Oklahoma State Wrestling Leads Big 12 Championship – Day 1 Results
TULSA, Okla. – The Oklahoma State wrestling team dominated the first day of the 2026 Big 12 Wrestling Championship, securing a commanding lead and advancing a remarkable eight wrestlers to the championship finals. The Cowboys finished the day with ’s competition at the BOK Center with 154.5 points, a margin of 32 points ahead of second-place Iowa State.
The team’s performance not only solidified their position at the top of the standings but also guaranteed automatic bids to the NCAA Championships for all ten participating Oklahoma State wrestlers. Competition was briefly suspended due to a tornado warning in Tulsa, halting events at before resuming at after the all-clear was given.
Oklahoma State’s success was widespread across weight classes. Troy Spratley (125 pounds), Jax Forrest (133 pounds), Sergio Vega (141 pounds), Casey Swiderski (149 pounds), Landon Robideau (157 pounds), LaDarion Lockett (165 pounds), Alex Facundo (174 pounds), and Konner Doucet (heavyweight) all secured their places in the championship bouts scheduled for .
“We’ve got to keep progressing, scoring points, closing matches and ending them on top,” said Oklahoma State head coach David Taylor. “As long as we do that, we’re going to keep finding ways to win. We’ve got eight guys wrestling in the finals and nine total tomorrow, so we have nine or 10 opportunities to learn and get better. We’re going to be challenged tomorrow, so that’s good for our guys and we’re going to keep getting better.”
The Cowboys’ semifinal victories were particularly impressive, with each win – with the exception of the heavyweight bout – coming against opponents seeded in the top six of their respective brackets. This demonstrates a consistent ability to overcome strong competition throughout the tournament.
Jax Forrest emerged as a standout performer, achieving three technical fall victories throughout the opening session. His cumulative score reached 55-10, making him the tournament leader in match points. Forrest’s dominance was such that his only points conceded came from releases during his takedowns.
Earlier in the day, Zack Ryder, wrestling at 184 pounds, secured the only fall for Oklahoma State in the first session, pinning Cal Baptist’s David Alonso in 3:28. However, Ryder faced a setback in his quarterfinal match, suffering an injury that resulted in a loss by injury default.
The opening session on saw Oklahoma State wrestlers achieve a 17-1 record in individual bouts, with 12 matches ending in bonus points. This aggressive approach to scoring, prioritizing technical superiority and quick finishes, contributed significantly to their overall team score of 89.5 points, establishing a six-point lead over Iowa State.
Coach Taylor highlighted the team’s focus on maximizing points. “I think it’s been pretty good,” he said. “Our guys are chasing bonus points when they can get them and finishing matches on top, and that’s all you can ask from them, so I think they’ve done a good job.”
Troy Spratley, Jax Forrest, Sergio Vega, and Konner Doucet were specifically recognized for contributing the most team points in the first two rounds, with Forrest and Doucet each securing a pair of technical falls, and Spratley and Vega each achieving a pair of major decisions.
The Big 12 Wrestling Championship serves as a crucial qualifying event for the NCAA Championships, and Oklahoma State’s strong performance positions them favorably for success on the national stage. The team’s ability to secure automatic bids for all ten wrestlers underscores the depth and talent within the program.
The championship finals on will see Oklahoma State wrestlers competing for individual titles and further solidifying their team’s dominance. With eight wrestlers already guaranteed a spot in the finals, the Cowboys are poised to continue their impressive run and potentially secure the overall team championship.
All ten Oklahoma State wrestlers will compete in night’s second session, with the first bout scheduled for .