Next Year’s Lineup '26

DPJ1

Sophomore
Sep 15, 2017
49
139
33
They gave McCrone Wyoming and the Nebraska back up. Bousakis got Volk and Dean so it looks like we know how Tom Ryan is leaning. He also started the cut long ago and did it right and shrunk his body. My guess is they have a certain # of weigh ins in mind for him.
Yeah I'm sure he'll be on some sort of pitch count for the season.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Corby2

Air_Thurman

Heisman
Jan 16, 2003
32,338
31,323
63
Yes he CAN get to the finals but it is going to be a very tough road. It will come down to draw. He's shown he can't beat Robinson or Strickenberger. Lilledahl is a beast. So is Bouzakis. And now Peterson is a problem. I really hope I'm wrong.
Man ... maybe I'm a homer but I have not come away from these Robinson matches thinking Troy can't win.
 

Atrain83

Redshirt
Nov 1, 2021
16
12
3
At 125, Luke is great wrestler. But he hasnt proven that he can go to championship game at the once chance he got. He will be number 1 ranked wrestler by NCAAs because he would have faced zero top 5 guys by that time

At 125, Luke is great wrestler. But he hasnt proven that he can go to championship game at the once chance he got. He will be number 1 ranked wrestler by NCAAs because he would have faced zero top 5 guys by that time.
It would t shock me if Luke didn’t lose another college match. It’s tough to win as a true freshman even for the most accomplished wrestlers. He looks like he has his weight managed well and has filled out strength wise. I could be wrong and he wrestles close matches, but I think he’s a level above the other guys at the weight.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SEKPoke

newguy123

All-Conference
Feb 5, 2020
1,237
2,015
113

Sigh. These wrestling media guys are in such a hurry to be the first to break news that they share nonsense.

Mineo is a known liar and attention monger - read his wording, he clearly has no information and is responding just so he has some eyes on him too. Willie is way more reliable. Still, wish they'd keep conjecture as conjecture.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SlickWillie18

Anon1751751898

Sophomore
Jul 5, 2025
26
110
28
Leaving out lots of guys.

30 make a team, not 3.
Penn St started winning championships with 3 superstars that stood out above the rest and would win but it was a competition. Lately it has been 5 superstars that were a level above the rest. The 5 dominate everyone and the rest of their team All Americans or are close. I have followed Cowboy wrestling since LeRoy Smith and Eric Wais came to Stillwater. In all of those years I have seen only a handful of Cowboys wrestle as true freshmen at the level of Robideau and Lockett. Since Jax already is 1 of the best wrestlers at his weight in the World I expect he will be at their level or maybe a little higher. It already seems clear to me that Landon and Dee are going to be superstars. Yes Spratley and Vega can score a lot of points at Nationals, Swiderski or Jamison, Facundo, Ryder, Merrill, Ramirez and Doucette can be All Americans. However, to me there is not any doubt that these 3 wrestlers if they don't suffer any severe injuries, they will be the Most Important Wrestlers. Could others wrestlers jump levels and be as good as these 3, yes they could. Vega is close to these 3. I look forward to seeing the Raney's and Ross come to Stillwater. I remember Chris Barnes as an upper weight and I thought when he committed, he is going to be a superstar but it was not until his 4th year as a redshirt junior he exploded and was a 2 time undefeated National Champ who was so dominating that he might not have given up 1 takedown his senior year. So, you are making a point but my opinion is these 3 will shine above the rest. Also I hope we jump quickly to 5 or more superstars on our team which will be needed to win that team title.
 

OAMC99

All-Conference
Mar 25, 2002
4,617
1,222
113
Potentially Jax is an all time great, so yes it won't be hard to replace him. Wrestle half a year ( practice half a year) doesn't make sense to me but it appears it will happen. Time will tell if this was a good decision. Robideau and Lockett decision seems to have been decided. I hope this works out but if we don't win a championship in the next 4 years and Jax, Landon and Dee are done wrestling for the Cowboys that will be sad. You don't replace these 3. I think each will be all time greats.
And Vega! IMO Vega looks even
Penn St started winning championships with 3 superstars that stood out above the rest and would win but it was a competition. Lately it has been 5 superstars that were a level above the rest. The 5 dominate everyone and the rest of their team All Americans or are close. I have followed Cowboy wrestling since LeRoy Smith and Eric Wais came to Stillwater. In all of those years I have seen only a handful of Cowboys wrestle as true freshmen at the level of Robideau and Lockett. Since Jax already is 1 of the best wrestlers at his weight in the World I expect he will be at their level or maybe a little higher. It already seems clear to me that Landon and Dee are going to be superstars. Yes Spratley and Vega can score a lot of points at Nationals, Swiderski or Jamison, Facundo, Ryder, Merrill, Ramirez and Doucette can be All Americans. However, to me there is not any doubt that these 3 wrestlers if they don't suffer any severe injuries, they will be the Most Important Wrestlers. Could others wrestlers jump levels and be as good as these 3, yes they could. Vega is close to these 3. I look forward to seeing the Raney's and Ross come to Stillwater. I remember Chris Barnes as an upper weight and I thought when he committed, he is going to be a superstar but it was not until his 4th year as a redshirt junior he exploded and was a 2 time undefeated National Champ who was so dominating that he might not have given up 1 takedown his senior year. So, you are making a point but my opinion is these 3 will shine above the rest. Also I hope we jump quickly to 5 or more superstars on our team which will be needed to win that team title.
I've seen this a couple of times now. What am I missing that is keeping Vega out of the same category as Robideau and Lockett? Not taking anything away from those two. They've been incredible. But in my eyes Vega has been even more impressive than Lockett.
 

