Oklahoma State wrestling has been absolutely unstoppable this season, shattering records and turning heads. It’s been a ride worth recalling, and take a guess for what it’s about, if not setting a brand new bar for the sport. Since David Taylor took the reins as head coach in May 2024, the Cowboys have been flexing it, showing everyone that they’re not just contenders—they’re the real trendsetters. 

Cowboys are not just winning—they’re pulling in massive crowds, making fans sit up and take notice. We’re talking about record-breaking crowds that have been packing arenas across the country. The magic behind it? Seems to be the David Taylor influence. But what exactly are the numbers? Let’s find out.

The Magic Man influence is bringing in some serious numbers

The two road duals this season made history for Oklahoma State wrestling—breaking attendance records in a BIG way. On January 25, the Oklahoma State Cowboys took on Northern Iowa, and guess what? The McLeod Center hit a jaw-dropping 6,030 attendees, setting a new record. That’s what I thought— it’s seriously a lot of people packed into one arena and all for the love of wrestling. Although UNI lost to the Cowboys on the mat, they made some serious profit off it. What’s more? This wasn’t the first time this season that Magic Man’s Cowboys were involved in a duel that broke an attendance record.

Last year in November, the Cowboys took on Utah Valley University at the UCCU Center in front of 5,053 fans — setting an attendance record at the venue. UVU called it the “ADAM HALL EFFECT” in their X post, crediting the craze to their head coach. But let’s try to understand something. Two record-breaking crowds in two different arenas. What was the common factor? Journalist Seth Duckworth hit the bullseye on this. In his January 25 post on X, Duckworth wrote, “Two Oklahoma State road duals broke attendance records this season.” These stats aren’t just numbers—they’re a testament to the buzz that Taylor has created around the OSU program.

With his Olympic gold medals, World Championship titles, and insane wrestling resume, Taylor’s a magnetic force in the wrestling world. Fans are flocking to these events because they know they’re in for an exciting ride when Magic Man’s Cowboys are on the mat. It’s not just about who wins the match—it’s about the bigger picture, and David Taylor’s leadership is front and center in that story.

David Taylor’s mentality is fueling the Cowboys’ success

But it’s not just about breaking records off the mat. Let’s talk wrestling. Caleb Fish’s performance in the dual against Northern Iowa was one for the ages. After the Cowboys were down 10-6, Fish stepped up in a clutch 157-pound matchup, facing off against UNI’s No. 4 Ryder Downey. The stakes were high, and Fish didn’t flinch. With a 7-4 win, Fish brought the Cowboys right back into the game. The crowd? Absolutely lost it. UNI fans were booing, but Fish didn’t back down—instead, he played along as OSU surged ahead. That match was a game-changer as it catalyzed OSU’s comeback to clinch a 22-14 victory.

Following their win over UNI, the Cowboys now stand on top of a perfect 10-0 overall record. But Taylor is only looking to get better. Sharing his thoughts on the duel, Magic Man said, “This is a duel in the middle of the season. It’s all perspective. And it’s all trying to use these experiences to get better and be prepared in March.” He also shared that he is having a “blast” coaching the Cowboys, and so are wrestling fans watching them dominate the mat. 

Now, since we all are aware of the Cowboys’ dominance, we know it isn’t just about talent—it’s so much more than that– teamwork, mentality, and leadership. David Taylor’s ability to inspire and elevate his wrestlers is paying off big time, not just in wins but in attendance numbers and fan engagement. Every time the Cowboys step on the mat, it’s clear they’re pushing the sport into a moment of history. What’s your take on it? Let us know in the comments section!