Jax Forrest: The Rise of a Wrestling Prodigy and His Oklahoma State Commitment

Jax Forrest, a name that resonates with promise and potential in the wrestling world, has officially committed to Oklahoma State University (OSU). This highly anticipated decision marks a significant step in Forrest's burgeoning career, solidifying his status as one of the nation's most exciting young talents. Ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2026, Forrest brings a wealth of experience and a burning desire for success to the Cowboys' wrestling program.

A Prodigy Forged in Competition

Forrest's journey to wrestling prominence began long before his commitment to Oklahoma State. Originally from North Carolina, he honed his skills at Bishop McCort in Pennsylvania, where he clinched a state title at 127 pounds as a sophomore. His exceptional talent quickly became apparent as he dominated opponents and garnered national attention.

In 2022, Forrest showcased his international prowess by securing a silver medal at the U17 World Championships while still a high school freshman. This achievement highlighted his ability to compete against the world's best, foreshadowing his future success on the collegiate stage.

Olympic Trials and Encounters with Greatness

At just 17 years old, Forrest fearlessly stepped onto the mat at the United States Olympic Trials, facing seasoned veterans and Olympic hopefuls. Competing in the 57KG (approximately 125 pounds) bracket, he demonstrated remarkable skill and composure, ultimately finishing fourth.

One notable match saw Forrest face off against Thomas Gilman, an assistant coach at OSU. The closely contested bout ended with a narrow 5-4 victory for Gilman, providing Forrest with valuable experience and a glimpse into the level of competition he would encounter at the collegiate level.

The Allure of Oklahoma State

Forrest's decision to commit to Oklahoma State was influenced by several factors, most notably the presence of head coach David Taylor. Forrest expressed admiration for Taylor's accomplishments, citing his Olympic gold medal and NCAA championship as evidence of his ability to guide Forrest toward his own goals.

“The biggest thing that I kind of noticed the last couple weeks going through this and knowing that my choice is gonna be narrowed down is just the similarities that it seemed like me and David had was I think the leading thing,” said Forrest on Flo Radio Live. “He’s an Olympic gold medalist, an NCAA champ, he’s done all the things that I want to achieve. Just the fact that we’re similar in a lot of ways in how we wrestle, how we are on and off the mat, I think he’s somebody who can get me to achieve those goals."

Taylor's wrestling philosophy and personal qualities resonated with Forrest, who believes that their shared approach to the sport will foster a strong coach-athlete relationship. This connection, combined with Oklahoma State's rich wrestling tradition, ultimately led Forrest to choose the Cowboys.

A Top 10 Reveal

Before his commitment, Forrest created suspense by releasing a top 10 list of schools he was considering. In a unique twist, he presented his choices as locations on a map, leaving fans to speculate about the specific universities. The list included:

Iowa
Iowa State
Lehigh
Michigan
Nebraska
North Carolina
NC State
Ohio State
Oklahoma State
Penn State

Forrest had already begun taking official visits, including a trip to the University of Michigan. Ultimately, however, Oklahoma State emerged as the frontrunner, securing the commitment of the nation's top-ranked recruit.

Support for a Teammate

Forrest's character extends beyond his wrestling prowess. When his Bishop McCort teammate, Jackson Butler, faced a sudden recruiting setback, Forrest publicly offered his support. Butler, who had committed to California Baptist, was forced to reopen his recruitment when the program was discontinued.

Forrest's message of encouragement, "You got this bro," demonstrated his empathy and willingness to stand by his teammates during challenging times. This act of solidarity reflects the strong bonds forged within the wrestling community and Forrest's commitment to supporting his peers.

Joining a Stacked Recruiting Class

Forrest's commitment bolsters an already impressive recruiting class for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have also secured pledges from Dreshaun Ross, the No. 3 prospect, Kellen Wolbert (No. 22), and Rocklin Zinkin (No. 84). This influx of talent will complement OSU's stacked 2025 class, solidifying the program's position as a national powerhouse.

“It’s just been my calling,” Forrest said. “Oklahoma State, obviously I’m not there yet, but I think we’re gonna be a team that’s gonna be good. We’re gonna be on the come-up. Obviously they’ve already been doing some really big things. I’m sure Coach David is gonna keep trying to keep making the best team that he can."

