Editor's note: The following story was written without prior knowledge of the altered outcome of OSU 184-pounder Zack Ryder's quarterfinal bout against Iowa State's Isaac Dean. Initially, Ryder's loss was ruled a 6-2 decision in favor of Dean. However, tournament officials determined shortly after that Dean had extended beyond his allotted injury time, resulting in an injury by default for Ryder. The story has been updated with the official ruling below the original nugget.

TULSA — A dead race awaits the two shareholders of the leaderboard in the team race.

Through one session of the 2026 Big 12 Wrestling Championships at the BOK Center, Oklahoma State ranks first in the team race with 89.5 points. The Cowboys lead second-place Iowa State (83.5) by 6, and third-place Arizona State (40) by 49.5.

OSU went 17-1 in matches through the first session with the lone defeat coming from Zack Ryder at 184. OSU also sent nine of 10 wrestlers to the semifinal round, which begins at 5 p.m. 

As the Cowboys continue their hunt for their second-straight Big 12 title until Taylor — now in his second season at the helm — bonus-point wins will need to continue coming in bunches. The Cyclones have shown no signs of slowing down, so wrestlers easing up on their aggressive approach isn’t an option. 

Oklahoma State sixth-year senior heavyweight Konner Doucet awaits instructions from his coaches during a first-round match at the 2026 Big 12 Wrestling Championships at the BOK Center in Tulsa. – Photo by Luke Tolbert

But if Session 1 was any indication, Taylor nor OSU fans will have to worry about that. 

“It was a pretty good (effort) from our guys,” Taylor said. “I think our guys were just chasing bonus points when they can get them, and they’re finishing on top. And that’s all you can really ask from the guys.”

Here are three takeaways from the first session. 

Bonus points come at large 

Taylor grinned when he heard the stat, almost acknowledging its practicality.

Of OSU’s 17 wins, 12 came in bonus-point fashion. 

Top-seeded Troy Spratley kickstarted the offensive clinic at 125 with a 12-1 major decision against Utah Valley’s Bridger Ricks. From that point on, it was smooth sailing for the Cowboys. 

OSU 133-pounder Jax Forrest — the top-seeded prospect in his weight class —continued his offensive tear with tech falls of 15-0 and 19-4, respectively. Among the eight remaining starters, five major decisions and three tech falls — two from second-seeded heavyweight Konner Doucet.

And of course, two pins. 

Taylor has emphasized his brute offensive philosophy since he took over as the Cowboys skipper. He has profusely preached the vitality behind scoring bonus points in bunches. Why settle for a victory-by-decision when match scores can be stretched and team points can be ballooned?

That philosophy resonated almost instantaneously with his wrestlers a season ago. So far, it has carried over to this year’s team. And through one session of the Big 12 Championships, it has taken flight.  

“I just think it’s what we’re trying to do,” Taylor said. “We’re not trying to go out and just win matches. We’re trying to separate ourselves. If that’s by a point, then do that. If that’s by five points or seven points, or a major decision or by more, that’s great. This is a group that we’re trying to get better. These kids are young, so we're just trying to continue to show them what’s the best way to go out and wrestle.

“We’ve got to continue to do a good job of that throughout the tournament, but so far, they’ve done a really good job of that.”

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Swiderski dazzles in return to mat

Casey Swiderski might have missed nearly one month of wrestling due to a shoulder injury, but he didn’t show it. 

The top-seeded 149-pounder kickstarted his day with a 2-1 decision against West Virginia’s Willie McDougald in a match dictated by defense, precision and a timely stall call that went in Swiderski’s favor. 

But his offense led the way during the next round. Two timely takedowns, along with complementary defense, lifted Swiderski to a 7-2 decision against Wyoming’s Gabe Willochell. 

He might not have contributed to the barrage of bonus points that highlighted OSU’s first session. Still, his grit and dedication to win at all costs, Taylor said, headlined his morning.

And ultimately, Swiderski clinched a spot in the 149-pound semifinals. 

“Casey hasn’t really wrested in a while — he hasn’t missed a beat,” Taylor said. “He’s out there and he looks good. He was on the money today. The dude, I don’t know, in (his) two matches today, he was doing a really good job. Just capitalizing on those (opportunities). He’s a gamer. And he’ll continue to feel better as the tournament goes on, and it’s awesome to see.”

Zack Ryder update 

For a moment, time froze on Mat 2.

Midway through the second period of top-seeded Zack Ryder's quarterfinal bout, he attempted to counter a shot from seventh-seeded Isaac Dean of Iowa State. Instead, Ryder ended up flat on the flat, his hand grasping his shoulder and back, moments later.

After a brief check-up with the team medical staff, Ryder finished his match. Dean came out victorious after a 6-2 decision, knocking Ryder into the consolation bracket at 184.

But the final outcome was a mere footnote for Taylor.

Ryder missed extensive time in the spring after suffering a dislocated shoulder against Northern Iowa on Jan. 30. His rehab process was extensive, but Ryder gradually neared full strength. Until Friday.

Now, uncertainty lingers around OSU's 184-pound slot.

Taylor expressed optimism toward Ryder's health, but ultimately didn't provide a clear-cut update for Ryder ahead of Session 2.

“He’s doing fine, it’s just part of this time of the season,” Taylor said. “You’re gonna get banged up a little bit. Got to get refocused and ready for the next match. A lot of people in this tournament are banged up. So, he’s just got to refocus. I thought he did a good job of refocusing, though. Things don’t go your way, and he still did a really good job of refocusing.”

Final result for Ryder-Dean altered

Shortly after Dean's hand was raised, a wrinkle was thrown into the equation.

According to Cyclone Fanatic's Jacqueline Cord, following the conclusion of the match, tournament officials ruled that Dean had won via injury default after Ryder's injury time had expired in the second period. Ryder had eclipsed the allotted time by 40 seconds.

It's worth noting that victories via injury-by-default amount to the same point total as that of a pin. Will that haunt the Cowboys in the long run? TBD.

When addressing reporters post-session, however, Taylor acknowledged the ruling and declined to rebut it.

Team Standings After Session 1

  1. Oklahoma State - 89.5
  2. Iowa State - 83.5
  3. Arizona State - 40.0
  4. Oklahoma - 36.0
  5. Missouri - 35.5
  6. South Dakota State - 34.5
  7. Northern Iowa - 34.0
  8. West Virginia - 26.0
  9. Wyoming - 25.0
  10. North Dakota State - 20.0
  11. California Baptist - 4.5
  12.  Air Force - 3.5
  13. 13. Utah Valley - 3.5
  14. Northern Colorado - 2.5
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