The energy in Stillwater right now is just... different. If you’ve spent any time around Gallagher-Iba Arena lately, you can feel it. David Taylor didn’t just take the job; he plugged the program into a high-voltage outlet. We aren't just talking about a rebuilding year or a transition period. We’re talking about a roster that looks like a fantasy wrestling lineup come to life.
Honestly, the oklahoma state wrestling schedule 25-26 is designed to be a gauntlet. It’s not just about racking up wins; it's about Taylor seeing exactly who is ready to bleed for a national title come March. Most people look at the schedule and see dates. I look at it and see a series of strategic stress tests for a room full of young killers.
The season kicked off back in November with a loud statement against Stanford, but things really escalated at the National Duals. If you missed it, the Pokes ended up taking third, beating a very tough Nebraska squad 33-6. That dual was basically a highlight reel for the freshmen.
Breaking Down the Oklahoma State Wrestling Schedule 25-26
Look, the back half of this schedule is where the real drama lives. We’ve already seen some absolute wars. But if you’re trying to plan your travel or figure out which Big 12 matchups are going to be the bloodiest, here is how the rest of the slate is shaking out.
The Pokes just finished dismantling Oklahoma in Bedlam on January 11. A 37-0 shutout. In Stillwater. That 21st consecutive Bedlam win wasn't just a victory; it was a demolition. But there’s no time to celebrate.
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The Upcoming Gauntlet
- January 23: Away at Missouri. This one is always personal. Columbia is a hostile environment, and the Tigers never play nice.
- January 25: Home vs. Utah Valley. A quick turnaround, but GIA will be rocking.
- January 30: Home vs. Northern Iowa. UNI always brings that gritty, fundamental style that tests your gas tank.
- February 1: Home vs. Iowa State. This is a massive circled date. The Cyclones are dangerous, and the tactical battle between Taylor and Dresser is worth the price of admission alone.
- February 6: Home vs. Little Rock.
- February 15: Away at Virginia Tech. A long road trip to Blacksburg to see how the guys handle the East Coast travel before the post-season.
- February 22: Home vs. Iowa. The finale. The big one. If you don't have tickets for this yet, good luck.
The regular season basically leads up to the Big 12 Championships in Tulsa (March 6-7) and the NCAA Championships in Cleveland (March 19-21). It’s a sprint to the finish.
Why This Schedule Is Different
Taylor isn't hiding from anyone. He’s taking the "Magic Man" approach to coaching—putting his guys in positions where they have to innovate or fail. Taking the team to the National Duals early on was a genius move. It forced guys like Sergio Vega and LaDarion Lockett to face top-10 opponents before they even had their college feet under them.
Vega’s win over Brock Hardy? That wasn't a fluke. It was a signal.
The "Freshman" Factor in the Room
We have to talk about the roster because the schedule only matters if you have the horses to run it. I’ve heard people say OSU is "too young" this year. I think that's a misunderstanding of what "young" looks like under David Taylor.
These aren't your average freshmen.
Take LaDarion "Dee" Lockett. The kid is a local Stillwater legend who decided to stay home, and he’s been wrestling like a veteran. He’s currently ranked in the top 10 at 165, and he doesn’t look intimidated by anyone. Then you have Sergio Vega at 141. He’s a bonus-point machine.
Then there's the Jax Forrest situation. The rumors about his early arrival and how he fits into the lower weights have been the talk of every wrestling forum from here to Pennsylvania. When you have a kid who has already beaten world-class seniors, the traditional "true freshman" rules don't apply. He’s a disruptor.
The Veterans Holding the Line
While the freshmen get the headlines, guys like Troy Spratley at 125 and Konner Doucet at heavyweight are the glue. Spratley has been incredibly consistent. He provides that lead-off spark that a team needs in a dual setting.
Doucet is the anchor. His match against AJ Ferrari at the National Duals was a 2-1 heartbreaker, but it showed that he can hang with the absolute elite of the weight class. He’s the guy you want on the mat when the dual is tied at 15-15.
What to Watch for in February
The February 22 dual against Iowa is the undisputed peak of the oklahoma state wrestling schedule 25-26. Historically, this is the greatest rivalry in the sport. But this year, it feels like a clash of philosophies.
Iowa is Iowa—tough, hand-fighting, "cowboy" style (ironically). Taylor’s OSU is becoming something more fluid. It’s high-scoring. It’s aggressive. It’s "Magic Man" style. Watching how the Cowboys handle the Hawkeyes' pressure in the closing weeks of the season will tell us everything we need to know about their podium potential in Cleveland.
Also, keep an eye on the 149 and 157 spots. With Casey Swiderski and Landon Robideau both in the mix, the lineup flexibility is insane. Robideau has been a revelation, racking up tech falls like he’s playing a video game on easy mode.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're following the Cowboys this season, here is what you actually need to do to stay ahead:
- Check the Big 12 Now app: A lot of the mid-week duals and the Missouri trip are easier to find there than on standard cable.
- Monitor the 133/141 shuffle: With Jax Forrest and Ronnie Ramirez in the room, Taylor might play with the matchups depending on the opponent. Don't be surprised if the lineup you see against Utah Valley looks different than the one against Iowa.
- Get to Tulsa for Big 12s: The BOK Center is going to be an absolute madhouse on March 6th. The Big 12 is deeper than it has been in a decade, and the team title is going to come down to bonus points in the consolation rounds.
- Watch the weight cuts: February is when the "grind" hits. Watch the energy levels of the lightweights during the Virginia Tech trip. That will be the indicator of who is peaking at the right time.
The David Taylor era isn't just starting; it's already at full throttle. This schedule is a roadmap to a trophy. Whether they bring it home this year or next, one thing is certain: Oklahoma State is officially the most exciting team in college wrestling again.