Oklahoma State Prepares for Showdown with Alum Pat Popolizio’s NC State Wrestling Squad
There’s a poetic twist to this weekend’s wrestling dual at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Pat Popolizio, an Oklahoma State alumnus and former Cowboy wrestler under legendary coach John Smith, returns to Stillwater as head coach of the fifth-ranked NC State Wolfpack. The matchup happens to land on Oklahoma State’s Alumni Weekend, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already electric event.
Under Popolizio’s leadership, NC State has transformed into a powerhouse, claiming six straight ACC championships and becoming a mainstay in college wrestling’s elite ranks. For OSU head coach David Taylor, hosting Popolizio and his Wolfpack is exactly the kind of high-profile dual he wants for his program.
“They’ve been a household name over the last several years,” Taylor said. “They’re bringing the energy here, and it’s a great opportunity for us to compete against a really tough team. It’s also a chance for fans to come out and support us in what’s going to be an exciting dual.”
Last season, the Cowboys secured a 22-12 victory over NC State, and Taylor expects another hard-fought battle this time around.
High-Stakes Matches Await
The Wolfpack will be without two of their stars—All-American Ryan Jack and ACC champion Jackson Arrington, both redshirting this season. However, the dual promises plenty of high-energy bouts, with nine of the ten matches projected to feature ranked wrestlers.
The action kicks off at 125 pounds, where second-ranked Cowboy Troy Spratley takes on NC State freshman standout Vincent Robinson, ranked 16th. Despite Robinson’s impressive season, Spratley remains unfazed.
“He’s just another guy I’ve got to go out and dominate,” Spratley said confidently.
With so many evenly matched competitors, every point will matter as Oklahoma State fights to defend its home turf against a coach who once donned the same orange singlet.
Wrestling as an Experience, Not Just a Match
David Taylor has made it clear that he’s not just building a team—he’s creating an experience. Gallagher-Iba Arena has undergone a transformation, with new theatrics designed to make OSU wrestling feel like a must-see event. From a dramatic runway entrance complete with flame machines to bursts of “Pinfetti” raining down from the ceiling, the atmosphere is electric.
“We wanted to make Oklahoma State wrestling a cool place to come and wrestle for,” Taylor said. “You can watch it on ESPN+, and that’s great, but it’s nothing like being here in person. This is an event you don’t want to miss.”
The modernization extends to the Cowboys’ gear as well. A new singlet featuring OSU’s classic chevron and “Cowboys” cursive script debuted this season, blending tradition with modern flair.
“Our singlets reflect the history of Cowboy wrestling while incorporating the university’s newer branding trends,” Taylor explained. “The chevrons are wrestling-specific and unique to our sport, and the Cowboy Script ties us to the broader OSU identity.”
Young Talent on Display at Soldier Salute
Oklahoma State’s youth movement was on full display during the Soldier Salute tournament in Iowa late last month. True freshman Cody Merrill (197 pounds) and redshirt freshman Jersey Robb (184 pounds) both earned third-place finishes in the highly competitive event.
Merrill’s path included a semifinal loss to Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan in a tight 2-0 match before bouncing back with a pin and a win over 10th-ranked Isaiah Salazar of Minnesota. Robb followed a similar route, falling to Iowa’s fifth-ranked Gabe Arnold before rallying with two straight wins in the consolation bracket.
“It was a good tournament for them,” Taylor said. “We’re not focusing on wins and losses right now—it’s about how they’re wrestling. Both guys showed resilience, rebounded after losses, and made adjustments. That’s exactly what you want to see from young wrestlers.”
The Stage Is Set
As Oklahoma State prepares to host one of its most intriguing duals of the season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s a chance for the Cowboys to solidify their standing as a wrestling powerhouse and to honor the legacy of their program—all while ensuring an alum doesn’t steal the spotlight.
With fireworks on the mat and in the arena, Saturday’s dual promises to deliver drama, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises. For Taylor, the goal is clear: keep pushing the Cowboys forward while celebrating the rich tradition of Oklahoma State wrestling.
“Every dual is an opportunity to grow and prove ourselves,” Taylor said. “This weekend is no different, and we’re ready to put on a show.”