David Taylor (wrestler, born 1990)
{{short description|American wrestler (born 1990)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox sportsperson
| headercolor = orange
| name = David Taylor
| image = David Taylor 2021.JPG
| image_size =
| caption =
| nationality =
| fullname = David Morris Taylor III
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|12|05}}
| birth_place = Reno, Nevada, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| hometown = St. Paris, Ohio, U.S.
| height = 6 ft 0 in
| weight = 86 kg
| country = United States
| sport = Wrestling
| event = Freestyle and Folkstyle
| collegeteam = Penn State
| team = USA
| club = Cowboy Wrestling Club
| rank =
| coach = Cael Sanderson
| pb =
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport |Men's freestyle wrestling}}
{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition |Olympic Games}}
{{MedalGold|2020 Tokyo|86 kg}}
{{MedalCompetition|World Championships}}
{{MedalGold|2018 Budapest | 86 kg}}
{{MedalGold|2022 Belgrade | 86 kg}}
{{MedalGold|2023 Belgrade | 86 kg}}
{{MedalSilver|2021 Oslo | 86 kg}}
{{Medal|Bronze|2024 Tirana | 92 kg }}
{{MedalCompetition|World Cup}}
{{MedalGold|2018 Iowa City|Team}}
{{MedalSilver|2017 Kermanshah|Team}}
{{MedalCompetition|Pan American Championships}}
{{MedalGold|2018 Lima|86 kg}}
{{MedalGold|2019 Buenos Aires|86 kg}}
{{MedalGold|2021 Guatemala|86 kg}}
{{MedalCompetition|Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin}}
{{MedalGold|2018 Krasnoyarsk|86 kg}}
{{MedalCompetition|World University Games}}
{{MedalBronze|2013 Kazan|74 kg}}
{{Medal|Competition| US Open Championships }}
{{MedalGold| 2015 Las Vegas|74 kg}}
{{MedalGold| 2017 Las Vegas|86 kg}}
{{MedalGold| 2018 Las Vegas|86 kg}}
{{MedalSilver| 2013 Las Vegas|74 kg}}
{{MedalSilver| 2014 Las Vegas|74 kg}}
{{MedalSilver| 2015 Las Vegas (SN)|86 kg}}
{{MedalSport | Collegiate Wrestling}}
{{MedalCountry | the}} Penn State Nittany Lions
{{MedalCompetition|NCAA Division I Championships}}
{{MedalGold|2012 St. Louis|165 lb}}
{{MedalGold|2014 Oklahoma City|165 lb}}
{{MedalSilver|2011 Philadelphia|157 lb}}
{{MedalSilver|2013 Des Moines|165 lb}}
{{MedalCompetition|Big Ten Championships}}
{{MedalGold|2011 Evanston|157 lb}}
{{MedalGold|2012 West Lafayette|165 lb}}
{{MedalGold|2013 Illinois|165 lb}}
{{MedalGold|2014 Madison|165 lb}}
| show-medals = yes
}}David Morris Taylor III (born December 5, 1990) is an American former freestyle and folkstyle wrestler who competed in the 74, 86 and 92-kilogram categories.{{Cite web|title=David Taylor Biography|url=https://www.teamusa.org/usa-wrestling/athletes/David-Taylor#profile|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224123136/http://www.teamusa.org/usa-wrestling/athletes/David-Taylor#profile|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 24, 2015|website=Team USA}} He is the current head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-10 |title=David Taylor retires from wrestling competition in taking Oklahoma State job |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/david-taylor-retired-wrestling-oklahoma-state |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}
With his most prestigious accolades coming at 86 kilograms, Taylor was most notably the 2020 Summer Olympic gold medalist, a World champion in 2018, 2022 and 2023, and held one of the biggest rivalries in the sport's history against Hassan Yazdani.{{Cite web |last=Spey |first=Andrew |date=2024-05-08 |title=Remembering David Taylor's Insane 2018-2023 Freestyle Run |url=https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/12536546-remembering-david-taylors-insane-2018-2023-freestyle-run |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=FloWrestling |language=en}}
