Lack of experience as a Division I wrestling head coach cannot overshadow the fact that David Taylor’s coaching career at Oklahoma State University (OSU) is to be highly appreciated even in the early days. Despite his new position, Taylor has managed to cope with the ever-changing environment of college sports, moving them up to a 4-0 record and a 38-6 blowout against Utah Valley.

Taylor’s journey to becoming the highest-paid coach at OSU shows that his ability to cope has prevailed in a junction that places more emphasis on new NCAA regulations. Other situations that Taylor has found himself in at OSU include the freedom NIL provides him and a catapult of the competitive environment. His group notwithstanding, Taylor’s leadership ability and his wrestler’s absolute commitment to point scoring are touching new heights in college wrestling.

Inexperienced, but there’s got to be a learning curve

To start with, David Taylor’s recruiting journey was also a major success along with the coaching. OSU signed 10 high school seniors under Taylor’s leadership, including eight on the Flowrestling 2025 Big Board. David Taylor recently appeared on the Orange Power Podcast with Tyler Caldwell on the Oklahoma State Athletics’ YouTube channel. Talking about the inexperienced coaching staff, Caldwell said, “This is a very talented but inexperienced coaching staff, really from the standpoint of being in charge of a Division I wrestling program. They’ve been around it, been through it, but to actually be the coach of it, inexperienced—but there’s got to be a learning curve. But it seems like they’ve adjusted very, very quickly.” What does Taylor have to say about this?

OSU head coach Taylor responded, “Well, if you look at the college landscape, right now in all sports, there’s so much change; everything’s so new. So honestly, with the new staff, all the new NCAA rules, the portal, and NIL, it’s new to everyone, so it’s really no different.” Well, this certainly is correct; when everyone is on their initial journeys, the hunger for success increases. Everyone wants to prove themselves and take their group to heights.

Going forward, Caldwell asked Taylor to, “Describe the team, the style of wrestling that we’re seeing right now, because again, 4-0 is obviously a very good start to the season.” The question has to arise at this moment because it is worth appreciating to reach this level in the early stage of being a coach.

To the question, David Taylor explained, “I think when we talk about style or just philosophy or what we’re preaching, it’s just score points, wrestle hard, score points. One thing that’s been really great to see is guys are not holding on to leads, not trying to hang on to a win. They’re cutting guys with 15-20 seconds left in a period just to try and go get another takedown. The easy thing to do would be to ride them out, finish the match on top, but they’re cutting, looking for another one, and actually getting it as well.” With all the recent achievements of the OSU wrestling team under head coach David Taylor, it is safe to say that it is just the beginning.

OSU has miles to go under head coach Taylor

‘Magic Man’ took over legendary John Smith as OSU head coach, and with that, Smith’s 32-year stint came to an end, and Taylor’s move will also help OSU to reach heights. Taylor’s first win as a coach was against Utah Valley when they won with a 38-6 score. That was just a start; later Oklahoma State dominated Wyoming 32-6 in the first dual in Gallagher-Iba’s debut. And the success journey begins.

Recently, the Cowboys again showed a dominating performance at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas (CKLV) Invitational and won the team title with 192 points. OSU ended up with nine wrestlers in the top four—they crushed it. Not only the team but also individual performances also showed up. How? Dean Hamiti (174 pounds) and Wyatt Hendrickson in the heavyweight category won individual titles. The win doesn’t hold up there.

OSU didn’t just win but left second-place Nebraska behind by a huge 77 points and walked away with a total of 50 victories. Out of which, 31 were against ranked opponents, and 18 were against Big 12 rivals. And do you know what the most jaw-dropping achievement is?

All 10 OSU wrestlers got placed, and no one placed lower than fifth. Though it was a team effort, David Taylor’s Cowboys proved that they were ready to show up on the national stage. This is just the beginning, and still miles to go for OSU. David Taylor and his team seem to give tough competition to opponents. What do you think?