Jax Forrest wins 133-pound title with win against Ohio State's Ben Davino, gives OSU its third national champion

Cleveland is funky, after all.

Top-seeded Jax Forrest concluded his 18-0 season with a 5-2 decision against fellow freshman and second-seeded Ben Davino of Ohio State to clinch the 133-pound title at the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. It marked only the second non-bonus-point win for Forrest this season, and the first of the tournament.

Forrest, who enrolled midyear in January, joined teammate Sergio Vega (141) as the first true freshman in college wrestling history to go undefeated and win NCAA titles since 1947.

"I've dreamed of this day for a long time," Forrest said. "It slowly just happening over the weekend, over the year, faster than I thought, it was just awesome. It's a feeling unlike any other that I've had."

After a surprising scoreless first period, Davino escaped early in the second period to lead 1-0, but not before being penalized for a stall warning. Forrest escaped early in the third to tie it, before launching his first attack of the match to score a takedown — marking Devino's first allowed takedown this season — giving him a lead he wouldn't relinquish.

After Forrest secured the riding-time point, he released Davino, surrendering an escape point. But his defense took care of the rest, as OSU fans present erupted into a frenzy, signifying a monumental moment for Forrest, and perhaps the first stage of a historic college wrestling career.

"I know (Davino), he's really fast and he's really hard to take down," Forrest said. "After the first time I was on his legs, I knew it was gonna be tough getting on an attack. And then it was just about wrestling through your position.

"When you're at the highest level, sometimes you've just got to find a way to win."

A message from Visit Stillwater

March in Stillwater is packed! Live music performances, cycling, running, craft shows, great food, and St. Patty's fun await. Check out all there is to do in America's Friendliest College Town.

The cherry on top: Forrest's renowned walk-out song, "Funkytown" by Lipps Inc. echoing through the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse sound system as confetti fell upon him on the mat.

Forrest's title gave OSU its third individual champion of the tournament — joining Vega and fellow freshman Landon Robideau at 157 — marking the most individual champions the Cowboys have produced since 2005.

Only three months ago, Forrest was wrestling against high school competition. Now, he's an NCAA champion, and he's relishing every moment of it.

"I knew that I was gonna win that match," Forrest said. "I trust in my defense and my offense. When it mattered most, I got it done, and I couldn't be happier right now."