One of the most accomplished Nittany Lions in the history of the Penn State program, Taylor was twice the NCAA Division I National champion at 165 pounds, and earned the Dan Hodge Trophy two times during his collegiate years.{{Cite web|title=About DT {{!}} David Taylor|url=https://www.m2wrestling.com/about|access-date=2020-12-14|website=www.m2wrestling.com}}
Folkstyle career
= High school =
Born in Reno, Nevada, Taylor attended Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio. As a high schooler, Taylor became a four-time OHSAA state champion with an outstanding 180–2 record and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. He received the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award in 2009 as the nation's top high school wrestler.{{Cite web|title=Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award State Winners Announced {{!}} National Wrestling Hall of Fame|url=https://nwhof.org/blog/dave-schultz-high-school-excellence-award-state-winners-announced/|access-date=2020-12-14|language=en-US}}{{cite web|last1=Hipps|first1=Andrew|title=Iowa State-bound Taylor not afraid of challenges|url=http://www.intermatwrestle.com/articles/4547|website=Intermat|access-date=31 March 2015}}
= College =
During his time at Penn State (2009–2014), Taylor went on to become a two-time NCAA Division I national champion (four-time finalist), a four-time Big Ten Conference champion, and two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner. After a perfect freshman year to that point, Taylor was pinned by Arizona State's Bubba Jenkins at the NCAA finals.{{Cite web|last=Schoen|first=Timothy|title=David Taylor avenges only loss in career|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/archives/article_4a9fbc17-ea2e-54d9-aaf5-731fa1f65754.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Daily Collegian|date=March 19, 2012 |language=en}} As a sophomore, he moved up from {{convert|157|lb|kg}} to {{convert|165|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, winning the NCAA title and being named the best college wrestler in the US as the Dan Hodge Trophy winner with a 70–1 overall record.
As a junior, he faced Kyle Dake from Cornell in the NCAA finals, who moved up to attempt to become the third four-time NCAA champion and the first to win titles at four different weight classes in the history of the NCAA. After a back-and-forth battle, Taylor was defeated 5–4.{{Cite web|last=PennLive|first=Jim Carlson {{!}} Special to|date=2013-03-24|title=Kyle Dake upends Penn State's David Taylor in NCAA wrestling final that won't soon be forgotten|url=https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2013/03/kyle_dake_upends_penn_states_d.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=pennlive|language=en}} As a senior, he once again had an undefeated campaign, claimed his second NCAA title, helped clinch the team title for the Nittany Lions, and became the third multiple-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner in history.{{Cite web|date=2014-04-01|title=David Taylor wins 2014 Dan Hodge Trophy|url=https://www.win-magazine.com/2014/04/01/david-taylor-wins-2014-dan-hodge-trophy/|access-date=2020-12-14|website=WIN Magazine|language=en-US}} Taylor graduated with 134 wins and three losses, 50 pins, 42 technical falls, and 29 major decisions.
