David Taylor’s first recruiting class has been heralded as one of the nation’s best. 

The sequel is shaping up nicely as well. 

The Oklahoma State coach reeled in his second big recruiting prize in less than a week Thursday when Jax Forrest — the second-ranked prospect on the 2026 Big Board — announced his commitment to the Cowboys on Flowrestling Radio Live. 

“The biggest thing I kinda noticed the last couple weeks going through this and knowing that my choice was going to be narrowed down was just the similarities it seemed that me and David had — I think (that) was the leading (factor),” Forrest said. “He’s an Olympic gold medalist, NCAA champ. He’s done all the things I want to achieve and I think the fact that we’re similar in a lot of ways with how we wrestle, how we are off the mat, I think he’s somebody who can get me to achieve those goals. Sitting down with my parents, I think that’s been the real game changer.” 

Forrest announced Wednesday that he was down to four final suitors — Oklahoma State, Iowa, Penn State and Ohio State. His decision to join the Cowboys comes less than a week after Oklahoma State secured a commitment from two-time Iowa state champ Dreshaun Ross, the #3 prospect in the 2026 class. 

In Forrest, the Cowboys are getting one of the nation’s most decorated lightweights. His lengthy list of high school accomplishments includes three Who’s #1 wins, a pair of Super 32 titles, two Fargo Junior freestyle titles and a U17 World silver. 

Forrest is joining a program that has quickly established a strong lineup core since Taylor’s arrival last spring in Stillwater. Oklahoma State’s 2025 recruiting class features eight of the top 90 prospects, including #3 Dee Lockett, #5 Landon Robideau and #6 Sergio Vega. In addition to Forrest and Ross, the 2026 group also includes #22 Kellen Wolbert and #84 Rocklin Zinkin. 

“It’s awesome,” Forrest said. “I know those guys. I was on visits with Dreshaun. I know Dee pretty well. I already know some guys on the team and I know Sergio. They’re all really good kids and I know them and I know they have goals similar to mine and I think it’s been my calling. Through everything, it just seemed like this was the place that stuck out in my mind of where was going to help me be my best and still be able to be myself and not really have to change anything about me depending on where I’m going. I think Oklahoma State — obviously I’m not there yet — but I think we’re going to be good and we’re going to be on the come-up. Obviously, they’ve already been doing some really good things and I’m sure coach David is going to keep trying to make the best team he can. The future is unknown, obviously, but I have faith it’s going to be good.” 

Forrest’s commitment comes on the heels of his Bishop McCort High School teammate Bo Bassett’s commitment to Iowa and a day before they take continue their pursuit of a Pennsylvania state team championship title. Bishop McCort, ranked second nationally in the Flo 40, could potentially collide Saturday with #1 Faith Christian Academy.