Cowboys enter Big 12 Championships as heavy favorites in quest for program resurgence

A 15-1 record and a statement win over Iowa set the stage for OSU's title defense in Tulsa

Daniel Allen

Mar 06, 2026 - 5 min read

Oklahoma State freshman Jax Forrest walks onto the mat to "Funkytown" before his collegiate debut against Oklahoma's Carter Schmidt during the Cowboys' 37-0 Bedlam victory Jan. 11, 2026, at Gallagher-Iba Arena. – Photo by Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics

Cowboys enter Big 12 Championships as heavy favorites in quest for program resurgence — Oklahoma State freshman Jax Forrest walks onto the mat to "Funkytown" before his collegiate debut against Oklahoma's Carter Schmidt during the Cowboys' 37-0 Bedlam victory Jan. 11, 2026, at Gallagher-Iba Arena. – Photo by Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics

David Taylor often isn’t one to dwell on moments for too long, regardless of their significance.

Some things, however, are too monumental to be ignored. Such as how Oklahoma State's season has progressed.

Taylor dazzled during his inaugural campaign as OSU’s coach. The Cowboys clinched their first Big 12 title in four years and finished third at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia, producing two individual champions.

And he's only elevated the standard this season.

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