The amount of bad blood that’s spilling over the country’s collegiate wrestling scene has the fans divided. Ever since the 2020 Olympic gold medalist David Taylor announced his new role as Oklahoma State’s head coach, folks over at Penn State haven’t kept their frowns hidden. Instead, the NLWC stars have come forward with ominous soothsaying skills to warn their alum about what he’s gotten himself into.

As a new NCAA season looms overhead, all the country’s top wrestling programs are scurrying to recruit the best talents from across the nation. As some of the biggest names outbid Taylor to land commitments from promising wrestlers, many continue to place their faith in the Magic man’s wisdom. And yet, Penn State affiliates don’t seem to share a similar enthusiasm for seeing the Cowboys clinch the national title anytime soon.

David Taylor finds more disbelievers doubting his abilities

In a post by Joe Smeltzer on X from hours ago, Penn State’s Athletic Director Pat Kraft can be heard sharing his opinion on the ex-NLWC star’s possibility of leading his new squad to NCAA glory. “We’re happy for David. He’s one of ours. But, I’m gonna just tell you, we’re the best wrestling program in the world,” said the Penn State veteran without much ado while sporting a sly smirk on his face.

“They can have whoever they want. Good luck David, second place is cool,” Kraft almost has to fight himself to express his true emotions from oozing out. As a Nittany Lion, Taylor won the NCAA individual title twice and the Big Ten title four times. And yet, Kraft seems to think what Cael Sanderson brings to the table cannot be rivaled by their former star by means. However, considering how Penn State wrestlers have slammed Taylor for his betrayal, Kraft’s words sound more like a lullaby.

Four-time NCAA gold medalist Carter Starocci has been on a raving spree ever since David’s decision was made public. Dissing the three-time World Championships gold medalist for accepting money from a rival team, Starocci didn’t attempt to hide his disappointment at all, while his former teammate Aaron Brooks also expressed concerns about the amount of thought David put in before taking up his new office. While Penn State continues to take digs at the 33-year-old, David is building his base with eyes set on the prize.

The Cowboys’ new coach going the extra mile

Even though he doesn’t seem to have many fans in his corner at the moment, Taylor refuses to drop out of the bid to reinstate OSU to its former glory. Even though recent years have seen Penn State dominate the NCAA circuit with absolute authority, Oklahoma State is considered the most successful D1 wrestling program in history with 34 national team titles to its name. However, the Cowboys’ last NCAA triumph came in 2006, and David Taylor is determined to make the school the fearsome force it used to be. With this goal in mind, the Reno native is leaving no stone unturned to use all available resources to help OSU rise through the ranks.

From roping in massive investment for a new training facility to signing two-time California state champion Ronnie Ramirez Taylor is working overtime to make sure his team is at its fullest strength to take on the likes of Penn State and the Iowa Hawkeyes. While his hopes of defending the Olympic gold didn’t pan out as he would’ve wished it to, David seems to be equally invested in helping OSU great again. Furthermore, the fact that Taylor is currently the highest-paid collegiate wrestling coach in the country makes it even more evident how Oklahoma entrusts the icon with the daunting task.

How do you foresee Taylor’s coaching career to flourish in his rookie year? Do you believe Taylor’s new job will also see him rise above his opponent like how trampled over opponents like Hassan Yazdani? Share your predictions with us below!