okokzach

All-Conference
Dec 18, 2024
581
1,609
93
And Vega! IMO Vega looks even

I've seen this a couple of times now. What am I missing that is keeping Vega out of the same category as Robideau and Lockett? Not taking anything away from those two. They've been incredible. But in my eyes Vega has been even more impressive than Lockett.
You won't hear that kind of talk from me! Vega is a dog!!
 

Anon1751751898

Sophomore
Jul 5, 2025
26
110
28
And Vega! IMO Vega looks even

I've seen this a couple of times now. What am I missing that is keeping Vega out of the same category as Robideau and Lockett? Not taking anything away from those two. They've been incredible. But in my eyes Vega has been even more impressive than Lockett.
I did indicate that Vega appears to be very close to the quality of the other 3. His match against Hardy was stunning and dominating. He pulled off a last second takedown to beat Iowa. If he continues on this great path, I will be happy to talk about our 4 true freshmen superstars.
 

chasepollard

Heisman
Nov 25, 2005
92,325
13,046
48
I did indicate that Vega appears to be very close to the quality of the other 3. His match against Hardy was stunning and dominating. He pulled off a last second takedown to beat Iowa. If he continues on this great path, I will be happy to talk about our 4 true freshmen superstars.
So we all know, at what point are you ready to talk about these young guns?
 
Last edited:

TheJimReaper

All-Conference
Aug 23, 2018
2,148
3,337
68
I doubt Vega gets a Redshirt. Look at next years class. No shortage of quality 141 pounders coming in.
I’m usually all about redshirting but Vega has done more than enough to prove he doesn’t need it. He deserves to start this year. He can redshirt next year if needed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: okokzach

Howie_Fartz

All-Conference
Jan 29, 2024
764
2,738
93
Arguing over who is the most talented among SEVERAL true freshman is a real luxury lol.

When the calendar turns to 2026 it will have been two long decades since OSU won a Natty in wrestling. I for one wouldnt mind if we set ourselves up not for one title but to go on a run. Im sure there is pressure on DT to win to justify his salary. But, if he is here for the long hall I wonder what a plan/discussion between him and the other coaches would look like if they were to RS some of these studs? How do they fit guys in the line up two years from now and what recruits/ transfers might they be thinking about to fill any potential holes?

Everyone's talking about who can make 33. The much better question is if theres a possibility as to whether Robideau and Dee can go up a weight in a couple years?
 
Last edited:

chasepollard

Heisman
Nov 25, 2005
92,325
13,046
48
Arguing over who is the most talented among SEVERAL incoming freshman is a real luxury lol.

When the calendar turns to 2026 it will have been two long decades since OSU won a Natty in wrestling. I for one wouldnt mind if we set ourselves up not for one title but to go on a run. Im sure there is pressure on DT to win to justify his salary. But, if he is here for the long hall I wonder what a plan/discussion between him and the other coaches would look like if they were to RS some of these studs? How do they fit guys in the line up two years from now and what recruits/ transfers might they be thinking about to fill any potential holes?

Everyone's talking about who can make 33. The much better question is if theres a possibility as to whether Robideau and Dee can go up a weight in a couple years?
I’m in favor of sending the hungry dog!

It’s easy to get lost in the RS guys fray, but people often forget there are multiple shirts available. I think it’s best to get some eligibility out of the way as it makes the puzzle much easier if classes and eligibility is staggered. Weight changes are also a consideration.

Does Ronnie stay at 33, Vega 41, Jax? There’s alot of room to grow with those 3 guys! Vega is taller than most heavyweights! Jax will be a late bloomer physical maturity wise. Again, I would love him to make history as the 1st 4x’er at 4 different weights without a loss. While I don’t place that expectation on him, I do expect see him go at 133, 141, 149 and possibly 157…which is around what his Dad Wrestled at I believe?
 

