David Taylor is back! The most successful international wrestler in Penn State history isn’t hanging up his boots yet! Despite taking up a new hefty role as Oklahoma State’s wrestling coach, David Taylor is not shying away from the mat. This weekend at the 2024 U.S. Senior World Team Trials in Omaha, Nebraska, the world will see David Taylor in action again! Taylor as of now is one of the strongest contenders in the 92 kg men’s freestyle class. He is aiming for a spot in the 2024 World Championships in Albania.

This is not just bold but a wild move, considering Taylor’s decision to take up the position as coach came after his rather dismal loss. David Taylor in the U.S. Olympic Trials fell short to Aaron Brooks, Penn State’s bronze medallist from Paris. As Taylor preps for his debut season as a coach, the decision to compete elevates his portfolio as a coach. But the question that remains is, will it compromise his coaching plans?

And that’s not all the challenge that David Taylor has taken up! Taylor is also not competing in the same weight class that he did during trials. Instead, he has made a switch from 86kg to 92kg. This also means that Taylor will have to qualify as one of four wrestlers not competing at the Paris Olympics. The four include David Taylor, Nate Jackson, Ben Provisor, and Tyler Berger.

Despite the obvious questions that hang in the air, Oklahoma State’s Athletic Director, Chad Weiberg is excited about Taylor’s return to the mat! “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,” said Chad talking about the same.

Magic Man’s Return Has Kickstarted a New Fandom Frenzy!

Taylor’s comeback is creating a buzz amidst the wrestling community! A student from Oklahoma State took it to X and wrote, “I keep seeing talk of David Taylor competing being bad for #okstate, especially with recruiting, so I asked a top recruit. He said he thinks ‘it’s great’ from a recruit’s perspective. ‘I appreciate that he’s ready to battle just like us. He’s staying sharp and will be able to wrestle with the guys for a very long time. Pretty cool stuff.’”

Another student echoing the same went on to add, “This take here is spot on. I have no issues with coach competing. Only makes our wrestling room stronger. Plus the student athletes will bond while watching and cheering on Coach.” Another eagle eyed fan went on to point out, “Not to mention some of the top recruits in the country will also be competing there this weekend.”

One fan summed it up and said, “Coach wins and the program wins.” Another echoing the same said, “Coach setting the standard for the guys that are going to wrestle at OSU.” The enthusiasm is palpable with another student cheering, “Go get ‘em, Coach!”. The OSU wrestling page on X, joining in wrote, “We’re behind you, Coach”. As the magic man preps to spread his magic again, OSU recruits and the world will not keep their eyes off him!