Early Enrollment and Future Goals

Forrest is determined to make an immediate impact at Oklahoma State. He plans to graduate early and enroll at the university to begin preparing for his college career. This proactive approach demonstrates his dedication to the sport and his eagerness to contribute to the Cowboys' success.

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Forrest has set ambitious goals for his collegiate career, including winning a national championship. His unwavering focus and relentless work ethic suggest that he is well-equipped to achieve these aspirations.

California Baptist's Program Discontinuation

The situation involving Jackson Butler and California Baptist highlights the challenges faced by college athletic programs in the current environment. According to a statement from California Baptist vice president for athletics Micah Parker, the decision to discontinue certain athletic programs was driven by the "shifting landscape of intercollegiate athletics."

Parker explained that changes were necessary "to realize the university's goal of achieving greater competitive excellence that the new Division I era demands." This decision reflects the growing financial pressures on college athletic programs, which often struggle to maintain competitiveness in the face of rising costs and evolving NCAA regulations.

Taylor's Vision for Forrest

David Taylor recognized Forrest's potential early on, envisioning him as a key contributor to the Oklahoma State wrestling program. Taylor's assessment has proven accurate, as Forrest has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in Stillwater.

“For Jax, it’s been a crash course,” Taylor said after Oklahoma State’s 32-11 win over the Hawkeyes. “And he’s just learning how to navigate things, you know, how to have that balance of calmness and a little bit of chaos, you know? And that’s what makes him unique, and it makes it really hard for you to wrestle (him)."

Taylor's coaching has helped Forrest refine his skills and develop a unique wrestling style that combines technical prowess with a relentless attacking mentality. This combination has made Forrest a formidable opponent for even the most experienced wrestlers.

Dominating Drake Ayala

One of Forrest's most impressive victories came against Drake Ayala, a two-time NCAA finalist for Iowa. Forrest dominated the match, securing a 19-3 tech fall victory. This performance showcased Forrest's ability to execute multiple takedowns and near-fall points, leaving no doubt about his potential to compete at the highest level of collegiate wrestling.

“Crazy. It’s awesome,” Forrest said on the ESPN broadcast right after his match. “Just wrestling. Coaches say wrestle every position, no matter what’s going on. I’m winning, I’m losing, I’m gonna wrestle in positions (and get) five points … National champ, that’s all I’m going to say, that’s what I’m working for. I don’t care who’s in my way. Nobody in the country, nobody in the world can tech (Drake Ayala) like that."

Oklahoma State vs. Iowa Dual Meet Results

The dual meet between Oklahoma State and Iowa provided a glimpse into the future of collegiate wrestling, with several highly ranked wrestlers showcasing their talents. The final score was No. 3 Oklahoma State 32, No. 125. Here's a summary of the match results:

125: No. 7 Troy Spratley (OKST) dec. 5-2 over No. 6 Dean Peterson (Iowa); 3-0 OKST
133: No. 6 Jax Forrest (OKST) tech fall 19-3 over No. 9 Drake Ayala (Iowa); 8-0 OKST
141: No. 2 Sergio Vega (OKST) fall over Kale Petersen (Iowa); 14-0 OKST
149: No. 18 Ryder Block (Iowa) tech fall 19-4 over Kolter Burton (OKST); 14-5 OKST
157: No. 5 Landon Robideau (OKST) dec. 5-1 over No. 14 Jordan Williams (Iowa); 17-5 OKST
165: No. 4 Mikey Caliendo (Iowa) dec. 4-2 over No. 2 Ladarion Lockett (OKST); 17-8 OKST
174: No. 3 Patrick Kennedy (Iowa) dec. 8-3 over No. 7 Alex Facundo (OKST); 17-11 OKST
184: No. 9 Zack Ryder (OKST) dec. 2-1 SV over Gabe Arnold (Iowa); 20-11 OKST
197: No. 7 Cody Merrill (OKST) fall over Brody Sampson (Iowa); 26-11 OKST
285: No.

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