Quick Read
- Jax Forrest improved his undefeated freshman record to 16-0 after a dominant technical fall victory in the quarterfinals.
- The 133-pound semifinal bracket is uniquely composed of four freshmen, highlighting a major shift in collegiate wrestling talent.
- Forrest will face Virginia Tech freshman Aaron Seidel in the semifinals, marking a high-stakes rematch of their previous collegiate and high school bouts.
CLEVELAND (Azat TV) – Oklahoma State University freshman Jax Forrest has advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, cementing his status as one of the most promising young talents in the sport. After securing All-American honors, the top-seeded Forrest now stands just two wins away from a national title.
Dominance at 133 Pounds
Forrest maintained his undefeated record on Friday, moving to 16-0 on the season with an emphatic 18-3 technical fall victory over Northern Illinois’ Markel Baker in the quarterfinals. The match, which ended in just 2:38, showcased the aggressive style that has defined his freshman campaign. Throughout the tournament, Forrest has demonstrated significant mat awareness, recording a pin and two technical falls in his opening matches.
A Freshman-Heavy Semifinal Bracket
The 133-pound weight class has been defined by the emergence of young talent, with all four semifinalists being freshmen. Forrest is set to face Virginia Tech’s Aaron Seidel in the next round. The two previously met in the PIAA finals last season and again in a dual meet earlier this year, where Forrest narrowly defeated Seidel 10-9. This upcoming match represents a critical test for both wrestlers as they vie for a spot in the championship final.
Coaching and Developmental Impact
Forrest credits his rapid transition from Bishop McCort Catholic High School to the collegiate level to both his foundational training and the guidance of Oklahoma State head coach David Taylor. According to Forrest, Taylor’s experience as a high-level competitor provides a unique developmental advantage, as the two share similar physical attributes and tactical approaches to scrambling. The freshman noted that the move to college coaching has allowed him to elevate his technical execution on the mat.
Forrest’s performance underscores a broader trend of high-school-to-collegiate success in wrestling, where the aggressive tactical standards set by elite prospects are increasingly forcing established programs to adapt their training models to accommodate a new generation of high-scoring, freshman-led athletes.