Dean Hamiti Jr.’s NCAA title run in 2025 was impressive on its own. But the story behind it made it all the more remarkable. Just one year ago, Hamiti didn’t even make the podium while wrestling for Wisconsin. Fast forward ten months under Oklahoma State’s new head coach David Taylor, and he’s not just a contender—he’s a national champion.
The dramatic turnaround didn’t go unnoticed. With critics aiming heat at Taylor following Oklahoma State’s overall showing, wrestling analyst Seth Duckworth fired back with a timely stat check. “If you want to try and analyze the David Taylor impact this season,” he posted on X, “Dean Hamiti didn’t make it on the podium last year at the NCAA Tournament at Wisconsin. Ten months with Taylor and he is a National Champ.”
If you want to try and analyze the David Taylor impact this season. Dean Hamiti didn’t make it on the podium last year at the NCAA Tournament at Wisconsin. Ten months with Taylor and he is a National Champ
— MatBoy (@Seth_Duckworth) March 23, 2025
That single stat—backed by Hamiti’s dominant title performance—quickly silenced trolls questioning Taylor’s coaching credentials. It wasn’t just about one athlete peaking at the right time; it was clear proof of Taylor’s coaching blueprint taking hold. Taylor, a former Olympic gold medalist and Penn State legend, stepped into a high-pressure role at Oklahoma State. While the team continues to build toward broader success, Hamiti’s evolution is the clearest signal yet that the David Taylor era is already paying off.
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