ponder about his latest victim.

The four-time NCAA champ Brooks won his ticket to Paris after subduing fellow Penn State icon Taylor at the Bryce Jordan Center in April. However, the Olympic veteran’s move hasn’t been sitting well with his former alma mater’s wrestlers. Now, with a few days to come to terms with the news, Aaron seems to have more thoughts about the matter.

In a recent interview with Justin Basch of Baschmania, Brooks made his views on David’s new coaching role clear. “State College is chilling man, ” noted the young Turk. While Brooks said that the folks over at Penn State were happy for their former student, the former also underscored that in case Taylor did get the green flag for the Paris Olympics, he might not have taken up the coaching position at OSU so soon.

“ I hope it’s not an emotional move for him right like I hope he actually took the time to think about it“, emphasized Aaron in the interview. Only days ago, Carter Starocci, another NLWC and Penn State wrestler, also took a dig at Taylor for his alleged lack of loyalty toward his college team. However, Brooks seemed more rational about the entire debate and opined that if David wanted to coach, then that’s what he should be doing. While Brooks debates his former collegiate role model’s move, he should also take a moment to sort things out at his own camp.

Aaron Brooks’ own turbulent situation

Despite winning his weight bracket at the team trials, Brooks’ possibilities of making it to Paris look murky. A failed drug test from last year’s U23 World Championships is the latest headache that Brooks has to deal with. While a verdict on the matter will be presented by this week, clarifying whether Cael Sanderson’s star student will indeed be flying to the French capital in July with hopes of defending David Taylor’s Olympic gold, Brooks himself refuses to give in to the widespread speculations.

“…they’re just trying to stir up the pot“, is what Brooks had to say to Justin at the interview, noting that such allegations are a common thing for athletes. However, considering just how good the wrestler has been throughout his collegiate career (a 100% win rate in 2024), it wouldn’t be a far-fetched thought to believe that Brooks will give his opponents a run for their money on the big stage. Now, as the country’s wrestling fraternity waits with batted breath for his future, what do you think fate has in store for Aaron Brooks? Tell us your views in the comments below!