The Oklahoma State wrestling team began its 2025-26 season with a decisive 33-7 win over Stanford at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Friday night. The Cowboys, ranked No. 5 nationally, won eight out of ten matches and secured bonus points in six bouts.
Coach David Taylor commented on the team’s performance, saying, “I thought our guys went out and wrestled pretty hard from start to finish. I’m proud of them. These kids are hungry, and they want to wrestle. We always talk about wrestling with passion, and I thought that’s what they did tonight.”
True freshmen Landon Robideau (157 pounds) and LaDarion Lockett (165 pounds) made notable debuts against former All-Americans. Robideau earned a major decision over Daniel Cardenas after scoring multiple takedowns throughout the match. Lockett defeated Hunter Garvin 2-1 by maintaining control during the second period to secure an additional point for riding time.
Konner Doucet returned as the starting heavyweight for Oklahoma State after backing up NCAA Champion Wyatt Hendrickson last season. Doucet recorded six takedowns before achieving a technical fall in the third period, marking a shift from his previous defensive style.
Other true freshman Sergio Vega (141 pounds) also achieved a technical fall in his first collegiate match. Troy Spratley (125 pounds) and Alex Facundo (174 pounds) added technical fall victories in their respective bouts.
After winning at the NWCA All-Star Classic, Zack Ryder continued his success with a 4-2 victory at 184 pounds. Cody Merrill (197 pounds), making his first start for Oklahoma State, secured a late takedown to defeat Stanford’s Angelo Posada.
Richard Figueroa II (133 pounds) and Casey Swiderski (149 pounds), both newcomers for Oklahoma State, lost their matches against ranked opponents.
Oklahoma State’s next competition will be at the National Duals Invitational in Tulsa where they will face No. 12 Cornell on Saturday morning at the BOK Center.
The event drew an attendance of 7,618 fans.