SlickWillie18

All-Conference
Jul 16, 2024
628
2,074
68
Without knowing how he’s done in the room and purely based off of his seemingly massive leaps in his last 2 years of high school, I hope Routledge isn’t lost in the shuffle. I have in my head that next year our 157-174 will go Robideau-Routledge-Lockett and it’ll be a murderer’s row
 

skylinepoke

Heisman
Jan 18, 2004
11,369
14,073
113
I wanted to redshirt the Big 3 last year because I saw no way that any of them could be a NC, especially Plott. I'm beyond happy that the other 2 proved me wrong.
Here is a wild idea, why not turn the young pups lose this year to gain experience and redshirt them and incoming freshmen next year. That might create that run that Howie was referring to starting in 28.
 
  • Like
Reactions: okokzach

Btbw1968

Freshman
Jul 1, 2025
30
96
13
David Taylor is not on a short leash to survive. I am not sure that our incoming freshmen will not be better than what are young pups are at the lower weights. There is a great deal of talent at lower weights and freshmen come in ready to meet their full potential. I am not sure that Daton Fix had anything left to improve upon after his freshman year. Heavier wrestlers tend to improve over time. That is why Merrill 's performance does not concern me.
 

Cowboy1989

All-Conference
Dec 1, 2009
474
1,177
93
I've been following Cowboy wrestling for almost 40 years now. For me the most exciting time was the championship run from 2003 through 2006. Just watching the skill and intensity of wrestlers like Pendleton, Esposito, Hendricks, Rosholt, Thompson, Scott, Mocco and many more was such a special treat. For the most part, during this run, Smith was recruiting superstars out of High School that were talented enough to be all Americans their true freshman year. These guys were killers and from day one could challenge the older guys. In all the years since then I haven't felt that type of excitement... until now. What David Taylor is doing now, in my opinion, is going to be even better than that time period. He's recruiting killers that can go from day one and that's exactly what has to happen to challenge Penn State. I feel he's making a statement to the College and High School wrestling world that OSU is back and we're back now. In my opinion, in this day and age of wrestling, Taylor is going to wrestle the best lineup EVERY year. If a true freshman can beat everyone on the team, then he's going to represent the team. I am in agreement with this philosophy 100%. There is far too much future uncertainty now to redshirt your best wrestler - he needs to get after it now. If Jax does come in this year, we will have 4 true freshman with legit title shots. Sprately would make a 5th guy with a legit title shot. If the other 5 guys improve, there are several All American candidates among those 5. Although Penn State would still be the favorite, OSU could at least begin pushing them this year. And with some good luck or bad luck for Penn State, who knows. The time is now. OSU has a good chance to establish itself as the #2 best team in the land this year and at least an outside chance to push for a title run.
 

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,064
2,142
113
There are plenty of people close to the wrestling program that have said there is zero chance of Jax using a year of eligibility this season.
If 133 performs in the 1st semester he won't be needed I have said that here many times. Time will tell. Some of those same people who are close to the program were says Mower didn't beat Merrill as well.
 

osu2082

Heisman
Jan 29, 2006
32,989
59,240
78
If 133 performs in the 1st semester he won't be needed I have said that here many times. Time will tell. Some of those same people who are close to the program were says Mower didn't beat Merrill as well.

The conversation was that there is a chance he might transfer in at semester and if he did they would look at getting him some action but would absolutely not use a year of eligibility.
 

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,064
2,142
113
The conversation was that there is a chance he might transfer in at semester and if he did they would look at getting him some action but would absolutely not use a year of eligibility.
Enrolling would start his clock which would make no sense unless he wrestles NCAAs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: skylinepoke

rcsone1

Sophomore
Aug 15, 2023
154
124
43
....Imfao?...................I'M FAT ALL OVER?...........KNOW not the meaning(s)............if this Willie of Bausch fame, he has already announced this as true, so I MUST willingly agree with him......truth is often an orphan masked with a top hat...........
 

vhsalum1

Senior
Jul 8, 2025
375
975
93
Enrolling would start his clock which would make no sense unless he wrestles NCAAs.
Nah. He could take less than full time amount of credits and wrestle RTC only.

It's more, does he not care bout wrestling with/for McCort this year. As enrolling is the only we he could train there during the high school season.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheJimReaper

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,064
2,142
113
Nah. He could take less than full time amount of credits and wrestle RTC only.

It's more, does he not care bout wrestling with/for McCort this year. As enrolling is the only we he could train there during the high school season.
My response was because he said they would get him some action but not use eligibility. So basically wrestle his 5 dates. That would start his clock.
 
Last edited:

OSUBigBadBob

Senior
May 28, 2024
500
760
92
I wanted to redshirt the Big 3 last year because I saw no way that any of them could be a NC, especially Plott. I'm beyond happy that the other 2 proved me wrong.
Here is a wild idea, why not turn the young pups lose this year to gain experience and redshirt them and incoming freshmen next year. That might create that run that Howie was referring to starting in 28.
Could you imagine those guys + our young uns this year? With that said, I’m not sure we sign this class without David showing what he could do year 1