Oklahoma State Freshman Jax Forrest Wins 133-Pound Title Over Ohio State's Ben Davino

Davino's dominant freshman season ends one win short of a national championship as Forrest claims the 133-pound crown.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:08am

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Ben Davino of Ohio State had a breakout freshman season, going undefeated and reaching the NCAA 133-pound championship match. However, he came up just short, falling 5-2 to Oklahoma State freshman Jax Forrest in the final. Forrest, who joined the Cowboys in January after wrestling high school tournaments last semester, capped off an impressive tournament run with the national title.

Why it matters

The 133-pound weight class at the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships was dominated by freshmen, with four first-year wrestlers making the semifinals. This youth movement at the top level of college wrestling signals an exciting future for the sport as the next generation of stars emerges.

The details

Davino entered the final with a 29-1 record, having earned two technical falls and a major decision to reach the championship match. Forrest was 17-0 coming into the final, with a pin, two technical falls and a major decision of his own. The two freshmen battled for position in the first period before Davino took a 1-0 lead with an escape in the second. Forrest tied it up with an escape in the third, then scored a takedown and riding time to win 5-2 and claim the national title.

  • Forrest was still wrestling high school tournaments for Bishop McCort last semester, notably winning Powerade at the beginning of the season.
  • Forrest joined the Oklahoma State wrestling team in January 2026.

The players

Jax Forrest

A freshman wrestler for Oklahoma State University who won the 133-pound national championship.

Ben Davino

A redshirt freshman wrestler for Ohio State University who reached the 133-pound national championship match before falling to Forrest.

Jesse Mendez

A senior wrestler for the Ohio State Buckeyes who praised Davino's passion and growth over the past two years.

Marcus Blaze

A true freshman wrestler for Penn State University who reached the 133-pound NCAA semifinal.

Aaron Seidel

A freshman wrestler for Virginia Tech University who reached the 133-pound NCAA semifinal.

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What they’re saying

“I could speak about Davino all day. That kid, he's really the best. You're so fortunate to have a guy on your team like Ben Davino who you know is so passionate about what he does.”

— Jesse Mendez, Ohio State Senior Wrestler

“That one was electric. There was a lot of ups and downs. They came out with a strong gameplan, but at the end of the day, winners win, like I heard on the internet a couple of weeks ago when I lost to him. But winners win. I found a way.”

— Ben Davino

“I knew it was going to be tough, but I was smiling. I knew I was going to win that match.”

— Jax Forrest

“It was surreal. I've dreamed of this day for a long time. It slowly just happening over the weekend, over the year, I thought it was just awesome. It's a feeling unlike any other.”

— Jax Forrest

What’s next

Davino and Forrest are both expected to return next season as the 133-pound weight class continues to be dominated by talented freshmen.

The takeaway

The 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships showcased the rising youth movement in college wrestling, with four freshmen reaching the 133-pound semifinals. This bodes well for the future of the sport as the next generation of stars emerges, led by champions like Jax Forrest.