When David Taylor stepped in as head coach of Oklahoma State wrestling, replacing a legend like John Smith was no small task. A former Olympian and two-time NCAA champion himself, Taylor arrived in Stillwater carrying high expectations and even higher pressure. In just ten months, he not only silenced skeptics but also ignited a resurgence that’s become one of college wrestling’s most talked-about turnarounds.

Many expected a rocky transition period, but Taylor’s debut season shattered those predictions. The Cowboys posted a 13-1 regular season record, captured the Big 12 Championship, and finished third at the NCAA Tournament—a massive jump from last year’s dead last, 10th-place finish. That performance wasn’t just about results on the mat; it reflected the culture shift, recruiting firepower, and a revitalized belief system David Taylor has brought to Stillwater.

Dean Hamiti Jr. and Wyatt Hendrickson shine, but it’s bigger than that

Much of the spotlight has been on Wyatt Hendrickson’s electric upset over Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in the heavyweight final. The 5-4 win, secured in the final seconds, was arguably the most shocking—and thrilling—moment of the NCAA Championships. Meanwhile, Dean Hamiti Jr.’s stunning run to the 174 lb national title included victories over two returning NCAA champions, Levi Haines and Keegan O’Toole, showing poise that echoed Taylor’s own aggressive yet composed style.

But Taylor’s impact stretches far beyond these two champions. The Cowboys produced six All-Americans, had three wrestlers in the finals, and managed to edge out bluebloods to become the No. 2 recruiting class of 2025. He also landed commitments from two of the top three recruits in the 2026 class. These recruiting victories speak to Taylor’s instant credibility with high school stars and their belief in his vision.

Even off the mat, David Taylor’s fingerprints are all over the program’s transformation. In his first few months, he signed high-profile wrestlers Roman Bravo-Young, Zahid Valencia, and Joey McKenna to the Oklahoma Regional Training Center. Those signings not only raised the bar in practice rooms but elevated OSU’s national visibility overnight.

The backing, the buy-in, and the blueprint for the David Taylor dynasty

Part of what has allowed Taylor to flourish so quickly is the unprecedented institutional support. Thanks to billionaire Paycom CEO Chad Richison, OSU didn’t just lure Taylor with prestige. They offered the first $1 million annual salary in college wrestling history, plus additional incentives for NCAA finishes and individual titles. That kind of financial commitment sent a message—not just to Taylor, but to the entire wrestling world.

With a new state-of-the-art facility in development and NIL infrastructure finally catching up with programs like Penn State and Iowa, the Cowboys are now positioned to sustain this success. What David Taylor is building isn’t a flash in the pan; it’s a long-term blueprint aimed at taking down college wrestling’s current powerhouse, his alma mater Penn State.

Taylor’s Cowboys also broke attendance records at Gallagher-Iba Arena this season, proving the buzz isn’t just internal. Fans are buying in. The legacy of John Smith isn’t being erased—it’s being evolved. And the entire wrestling landscape is watching.

In less than a year, David Taylor has rebranded Oklahoma State from a legacy name looking to regain footing to a legitimate national contender with the firepower, swagger, and coaching precision to go toe-to-toe with the Cael Sandersons of the world. And if Year 1 is any indication, the best may still be coming.