David Taylor’s First Big Challenge Creeps in as Cael Sanderson and Penn State Dominate World Team Trials

The mastermind behind Penn State’s recent success, Cael Sanderson, is looking at another opportunity to progress his legacy yet again. Geneva, Ohio will play host to the U20 World Championships Team Trials as well as to the U23 USA Championships starting Friday and several NLWC wrestlers are expected to make waves on the mat. The events will also be the first big tournament that will see Oklahoma’s new head coach David Taylor guide his athletes on a big stage for the first time.

Ever since the Olympic gold medalist announced his move to the Cowboys’ camp, the nation’s wrestling community has held its breath to see how he begins his coaching career. As his first test against his alma mater approaches, here’s a look at all the Oklahoma wrestlers who can help him establish his reputation for the coming years.

David Taylor’s first batch of wrestlers for the U20 World Team Trials

A recent article by FloWrestling has shared the entry list for the U20 Team Trials and the U23 Nationals. According to the article, a long list of prominent and budding Penn State wrestlers, including Luke Lilledahl, and Aaron Nagao, will showcase their skills. However, the Oklahoma lineup isn’t too shabby either. Vying for a place in the national team representing the USA at September’s U20 World Championships, David Hughes, winner of the U20 US Open in the 61kg weight class, could easily be David’s trump card.

Freshman JJ McComas will also compete in the same bracket, while Ladarion Lockett, one of the top recruits of the class of 2025 will be representing Taylor and Oklahoma in the 74kg weight class. His possible clash against Penn State’s Joseph Sealey could be a well-worth fixture. Cody Merrill committed to Oklahoma State last year as the No. 1 ranked recruit, and standing on his way to a place in Team USA would be Sanderson’s star wrestler Cole Mirasola, whose impeccable record is noteworthy.

If fans thought here ends the list of Cowboys’ wrestling representation in Ohio, they would be wrong. The U23 Nationals is similarly staked and both Penn State and Oklahoma State have a lot on the line.

The U23 Nationals will be action-packed to the brim

Jayce Caviness and Sam Smith will be the two Oklahoma stars who will be taking on opponents in the 57kg bracket at the U23 US Nationals. Jayce is a prominent wrestler coming out of Stilwell High School who has the potential to win the bracket. In the 70kg weight class, Cutter Sheets will be the one to carry Taylor’s banner at the U23 National Championships.

On the other hand, Benjamin Mower and Brayden Thompson will be heading to Ohio to compete in 86kgs. Many of these Cowboys could be facing off against the expertise of Cael Sanderson as they look to learn from David Taylor themselves.

Who will be your choice for the upcoming events: David or Cael? Tell us your pick and its reason in the comments!