The 2024-25 NCAA wrestling season has come to a pause due to the holiday break, but the excitement that has unfolded so far continues to captivate fans. With the season still in its early stages, one question has been on everyone’s mind: which college has been the most dominant? The answer is clear—Oklahoma State University (OSU), led by none other than Olympic champion David Taylor. Since Taylor took the helm this year, the Cowboys have been nothing short of spectacular, leaving their competition in the dust.

Under his leadership, the team has not only dominated other colleges but also set higher goals beyond simply winning individual bouts. Taylor has instilled a level of discipline and rigor in his wrestlers, demanding excellence both on and off the mat. His strict coaching style has come with a few well-timed warnings to ensure that everyone stays on track. As the team heads into the holiday break, Taylor has offered some insights into the strategies and principles that have contributed to OSU’s success. Let’s see what Coach Taylor had to say!

Wrestling coach’s key to grab the top step of the podium

David Taylor’s addition to OSU was indeed worth it. The Olympic champion made one of the biggest moves in the scene, and also in his stellar career, of turning into a full-time coach. While the responsibility was huge on his shoulders, he didn’t fumble but gave his all to bring all the glory he could to the team. “Belief, you know, you know, we’re just guys are believing,” Taylor stated during a post-match interview with FloWrestling on YouTube.

The team is carried by a certain code of conduct. This mentality was also revealed by the head coach of the Cowboys, stating, “We talk about what’s your expectation when you walk out there. Do you expect to just win, or do you expect to keep scoring? You know, that’s what we talked about: just keep scoring.” Taylor knows about what the fans need from these college wrestlers. However, he was more keen on the thought process of his students. And what did they desire? Winning, obviously! However, the Olympic champion wanted to push them a step forward, as he wanted to make them extract all of their talent to get the maximum points out there on the mat.

Indeed, this specific mindset brought the dominance that everyone is aware of. But what if there are a few complications from a certain wrestler? “Um, I want the guys to make mistakes; that’s the easiest way we’re going to figure things out, you know, and I don’t know; guys are just pushing themselves in practice, and it’s momentum,” said the OSU head coach. 

While he cares about the results, he doesn’t mind his wrestlers trying out something new on the mat. Something risky, or new, that could give them an upper hand in the competition. However, if someone fails while taking risks, it doesn’t bother Taylor, as he understands his students.

Furthermore, the 34-year-old gives all credit to his wrestlers who are dominating the mat, stating, “These guys are choosing to go out and do that, you know, so it’s just really credit to them. Good job.” He’s just proud of his team, and who wouldn’t be? The OSU Cowboys began their dominance with a 38-6 victory against Utah Valley in their season opener, and their last match before the holiday break was no exception, as they secured a 34-9 victory over Virginia Tech. Taylor treats all of his students the same, and that’s what has made him one of the best out there. However, at times, the head coach can be stricter and has a unique approach to sharing advice.

David Taylor’s method of delivering valuable messages to his team

Surely, a wholesome coach is someone that any wrestler desires, but David Taylor comes with a whole package. He always has constructive criticism for his wrestlers and gives them their fair share of credit whenever they earn it on the mat. As an Olympic champion, he possesses extensive experience and understands the mechanics of the sport. Taylor is aware that if the trajectory of OSU’s dominance doesn’t stay for a long time, then it would only cause the other team to take full advantage of the situation to get into their heads.

So, keeping his wrestlers on their toes, he unveiled his game plan in an interview, stating, “Competition can bring the best out in you, and sometimes bring not the best out in you, so we want guys that competition brings the best out in them.” The way wrestling works is no stranger to Taylor. He has been a full-time professional wrestler before and has NCAA titles to his name, so with experience, he wants to bring the best out of his students. Indeed, he has a strong mindset, and it is also a contributing factor to OSU’s dominance in the NCAA. How do you feel about Taylor’s term as OSU head honcho? Tell us in the comment section below!