Jax Forrest Wins NCAA Wrestling Title Just 12 Months After High School

The 133-pound champion's rapid rise from high school to NCAA champion stuns wrestling world

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:06am

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Jax Forrest, a wrestler from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, won the NCAA Division I 133-pound wrestling title just 12 months after his final high school match for Bishop McCort Catholic Academy. Forrest's rapid ascent to the top of college wrestling has surprised many in the sport.

Why it matters

Forrest's championship victory at the NCAA Division I level in such a short timeframe is an incredibly rare accomplishment, highlighting his exceptional talent and work ethic. His story provides inspiration for young wrestlers aiming to reach the highest levels of the sport.

The details

Forrest, who is set to join the Oklahoma State wrestling program, won the 133-pound NCAA title less than four months after his final high school match. He forwent the remainder of his senior season at Bishop McCort Catholic Academy to join the Oklahoma State team and immediately made an impact, culminating in his national championship win.

  • Forrest wrestled his first match of the 2025-26 season against Central Cambria High School.
  • Forrest won the 133-pound NCAA Division I wrestling title in March 2026.

The players

Jax Forrest

A wrestler from Johnstown, Pennsylvania who won the NCAA Division I 133-pound wrestling title just 12 months after his final high school match.

Bishop McCort Catholic Academy

The high school Forrest wrestled for in Johnstown, Pennsylvania before forwoing the remainder of his senior season to join the Oklahoma State wrestling program.

Oklahoma State

The college wrestling program Forrest joined after leaving high school, where he went on to win the NCAA Division I 133-pound title.

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What they’re saying

“I've dreamt of this day for a long time,”

— Jax Forrest

What’s next

Forrest will look to defend his NCAA title next season as a member of the Oklahoma State wrestling team.

The takeaway

Jax Forrest's rapid rise from high school wrestler to NCAA champion in just 12 months is an incredible accomplishment that showcases his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport of wrestling. His story provides inspiration for young athletes aiming to reach the pinnacle of their respective sports.