Oklahoma State's David Taylor Puts in Ronnie Ramirez Over Jax Forrest at 133 Pounds

Freshman Ramirez earns tech fall win as Cowboys cruise past Little Rock-Arkansas

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Oklahoma State head coach David Taylor decided to start freshman Ronnie Ramirez at 133 pounds instead of Jax Forrest, the No. 11-ranked wrestler, in the Cowboys' 41-6 win over Little Rock-Arkansas on Friday night. Ramirez responded with a 17-2 technical fall victory over Tyson Roach. Forrest, an early enrollee and World Team member, is expected to be the starter at 133 in the postseason, but Taylor wanted to give Ramirez an opportunity to wrestle at home.

Why it matters

This decision by Taylor highlights the depth and talent in Oklahoma State's wrestling room, as the Cowboys have multiple options at 133 pounds. While Forrest is the projected starter, Taylor is giving other wrestlers like Ramirez a chance to compete and prove themselves, which could pay dividends later in the season.

The details

Ramirez, also a freshman, is now 7-3 on the season after wrestling his first dual since December 21st. Taylor opted to go with Ramirez over Forrest, who is undefeated at 7-0 with six bonus-point wins. The coach said he wanted to give Ramirez the opportunity to wrestle at home, and the young wrestler responded by dominating his opponent with a 17-2 tech fall.

  • The dual meet took place on Friday, February 6, 2026 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
  • Ramirez last competed on December 21st before earning the start against Little Rock-Arkansas.

The players

David Taylor

The head coach of the Oklahoma State wrestling team, known for developing top talent and leading the Cowboys to national prominence.

Ronnie Ramirez

A freshman wrestler for Oklahoma State who earned the start at 133 pounds against Little Rock-Arkansas, responding with a 17-2 technical fall victory.

Jax Forrest

A highly touted freshman wrestler for Oklahoma State who is ranked No. 11 in the latest InterMat rankings at 133 pounds and is expected to be the starter in the postseason.

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What they’re saying

“We have a lot of guys on our team, and just giving guys opportunities to wrestle. Ronnie wanted to wrestle this week. You know, he texted me last week. You know, kept trying to wrestle. And, you know, on the opportunity to wrestle here at home. And obviously he's a big part of that young group that we have, and it was really cool with him to want to wrestle and also to go out there and he got after, it was awesome.”

— David Taylor, Head Coach (on3.com)

“I think Ronnie earlier in the season, just kind of was like hanging around. But I think he's starting to … that young group of guys, they all really motivate each other and inspire each other, you know? And I think he's been watching some of those other guys go out and kick some butt. He wanted to go out and do the same thing, you know, which is awesome. (They're) guys that are hungry and want to go out. And he's really talented, and it was cool watching him tonight.”

— David Taylor, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

As of now, there has been no decision made on whether Forrest will be redshirted or if Ramirez will continue to start at 133 pounds.

The takeaway

Oklahoma State's depth and talent at 133 pounds is on display, as the Cowboys have multiple options to turn to, including the highly touted Jax Forrest and the emerging Ronnie Ramirez. This competition within the room is pushing the young wrestlers to improve and could pay dividends for the team later in the season.