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On Thursday morning, wrestling fans witnessed a great shift in NCAA recruiting. The twin phenomenon from Union County High School, Jordyn and Jayden Raney, announced on FloWrestling Radio Live that they are committing to Oklahoma State University. And this is solidifying what is already the #1 ranked recruiting class in the country for 2026.

In fact, the April 15 recruiting-class rankings show OSU boasting two Top-25 commits and three Top-100 prospects, whereas Iowa has secured just one Top-25 and one Top-100 recruit (total 2 commits), and Penn State trails with a single Top-25 commit and no additional Top-100 signees (total 1 commit). This clear numerical edge underscores how the Cowboys have leapfrogged those traditional powers in the Class of 2026 race.

The announcement made waves not only because the Raneys are ranked number 6 and number 7 in the MatScouts Class of 2026 Big Board, but because their decision puts David Taylor and the Cowboys in a league of their own. In an Instagram story, Taylor (@magicmanosu) shared the Baschamania post highlighting the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ haul: four of the top six recruits in the class— number 2 Jax Forrest, number 3 Dreshaun Ross, number 6 Jordyn Raney, and number 7 Jayden Raney.

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Baschamania shared the new post, tagging Coach Taylor. “What an impressive recruiting class for @magicmanosu! The Cowboys land 4 of the current Top 7 in the Class of 2026 Big Board per @MatScouts1 (with that stat line becoming Top 6 on Monday).” “The Raney Brothers, Jordyn & Jayden, on FRL this morning announced their commitment to Oklahoma State!” another post said.

 

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A post shared by Baschamania (@baschamania)

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It is a recruiting juggernaut taking shape. And this latest addition is the fifth and sixth Top-100 commitment for Oklahoma State’s 2026 class, which also includes number 36 Kellen Wolbert and number 100 Rocklin Zinkin. The depth across the weight classes, especially from 133 to 149, is staggering. Five elite prospects that include Jax Forrest, Sergio Vega, Kellen Wolbert, and both Raney brothers are now projected to compete within this range.

David Taylor and OSU Set the Standard With a Historic Recruiting Class

With this many talented athletes as options, competition for starting spots might be a challenge for the coaching staff, but it’s a problem most colleges would envy. The Raney brothers are world-class. Jayden won gold medals at the U17 Greco-Roman World Championships in the 55 kg title in both 2023 and 2024. Additionally, Jayden recently elevated his credentials by earning a spot on the Senior Greco-Roman World Team in 2024 after winning the U.S. Open’s senior division and dominating at the Pan American Championships.

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What’s your perspective on:

Has David Taylor turned Oklahoma State into the new wrestling powerhouse, leaving Iowa and Penn State behind?

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The twins’ presence with such resumes alone boosts the Oklahoma State RTC’s profile significantly.  But this commitment signals a shift in recruiting momentum. David Taylor, once a Penn State star himself, is now building a pipeline that rivals the dynasties of his alma mater and the Hawkeyes.

In a recruiting environment where top talent can change the tide of championship runs, Oklahoma State’s elite classes are clear indicators that the Cowboys are preparing not just for team success but for national dominance. And as the wrestling world reacts to this powerhouse class, one thing is clear: David Taylor’s vision is taking shape in Stillwater, and the rest of the NCAA better be ready to catch up.

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Has David Taylor turned Oklahoma State into the new wrestling powerhouse, leaving Iowa and Penn State behind?

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