Oklahoma State Freshman Jax Forrest Eyes NCAA Wrestling Title

Undefeated Forrest stays grounded with help from legendary coach David Taylor

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:53pm

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Oklahoma State freshman Jax Forrest has been dominant in his first NCAA Wrestling Tournament, remaining undefeated and advancing to the championship match. Despite his immediate success, Forrest credits his head coach David Taylor, an Olympic champion, for keeping him humble and focused as he prepares to face Ohio State's Ben Davino in the finals.

Why it matters

Forrest's rapid rise to the top of college wrestling at just 18 years old is an impressive feat, and his ability to stay grounded and focused despite the hype speaks to his maturity and the guidance of his coaching staff. The championship match between Forrest and Davino promises to be an exciting showdown between two talented freshmen.

The details

Forrest, who was the Senior World Team member in 2025 while still in high school, has dominated his opponents in the NCAA Tournament, earning bonus points in every match. He credits his head coach, David Taylor, an Olympic champion, for keeping him humble and focused, even on days when he is performing at a high level. Forrest and Davino have faced each other twice before in freestyle wrestling, with Forrest holding a 2-2 record against his finals opponent.

  • Forrest was the Senior World Team member in 2025 while in high school.
  • Forrest and Davino have faced each other twice before in freestyle wrestling, with Forrest holding a 2-2 record.

The players

Jax Forrest

An undefeated Oklahoma State freshman wrestler who has been dominant in his first NCAA Tournament, advancing to the championship match.

David Taylor

The head coach of the Oklahoma State wrestling team and an Olympic champion, who has helped keep Forrest grounded and focused despite his immediate success.

Ben Davino

A freshman wrestler for Ohio State who will face Forrest in the NCAA Championship match.

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What they’re saying

“Just knowing that my coach is an Olympic champ. That keeps me really grounded. It helps me, not like I'm better than you. What do you know? What are you going to tell me? I've got Coach David. I've got Coach Jimmy (Kennedy) who kicks my butt every day.”

— Jax Forrest, Oklahoma State Freshman Wrestler

“We're 2-2 in freestyle. I beat him four years ago. He beat me three years ago. I beat him at the Open this year. He's really hard to score on. He's really elusive. He's powerful. He's got really good offense. I'm expecting a hard match.”

— Jax Forrest, Oklahoma State Freshman Wrestler

What’s next

Forrest and Davino will face off in the NCAA Wrestling Championship match on Saturday night, with the winner being crowned the national champion.

The takeaway

Jax Forrest's rapid rise to the top of college wrestling, combined with his ability to stay grounded and focused under the guidance of his legendary coach David Taylor, is a testament to his talent and maturity. The championship match between Forrest and Davino promises to be an exciting showdown between two of the sport's brightest young stars.