David Taylor’s transition from wrestling legend to Oklahoma State’s head coach has been nothing short of transformative. With a gold medal, world titles, and NCAA dominance on his résumé, expectations were sky-high—and he’s delivering. The Cowboys have surged to a 6-0 start, outscoring opponents in dominating fashion and reviving their reputation as a top wrestling powerhouse.

But Taylor isn’t just about high-octane wrestling. He’s quick to point out the human side of the sport, reminding fans that victories aren’t simply about scoring points. Taylor’s candid words give fans a glimpse into the complexities of coaching a team of young athletes navigating life on and off the mat.

 Scoring points, making mistakes, and building resilience

Under Taylor, Oklahoma State’s wrestling team has embraced a philosophy of relentless offense. Gone are the defensive grind-it-out matches of the past. Instead, the Cowboys are racking up bonus points, winning duals with ease, and embodying a new era of aggressive wrestling. The results have been staggering. OSU is just one of two teams averaging 30+ points per dual, alongside powerhouse Penn State. Wins over ranked teams like Arizona State and Virginia Tech—and a near-record-setting performance at the Cliff Keen Invitational—have solidified Taylor’s blueprint as a game-changer.

But Taylor’s approach goes beyond scoring. His coaching philosophy emphasizes making mistakes and learning from them. “We talk about wrestling for seven minutes,” Taylor said. “We encourage them to make mistakes… Whether we’re on guys’ legs, we’re scoring, or if they’re in on our legs, we’re scoring.” This mindset has shifted the culture of OSU wrestling. Wrestlers like Luke Surber and Troy Spratley highlight the difference: from grinding out low-scoring wins to embracing risk, creativity, and constant improvement. Even in rare losses, Taylor supports his wrestlers. “(Hipolito) might have won that match, but I don’t think he wants to wrestle (Fish) again,” he said of a high-scoring bout.

Taylor’s honesty with fans is just as striking. “There’s a lot of things that go into wrestling,” he explained on The Ocolly. “Sometimes people just think it’s as easy as going out and scoring points. And it can be that easy. But they’re still kids… they’ve got other things on their minds.” It’s clear Taylor isn’t just building a winning team—he’s building resilient athletes ready to thrive under any circumstances.

From the mat to the spotlight—Taylor’s long-term vision

The David Taylor impact can almost be smelled within the locker room. His wrestlers attribute both growth onto and off the mats because of Taylor’s coaching style. “Completely changed in how we come into a match,” said 141-pounder Jamison. “A huge, huge focus on risking, being more aggressive and not so concerned about precision.” Noticeably different in that philosophy since its inception: “It’s a complete shift,” said 125-pound Troy Spratley. “We’re more aggressive in workouts and matches. It’s about imposing our will and finding different ways to score.” Even the younger wrestlers have bought into Taylor’s vision. “He’s not just a coach, he’s like a mentor,” said the standout freshman wrestler Carter Young. “You feel his belief in you, so then it makes you wanna push harder and believe in yourself more.”

That Taylor is an intense competitor himself only further adds to his credibility. Having captured two NCAA titles, three world championships, and an Olympic gold medal, his wrestlers consider him to be someone who’s been in their shoes and at the highest level. “You know he’s been there,” Spratley said. “It makes you trust what he’s telling you completely.”

As the season heats up, Taylor’s eyes are fixed on postseason success. “It’s not about what we’ve done so far, it’s about building for what’s next,” he said. And with his wrestlers fully bought in, Oklahoma State is set to make some noise when it counts.