Oklahoma State’s Sergio Vega was named the recipient of the 2026 Hammer Award by Amateur Wrestling News, according to a March 30 announcement.
The Hammer Award is given each year to the wrestler who wins a national title in what Amateur Wrestling News considers the most competitive weight class at the NCAA Championships. This recognition highlights both individual achievement and the strength of competition in collegiate wrestling.
Vega, competing at 141 pounds, became Oklahoma State’s third recipient of this award. Previous winners from Oklahoma State include Dean Hamiti Jr., who won last season at 174 pounds, and Alex Dieringer in 2016. The award has been presented for eleven years, with Oklahoma State being the only team to have wrestlers win it two consecutive years.
The 141-pound division at this year’s NCAA Championships featured several All-Americans: Jesse Mendez, Brock Hardy, Nassir Bailey, Luke Stanich, Anthony Echemendia, Vance Vombar, CJ Composto and Braeden Davis. Vega secured his national title by defeating two-time reigning champion Jesse Mendez with a score of 4-1 in sudden victory. Along his path to the championship, he also defeated All-Americans Nasir Bailey of Iowa and Brock Hardy from Nebraska.
Vega finished his season undefeated with a record of 24-0 and did not allow a single takedown throughout the year. He and teammate Jax Forrest also became the first undefeated true freshman national champions since 1947.
With three recipients overall—and back-to-back winners—Oklahoma State leads all teams in Hammer Award honors.