In a heart-stopping finish at the Senior World Team Trials Challenge in Louisville, Kentucky, Carter Starocci faced wrestling legend Kyle Dake in a 3-3 deadlock with seconds ticking down. With Dake holding the edge on criteria for scoring the highest-point move, Starocci needed a takedown to claim victory. He went for it, and many in the crowd thought he’d sealed the deal—only for the referee to rule against the takedown, sparking heated debate among fans and wrestlers alike. Despite the controversial loss, Penn State and the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club had plenty to celebrate, with PJ Duke, Levi Haines, Kyle Dake, and Josh Barr punching their tickets to Final X.

On the other hand, this weekend, the Cowboys RTC trio competed with grit. Dean Hamiti Jr., fresh off an NCAA title, snagged second place at 79kg, falling just short of the top spot. Dustin Plott, a four-time NCAA All-American, took fourth at 92kg, while current Cowboy Carter Young also landed fourth at 65kg. Each wrestler’s performance is a step toward the ultimate prize: a ticket to Final X in Newark, New Jersey, on June 14, where weight class winners face off against 2025 U.S. Open champions in a best-of-three series for a U.S. Senior World Team spot.

Meanwhile, David “Magic Man” Taylor, now leading Oklahoma State as head coach, took to Instagram to celebrate his Cowboy RTC wrestlers’ efforts at the same Trials. Taylor, a Penn State legend himself with an Olympic gold, three World Championships, and two NCAA titles, is no stranger to high-stakes moments.

Taylor, who dominated wrestling for two decades, knows what it takes to get there. Now, as he trades his singlet for a clipboard, he’s guiding his athletes toward similar glory. His Instagram story celebrating their efforts shows he’s all in for his new role, even if Stillwater feels a world away from Happy Valley.

Hamiti, pre-seeded No. 2 at 79kg, is a standout to watch. After beating Levi Haines 4-2 in the NCAA semifinals, he’s got his eyes on a rematch with Evan Wick, the U.S. Open champ, if he can clinch the weight class. Plott, seeded No. 4 at 92kg, is up against a tough field, with the winner facing Trent Hidlay at Final X—a guy who lost to Taylor himself in last season’s 92kg final. Young, seeded No. 9 at 65kg, has a steep climb but could meet Cowboy RTC’s Joey McKenna at Final X if he conquers the bracket.

With seeding still fluid until weigh-ins wrap, anything can shift. But one thing’s clear: Taylor’s Cowboys are grinding, and he is hyping them every step of the way. From Penn State legend to Oklahoma State leader, Taylor’s proving he’s as much a force on the sidelines as he was on the mat.

David Taylor and the Cowboys Win Big at NCAA Recruits

Wrestling fans got a massive shake-up Thursday morning when Union County High School’s twin dynamos, Jordyn and Jayden Raney, dropped a bombshell on FloWrestling Radio Live: they’re headed to Oklahoma State University. Ranked #6 and #7 on the MatScouts Class of 2026 Big Board, the Raney brothers just supercharged an already stacked Cowboys recruiting class, cementing OSU as the undisputed #1 for 2026.

The numbers tell the story. As of April 15, Oklahoma State’s 2026 haul boasts two Top-25 commits and three Top-100 prospects, leaving traditional powerhouses like Iowa (one Top-25, one Top-100) and Penn State (one Top-25, zero Top-100) eating dust. With the Raneys now in the fold, OSU’s got five Top-100 commits, including #36 Kellen Wolbert and #100 Rocklin Zinkin. That’s not just depth—it’s a recruiting juggernaut.

The Cowboys are building a monster, especially from 133 to 149 pounds. Picture this: Jax Forrest (#2), Sergio Vega, Kellen Wolbert, and both Raney brothers all battling it out in that weight range. That’s five elite prospects ready to dominate. David Taylor, OSU’s head coach, is clearly playing chess while others are stuck on checkers. His Instagram story (@magicmanosu) reposted Baschamania’s hype about the Cowboys’ haul, spotlighting four of the top six recruits in the class: Forrest, #3 Dreshaun Ross, and the Raney twins.

This isn’t just a win for OSU—it’s a statement. Taylor’s vision is turning Stillwater into a wrestling mecca, and the Class of 2026 is proof. The Raneys’ commitment isn’t just about numbers; it’s about momentum. Oklahoma State isn’t just competing with the big dogs—they’re running the pack.