Let’s rewind the time and move back to 2017, when the two rivals—Oklahoma State and Penn State — faced each other. The latter secured a massive win against the former, winning with a score of 27-13 at Gallagher-Iba-Arena! It left fans and spectators in awe — watching the most intense fight in wrestling history, ending with the Penn State dominating the home-standing Cowboys in the 2017 NCWA Dual Championship series.

And ever since that meetup, we have been waiting. Expecting the two to smash each other and start a tough fight! Yet, fans have had no such experience until the present. With no official plans announced for the Oklahoma State and the Penn State matchup, here’s what Cowboys head coach David Taylor had to spill!

In an interview with Set Duckworth, popularly called the MatBoy, Taylor was asked if there’s any chance Penn State gets on the dual schedule of Oklahoma State at some point. “I would love to get that dual on the schedule. I think it would be great for wrestling,” Taylor said, emphasizing the possibility of showcasing elite competition that would fuel fan experience. After all, it would be Oklahoma vs. Penn State, and who wouldn’t be excited, right?

In college wrestling, this rivalry is hot! To say it burns like a wildfire, not knowing when to stop. Christian Pyles, the Content Director at FloWrestling, didn’t hesitate to highlight just how significant a potential Penn State vs. Oklahoma State dual would be. His statement, “If you could only watch one dual next year, it should be Penn State vs. Oklahoma State,” highlights the significance and excitement of this rivalry. If we look at the current wrestling scenario, Penn State is undeniably dominant.

And the only collegiate program stands out as a team to push Penn State is Oklahoma, (of course)! Thus, when Pyles further stated, “Who isn’t Penn State going to kill next year? Find a competitive dual? That isn’t going to be easy,” it reflected the challenge of finding a worthy opponent for the Nittany Lions, and we all know who it is!

But what about David Taylor himself? Being a former Penn State wrestling legend, Taylor looks forward to a potential set-up dual between his former team and the Cowboys. He said, “That would be awesome. Yeah, I mean, I think it’s something that could be in the works,” expressing his enthusiasm for a clash that holds historical significance while showcasing some of the best talent in the sport. 

David Taylor calls for a dual-meet 

For Taylor, dual meets are awesome. His recent appeal for the return of the National Duals Invitational is significant to make the sport more exciting and engaging. And so the 2025 D1 National Duals are set to take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma—right in Cowboy wrestling territory!

With a massive $1 million prize pool, including $200,000 for the winning team, this tournament brings a financial incentive alongside the prestige of being crowned the best dual team.

But here’s where things get even more interesting. A day before this announcement, Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson refused his team’s participation, while stating, “You can create a big event without including every team in the country, right?” Well, this sounds like Sanderson isn’t too eager to risk Penn State’s dominance in a high-stakes dual!

Probably they are eyeing big events—the NCAA. But, for his protégé David Taylor, it’s bringing excitement and elevating the sport. He has been vocal about wanting to see a Penn State vs. Oklahoma State showdown, despite the fact that Sanderson dismisses his plan of being a part of it.

And for a fact, it isn’t only Taylor who wants to bring in some new perspectives but many, including the NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer, who called it a “game-changer” for D1 wrestling, emphasizing how it could expand the sport’s fanbase. And, OSU’s Athletic Director, Chad Weidberg, for whom it is a thrill to “Bringing this prestigious tournament to Oklahoma will elevate our programs.”

Well, it seems clear David Taylor’s push for high-stakes dual meets is not just about wishful thinking but shaping a new form for college wrestling. How much are you looking forward to a Penn State vs. Oklahoma State match-up? Do let us know!