The Oklahoma State Cowboys have charged into the new year with impressive performances. But amid the same, Cowboys head coach David Taylor is calling for a shift in the wrestling calendar. Fresh off a successful season and poised for a high-stakes showdown against No. 5 North Carolina, Taylor’s Cowboys are proving why they remain a dominant force in NCAA wrestling. Yet, Taylor’s sights are set beyond the immediate season. He is advocating for the return of a tradition that could reshape collegiate wrestling.

In a bold statement, Taylor expressed his desire to reintegrate National Duals into the NCAA wrestling calendar. Such a declaration has made way just on the heels of the 2025 NWCA National Dual Meet Championships. It was an event that saw the return of NCAA Division I men’s teams for the first time since 2017.

Held at the historic UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the National Duals welcomed 102 teams from six divisions, marking a milestone in collegiate wrestling. The 2025 NWCA National Dual Meet Championships took place on January 10-11, 2025. And right after the end of it, Taylor proposed a unique demand. Taking to his X account on January 13, he wrote, “We should bring back National Duals. Do it in November before conference competitions.” His words highlighted the potential to energize the sport’s early-season dynamics.

Featuring elite programs across the NCAA and NAIA brackets, the Nationals competition offered a thrilling showcase of talent and physical prowess. The Central College men’s wrestling team made a noteworthy debut, finishing 18th with standout performances from Carter Martinson, Pierre Baldwin, and others.

However, as it appears, for Taylor, the National Duals represent more than just competition. They come across more as a platform for building the sport’s visibility and intensity. His call to position the event in November underscores its potential to act as a curtain-raiser for the wrestling season. More so, it would generate excitement and momentum ahead of conference clashes. The recent success of the National Duals only strengthens his argument, as fans and teams alike celebrated the return of NCAA Division I men’s programs to the prestigious tournament.

The organizers have scheduled the 2025 MAC wrestling championship to hit the mats on March 7, 2025. But before that, the Cowboys’ coach wants Duals to come back yet again. Taylor’s push to elevate early-season competitions could redefine how teams and fans engage with the sport, creating a fresh narrative for the wrestling calendar.

With the 2025 NWCA National Duals in the books and conversations about the future heating up, Taylor’s bold call for change comes at a pivotal moment. As the Cowboys prepare for their next big challenge, the wrestling world will undoubtedly keep an eye on the implications of Taylor’s vision—and whether his demand will reshape the landscape of collegiate wrestling.

David Taylor Doubles Down On Tagen Jamison Injury Amidst Important Message to OSU 

Losing a tooth mid-match while wrestling? Most of the wrestlers would call it a day. However, Tagen Jamison is built differently. Despite getting bloodied, the young NCAA wrestler continued with his match. And not only did he continue, but Jamison also defeated his opponent, Carter Nogle in a dominant fashion. Thumping the Air Force 43-6, Taylor and his team established themselves as one of the biggest threats in the division. 

Naturally, Taylor was impressed by Tagen. Speaking about the young phenom, Taylor stated, “Tagen is really tough. We’ve kind of figured that out this year. He just got up and was like, ‘I lost my tooth,’” However, despite the win, Taylor and OSU are wary of the injuries threatening to plague their NCAA campaign. Along with Jamison, one prominent name missing from the OSU lineups was Reece Witcraft. Witcraft is nursing a knee injury that he picked up at the 2024 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. 

And that was not all. The OSU injury list also included the likes of Carl Hughes and Cameron Amine. Thus, it was quite natural for Taylor to express concerns regarding the same. “This is a time when people get sick over the holidays. This is one of those matches where you’re thinking of the long-term of the season,” Taylor explained, reflecting his concerns for his boys. The OSU HC added, “Get our guys healthy while we can, the best that we can.” Thus, with things looking like a mixed bag for OSU, it remains to be seen how things pan out for David Taylor and co. in the future.