Freestyle career
= 2010–2012 =
Taylor made his freestyle debut in April 2010, when he claimed a University US National title.{{Cite web|title=ASICS University Nationals - Men's FS|url=https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=1941009|access-date=2020-12-18|website=Trackwrestling}} In 2012, he competed at the US Olympic Team Trials, where he went 3–2.{{Cite web|date=2012-04-21|title=Rowlands drops down to 96 kilos to reach Olympic Trials final|url=https://www.win-magazine.com/2012/04/21/rowlands-drops-down-to-96-kilos-to-reach-olympic-trials-final/|access-date=2020-12-18|website=WIN Magazine|language=en-US}}
= 2013–2014 =
In 2013, Taylor claimed runner-up honors at the US Open in April, defeating Nick Marable to reach the finals and then being downed by the defending Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs.{{Cite web|last=Star-Ledger|first=Joe Kania/ For The|date=2014-04-19|title=Wrestling: Jordan Burroughs set to meet David Taylor in U.S. Open finals|url=https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/article/wrestling-jordan-burroughs-set-to-meet-david-taylor-in-us-open-finals/|access-date=2020-12-18|website=nj|language=en}} After pinning '12 Junior World Champion Magomed Kurbanaliev from Russia at Beat the Streets,{{Cite web|last=PennLive|first=Jim Carlson {{!}} Special to|date=2013-05-16|title=PSU wrestler David Taylor notches international victory in New York City event|url=https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2013/05/psu_wrestler_david_taylor_notc.html|access-date=2020-12-18|website=pennlive|language=en}} Taylor became a two-time US University National and made the US University World Team on May.{{Cite web|title=Megaludis, Taylor and Ruth claim Asics University National Championships {{!}} Penn State University|url=https://news.psu.edu/story/278126/2013/05/30/athletics/megaludis-taylor-and-ruth-claim-asics-university-national|access-date=2020-12-18|website=news.psu.edu|language=en}} At the '13 US World Team Trials Challenge of June, Taylor went 4–1 with a lone loss to four-time NCAA Division I National Kyle Dake to claim third-place.{{Cite web|last=PennLive|first=Jim Carlson {{!}} Special to|date=2013-06-24|title=David Taylor a member of U.S. national freestyle wrestling team after 3rd-place finish|url=https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2013/06/david_taylor_a_member_of_us_na.html|access-date=2020-12-18|website=pennlive|language=en}} At the 2013 Summer Universiade, he claimed a bronze medal for the United States.{{Cite web|title=27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, July 6-17 2013|url=http://kazan2013.com/en/news_items/9347|access-date=2020-12-18|website=kazan2013.com}}
In 2014, last year's US Open results were repeated when Taylor fell to Jordan Burroughs, this rematch being much closer and forcing the now defending World Champion to come from behind to get the last minute comeback.{{Cite web|date=April 20, 2014|title=Burroughs rallies to outlast Taylor in epic US Open finals battle|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2014/April/20/Burroughs-rallies-to-outlast-Taylor-in-epic-US-Open-finals-battle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423030256/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2014/April/20/Burroughs-rallies-to-outlast-Taylor-in-epic-US-Open-finals-battle|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 23, 2014|website=Team USA}} After dominating the eventual '16 Olympic bronze medalist and at-the-time two-time World bronze medalist and two-time European Champion Jabrayil Hasanov at Beat the Streets, Taylor made the US World Team Trials finals, but was defeated twice in a row by Burroughs.{{Cite web|title=Burroughs delivers again to make U.S. World Team|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/13272|access-date=2020-12-18|website=InterMat}}
= 2015–2016 =
