When David Taylor took over at Oklahoma State, many questioned whether he could uphold the rich heritage of the program. To follow in the shadow of John Smith, who guided the Cowboys for over three decades, was no simple accomplishment. Yet, not only did Taylor maintain OSU’s heritage, but he’s also taken it to unprecedented new heights. With record-breaking attendance and increased financial success, Taylor’s impact helped make the Cowboys one of college wrestling’s most dominant programs.

Oklahoma State’s home attendance has gone through the roof, with a record-setting 7,597 average attendance per dual at Gallagher-Iba Arena. All the fanfare about Taylor’s leadership doesn’t stop in Stillwater. OSU’s dual with Little Rock later in the week has already smashed the opponent’s all-time attendance record even before the dual has even happened. That will mark the third dual of the season in which Oklahoma State has smashed an all-time attendance record, following record-breakers at Utah Valley (5,053) and Northern Iowa (6,030). It’s clear wherever the Cowboys go, attendance is high to witness Taylor’s unit in competition.

Taylor’s impact isn’t relegated to the stands but manifests in increased revenue for Oklahoma State. As per Seth Duckworth, the Cowboys averaged a record 53,178 attendance for the season, an improvement over 52,839 a year ago, even with two fewer duals at home. With OSU having an equivalent schedule at home, attendance could have reached over 68,000, a record jump reflecting the growth explosion under Taylor’s direction.

With general admission costing an average of $10, financial gain has been significant. Conservatively, an additional $239,720 in sales can be added for the current season alone. But Taylor’s contribution isn’t in sales alone. OSU developed a three-part web series, Tradition Continues, specifically for OSU Max, to present Taylor’s coaching style and vision.

In addition, under David Taylor, Oklahoma State won its 35th NCAA team title, a record for a college wrestling program. Maybe this is what makes the 34-year-old’s entry to the reputed program all the more special.

Taylor’s million-dollar impact & championship aspirations

Taylor’s contract is a bet for OSU, but initial indications report that it’s a sound investment. Under the terms of his six-year, $6.5 million deal, he will earn a $1 million salary in year one, with $30,000 in annual raises thereafter. Financial incentives in the contract say a lot about confidence in him delivering championship glory for the Cowboys. In the event that Taylor wins an NCAA Championship, a $125,000 bonus will be paid out, with payments for top-three national finishes and individual national champions, as well.

But for Taylor, statistics don’t matter. His 12-match winning streak, seven at home and five on the road has placed the Cowboys firmly in contention. With him in control, OSU wrestlers don’t merely contest but dominate. With a plethora of top-ranked wrestlers in position to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, Taylor’s first year is shaping up to become one of college wrestling’s greatest first years in history.

Oklahoma State wrestling is thriving in a way even the most passionate followers could hardly have hoped for. Revenue is growing, attendance is at a record high, and the Cowboys stand in contention for an NCAA title strong. In his first year alone, Taylor overhauls Oklahoma State’s wrestling culture, turning each match into an event not to miss. Now, with momentum in hand, all that’s holding him back is securing the grand prize: an NCAA Championship. Give him that, and Taylor won’t just be an amazing recruit—he’ll become a legend in Stillwater.