David Taylor has truly turned out to be Oklahoma State’s messiah. Many in the wrestling community doubted the former world champion’s ability to transition to coaching so soon after failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Yet, the 34-year-old has silenced the majority of the naysayers after taking OSU from 10th place last year to 3rd place at this year’s NCAA Championships.

What’s more? Cowboys Dean Hamiti and Wyatt Hendrickson have emerged as national champions. Naturally, everyone thought Taylor’s Cowboys would be among the top destinations for this year’s off-season transfer portals. While that prediction pretty much panned out, with OSU signing three new talents, the portal just dealt its first blow in the shape of Brayden Thompson.

‘The dominos continue to fall as Oklahoma State’s Brayden Thompson will be hopping in the Transfer Portal,” reported Baschamania host Justin Basch. Then again, is it that surprising? After all, the transfer portal chaos has gripped even the seemingly rock-solid foundations of defending champions, Penn State. In fact, the Nittany Lions have lost wrestlers to David Taylor & Co.

Yet, besides insiders like Basch and Pat Mineo (The Wrestling Room) confirming the news, Brayden Thompson has not spoken about his decision to transfer. Our best guess would be the Thompson’s mixed performance at the collegiate level. The versatile wrestler showed immense potential at the high school level, building a 152-11 record and never losing after his freshman year.

In fact, David Taylor’s now-former pupil earned the #3 pound-for-pound raking in the 184 lbs division in 2023. Unfortunately, the sophomore has yet to realize that potential at the NCAA level. Thompson finished 2024 with a 12-11 record despite earning a place at the NCAA championships. Yet, Brayden Thompson’s role at OSU went beyond the stat sheet this season.

Brayden Thompson’s contribution to David Taylor’s success

While Brayden Thompson has struggled to find his grove in the collegiate wrestling, he played a special role in helping Coach Taylor find his groove at the international level. Taylor caught a lot of flak back in September 2024 when he announced his intention to compete in the World Championship team trials. Those who had already doubted the rookie coach jumped at the opportunity.

Criticism came from all directions, and many said David Taylor was being irresponsible toward his new pupils. However, with the backing of OSU’s staff and students, Taylor kept his head down and trained alongside the Cowboys. Brayden Thompson was among those who extensively helped Taylor prepare for the trials and then the championships in Stillwater.

Thompson turned out to be the perfect training partner for Coach Taylor, weighing a little over the 86 kg (190 lbs) category the former Olympic champion competed in. Their training sessions also bore fruit, with the 34-year-old winning bronze on the world stage. OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg rightfully predicted that it would be a net positive for the program.

So, needless to say, Thompson’s departure is a blow to the Cowboys. Yet, it’s also undeniable that OSU acquired some top talent before the wrestler’s departure. Three former Penn State wrestlers, including standout Zack Ryder (184 lbs), Alex Facundo (157/165 lbs), and Gary Steen (125/133 lbs), joined. It doesn’t end there. The Cowboys also gained 2024 NCAA Champion and Arizona State University senior Richard Figueroa, who’ll spend his last season under David Taylor.