Oklahoma State's Freshman Trio Makes NCAA History
In a stunning display at the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships, Oklahoma State etched its name into the history books. Freshmen Sergio Vega, Landon Robideau, and Jax Forrest each clinched individual national titles, marking the first time a single program has produced three true freshman champions in one NCAA tournament.
Trailblazing Performances
Competing in the 141, 157, and 133-pound weight classes, these young athletes achieved a feat only matched twice before in NCAA history. Cornell College did it with two true freshmen in 1947, and Penn State saw a true and a redshirt freshman win in 2017.
Team Triumph
Their victories propelled Oklahoma State to a team score of 131 points, one of the highest in the program’s storied history. This total stands as the third-best ever for OSU at the NCAA Championships and the second-highest for a runner-up, surpassing the winning totals of many past champions since 2001.
Head coach David Taylor remarked, “This tournament was incredible for us. Second place is usually bittersweet, but considering our young lineup, it’s a huge step forward.
We’re proud, but not satisfied. We’re aiming even higher.”
The Super Freshmen
Jax Forrest was a standout, contributing 26 team points, breaking the freshman record set by Pat Smith in 1990. Vega and Forrest both completed perfect seasons, going 24-0 and 18-0, respectively. This makes them the first true freshmen since 1947 to go undefeated while winning national titles.
Vega's dramatic victory over two-time defending champion Jesse Mendez of Ohio State was a highlight. In a sudden victory round, Vega countered Mendez’s attack with a takedown, securing the title with just 22 seconds on the clock.
“That was unreal,” Vega reflected. “I’ve never felt anything like it.”
Robideau faced Nebraska’s Antrell Taylor, a formidable opponent, and emerged with a 4-2 decision, capping a 21-2 season and avenging previous losses. “I’m just really thankful,” Robideau said. “Seeing my teammates and family, it all hit me at once.”
Forrest's Final Flourish
In the championship’s final match, Forrest took on Ohio State’s Ben Davino. Trailing 1-0, Forrest executed an escape, a takedown, and controlled over two minutes of riding time to secure a 5-2 win.
“It was surreal,” he said. “I’ve dreamed about this moment for a long time.”
Redshirt freshman Cody Merrill also made waves, finishing as runner-up at 197 pounds. Despite a tough battle against top-seeded Josh Barr of Penn State, Merrill ended with a 21-5 record, becoming one of just 15 OSU freshmen to place in the top two nationally.
With these triumphs, Oklahoma State now boasts 148 individual NCAA champions, including eight freshman champions and five true freshmen. The Cowboys’ legacy of excellence continues, with the team finishing first or second in 48 of the 95 NCAA Championships held to date.