Now able to focus on freestyle full-time after graduating from college, Taylor opened up the 2015 year with a fifth-place finish at the Yasar Dogu, where he went 3–2.{{Cite web|title=Turkey Wrap: Yasar Dogu Results|url=http://www.bloodround.com/blog/2015/3/30/turkey-wrap-yasar-dogu-results|access-date=2020-12-18|website=Bloodround|date=March 30, 2015 |language=en-US}} He then claimed his first US Open National title in May,{{Cite web|last=PennLive|first=Jim Carlson {{!}} Special to|date=2015-05-09|title=Former Penn State star David Taylor in U.S. Open wrestling finals; Ed Ruth falls to Jake Herbert in semifinals|url=https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2015/05/former_penn_state_star_david_t.html|access-date=2020-12-18|website=pennlive|language=en}} followed up by a technical fall over Cuba's Liván López at Beat the Streets.{{Cite web|date=2015-05-28|title=David Taylor named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week|url=https://onwardstate.com/2015/05/28/david-taylor-named-usa-wrestling-athlete-of-the-week/|access-date=2020-12-18|website=Onward State|language=en-US}} In his fourth attempt to make the US World Team, Taylor was once again overpowered by Kyle Dake in the challenge tournament, but he came back and claimed the third place when he beat veteran Andrew Howe.{{Cite web|title=Burroughs handles Dake as World Team Trials conclude|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/14543|access-date=2020-12-18|website=InterMat}} Taylor then claimed Grand Prix of Spain and Stepan Sargsyan Cup gold medals in July,{{Cite web|title=Humphrey leads small, talented U.S. team at Sargsyan Cup in Armenia, July 18–19|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/July/15/Humphrey-leads-USA-team-at-Sargsyan-Cup-in-Armenia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802135424/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/July/15/Humphrey-leads-USA-team-at-Sargsyan-Cup-in-Armenia|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 2, 2015|website=Team USA}}{{Cite web|date=July 18, 2015|title=FLASH: Taylor wins gold and Michalak takes bronze at Sargsyan Cup in Armenia|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/July/18/Taylor-wins-gold-and-Michalak-a-bronze-in-Armenia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720233633/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/July/18/Taylor-wins-gold-and-Michalak-a-bronze-in-Armenia|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2015|website=Team USA}} before making the decision to bulk up to the 86 kilogram division on September.{{Cite web|date=2015-10-16|title=Move to 189 pounds will let Taylor focus more on wrestling, not weight cutting|url=https://www.win-magazine.com/2015/10/16/move-to-189-pounds-will-let-taylor-focus-more-on-wrestling-not-weight-cutting/|access-date=2020-12-18|website=WIN Magazine|language=en-US}} Taylor took fifth-place at the Golden Grand Prix of November, and seemed overpowered in his first tournament at a new weight class.{{Cite web|title=Abdurakhmanov, Odikadze stun Olympic champs in Golden Grand Prix Final|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/15259|access-date=2020-12-18|website=InterMat}} On December, Taylor competed at the US Senior Nationals, and after running through '14 US World Team member and teammate Ed Ruth,{{Cite web|date=December 19, 2015|title=Dake vs. Taylor will be in 86 kg freestyle finals, as nine finals pairings set at U.S. Nationals/Trials Qualifier|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/December/19/Dake-v-Taylor-a-feature-finals-at-US-Nationals-in-Las-Vegas-tonight|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222224302/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/December/19/Dake-v-Taylor-a-feature-finals-at-US-Nationals-in-Las-Vegas-tonight|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 22, 2015|website=Team USA}} Taylor was defeated by long-time rival Kyle Dake.{{Cite web|last=PennLive|first=Jim Carlson {{!}} Special to|date=2015-12-21|title=Weekend wrestling: David Taylor 2nd to Kyle Dake; Penn State picks up heavyweight recruit|url=https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2015/12/weekend_wrestling_david_taylor.html|access-date=2020-12-18|website=pennlive|language=en}}
In 2016, Taylor was unable to make the US Olympic Team, as he was defeated by Dake for the fifth time in the senior level, forcing Taylor to battle for the bronze medal, which he comfortably earned.{{Cite web|last=PennLive|first=Jim Carlson {{!}} Special to|date=2016-04-11|title=Kyle Snyder, Jordan Burroughs win U.S. Olympic Trials wrestling titles; David Taylor places 3rd|url=https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2016/04/kyle_snyder_jordan_burroughs_w.html|access-date=2020-12-18|website=pennlive|language=en}} He then claimed his second Spain Grand Prix title on July,{{Cite web|last=Steen|first=Alex|date=2016-07-09|title=Green, Taylor Win Gold at 2016 Grand Prix of Spain|url=https://news.theopenmat.com/international-wrestling/green-taylor-win-gold-2016-grand-prix-spain/58446|access-date=2020-12-18|website=The Open Mat|language=en-US|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815152255/https://news.theopenmat.com/international-wrestling/green-taylor-win-gold-2016-grand-prix-spain/58446|url-status=dead}} and competed again at the World Clubs Cup of December, where he went 3-1 and helped TMWC reach the first-place, while also defeating the accomplished Alireza Karimi.{{Cite web|title=Titan Mercury Advances to the Finals|url=http://www.bloodround.com/blog/2016/11/30/titan-mercury-advances-to-the-finals|access-date=2020-12-18|website=Bloodround|date=November 30, 2016 |language=en-US}}
