Penn State is the best wrestling program in the country, having won 11 national titles in the past 13 seasons.
Oklahoma State is the most historically successful program, with 34 national titles: 10 more than the next closest school.
David Taylor helped Penn State wrestling start its dynasty, being part of the team’s first four titles under coach Cael Sanderson(from 2011-14) and winning two individual titles, making four championship matches and winning two Dan Hodge Trophies– wrestling’s Heisman– along the way.
Now, Taylor is Oklahoma State’s head coach, and he’saiming to bring OSU back to the top of the wrestling world.
To do that, he’ll have to have to dethrone his alma mater.
When Taylor got the job at Oklahoma Statetwo months ago, people began to ask questions once the initial “Did that really just happen?” shock wore off.
“Will he be successful as a head coach?”
“Is there any way to stop Penn State?”
“What will this mean for the wrestling recruiting world?”
Another question is: Will Penn State-Oklahoma State become an annual dual meet?
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.One Penn State wrestler was particularly open about his excitement for the idea.
I was offered a big pay day too . I said go wipe your ass with that money. When it comes to money people switch like the weather. Not me. Loyalty is everything. Nothing is built without trust. PSU vs OK State in the football stadium.
The national champs 10 matches to 0.
— Carter Starocci (@carterstarocci) May 7, 2024
Although Taylor made no promises when NSN spoke with him exclusively Tuesday, he sounded up for the idea.
“It would be the most exciting dual meet probably in the history of wrestling,” he said.
Taylor feels the dual meet would be “great to have a continual home and away opportunity for both places.”
“I think both fanbases would really enjoy that,” he said. “I think the wrestling community would be excited about that.”
Taylor did mention that there would be some challenges to making this happen.
“I think, obviously, being a coach, you have to work around your scheduling and you can only have so many non-conference opportunities,” he said, “but if the opportunity presents itself and that’s something we can work out, I think it would be really fun.”
