Oklahoma State wrestling's invitational won't be 'typical just boring tournament'
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STILLWATER — The OSU Invitational to start Oklahoma State's 2026-27 wrestling schedule on Nov. 1 won't be a "boring" tournament.
OSU wrestling coach David Taylor said there will be some of the bells and whistles that have become a signature touch at Oklahoma State home duals.
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"So, it’s not going to be a typical just boring tournament," Taylor said. "There’s going to be elements of production and it’s going to be better than most tournaments out there minus maybe conference tournaments and national tournaments, probably."
The invitational features Gardner-Webb, Little Rock and SIU-Edwardsville and OSU in bracketed competition. The main draw will be watching how Cowboy wrestlers compete against each other. Because of tournament format, Taylor said he'd like every Cowboy to have a chance to wrestle.
"I think, looking back last year, a couple of our guys probably could have benefitted from more matches," Taylor said. "It’ll be the first chance to watch our team wrestle, so it’s good to get our guys out of the room and get them wrestling against other people. It’ll be good. I think you got to continually find ways to think outside the box and create fun entertaining things and I think this invitational is going to be pretty exciting."
Here are highlights from Taylor's Tuesday press conference:
How will OSU replace Sergio Vega at 141 pounds?
Last season, Sergio Vega went undefeated as a freshman and became one of five Cowboys to win an NCAA individual title as a true freshman. This season, Vega is expected to move up to competing at 149 pounds.
Twin freshmen Jayden and Jordyn Raney and senior Tagen Jamison are some of the candidates to take over for Vega at 141.
Taylor said he thinks OSU's 141-pound weight class will be contested. That's a theme throughout OSU's roster.
"We have a handful of contested weights," Taylor said. "I would say all 10 are going to be contested. Honestly, I’d say that’s the level of team that we want to have and it doesn’t really matter what your results were last year, it’s a new year."
Taylor made the point the NFL team that wins the Super Bowl isn't guaranteed anything the next season. So, why should that apply in wrestling?
"I think we have a lot of guys doing some good stuff and it’s not just what they’re doing in the room, it's how they compete," Taylor said. "That’s the most important thing and we need guys who are out there fighting to score as many points as they can and that’s in their hands."
Zack Ryder not yet 100% after shoulder surgery
Sophomore Zack Ryder anchored OSU's 184-pound position last season. He went 16-12 and started all but three duals for OSU on his way to becoming an All-American.
This offseason, Ryder had shoulder surgery. He's working his way back, but not at full speed yet.
"Zack’s working his way back, he’s doing a really good job ... he’s not like in a position to be full-go wrestling yet, but he's certainly getting closer," Taylor said.
Benji Mower in good spirits recovering from cancer surgery
Edmond native Benji Mower is battling testicular cancer with relentless positivity. He was diagnosed this summer and fights alongside his wife and baby daughter.
Taylor went to see Mower in the hospital after his latest surgery. Taylor shared "surgery went well" and that Mower is supposed to leave the hospital in a couple days.
"All he could talk about was how he can’t wait to get back to wrestling practice when I saw him the other day, which is just what wrestling means to somebody which is pretty great," Taylor said. "What he means to our program is pretty significant."
Ben Hutchens covers OSU athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Ben? He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @ben_hutchens_. Sign up for OSU Sports Minute newsletter to access more coverage of the Cowboys and Cowgirls. Support Ben's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State wrestling's invitational won't be 'typical just boring tournament'