= 2017 =
In his first competition of the year, Taylor dominated the Grand Prix of Paris in January,{{Cite web|date=2017-01-29|title=Wrestling: Nico Megaludis and David Taylor win Gold at Paris Tournament|url=https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2017/01/1674/wrestling-nico-megaludis-and-david-taylor-win-gold-at-paris-tournament|access-date=2020-12-18|website=Roar Lions Roar|language=en|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815152246/https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2017/01/1674/wrestling-nico-megaludis-and-david-taylor-win-gold-at-paris-tournament|url-status=dead}} and despite being initially banned by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran,{{Cite web|last=Bethel|first=B. J.|title=Graham's Taylor on Iranian ban: 'I want what's best for the United States'|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/graham-taylor-iranian-ban-want-what-best-for-the-united-states/DGUjG8S7jVhuc6m84u1WwO/|access-date=2020-12-18|website=dayton-daily-news|language=en}} he competed at the World Cup in February in Iran.{{Cite web|last=Steen|first=Alex|date=2017-02-14|title=2017 Men's Freestyle World Cup Preview|url=https://news.theopenmat.com/international-wrestling/2017-mens-freestyle-world-cup-preview/61812|access-date=2020-12-18|website=The Open Mat|language=en-US}} At the World Cup, he defeated four top-level opponents: '12 Olympic bronze medalist and two-time European Champion Dato Marsagishvili in the first round (8-3), that year's World Championship bronze medalist Vladislav Valiev (TF 14–4), '12 Olympic Gold medalist Sharif Sharifov (TF 12–2), and '16 Olympic Gold medalist Hassan Yazdani (fall).{{Cite web|date=March 1, 2017|title=David Taylor recounts a magical Freestyle World Cup on Ep. 70 of Bonus Points|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2017/March/01/BP70-David-Taylor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707042041/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2017/March/01/BP70-David-Taylor|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2017|website=Team USA}}
Taylor claimed his second US national title in April, with an overall score of 40–4 against five opponents.{{Cite web|title=US Open 2017 Recap {{!}} Knowledge Center {{!}} David Taylor|url=http://www.m2wrestling.com/blog/us-open-2017-recap|access-date=2020-12-18|website=www.m2wrestling.com}} After a quick win at Beat the Streets,{{Cite web|date=2017-05-18|title=Wrestling: Zain and Taylor Win at Beat the Streets|url=https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2017/05/2255/beat-the-streets-recap-david-taylor-zain-retherford-magic-man|access-date=2020-12-25|website=Roar Lions Roar|language=en}} Taylor made the World Team Trials finals when he ran through '16 US OTT Greco-Roman champion Joe Rau and '12 Junior World Championship runner-up Pat Downey, and defeated three-time NCAA Division I All-American Nick Heflin to make the best-of-three, where he faced returning Olympic Bronze medalist J'den Cox.{{Cite web|last=Steen|first=Alex|date=2017-06-10|title=Finals Set at 2017 Men's Freestyle World Team Trials|url=https://news.theopenmat.com/international-wrestling/finals-set-2017-mens-freestyle-world-team-trials/63318|access-date=2020-12-25|website=The Open Mat|language=en-US}} In the first match, Taylor rallied comfortably with a 9–3 win, but was closely defeated in the second match 4–3, leading to a controversial third bout due to Cox's sweat and alleged passivity, which caused Taylor to kick the challenge cube and his cornerman Cael Sanderson to throw items at the official and a chair onto the mat after losing 5–3.{{Cite web|date=2017-06-12|title=Penn State's Cael Sanderson ejected after throwing a chair onto mat (Video)|url=https://fansided.com/2017/06/12/penn-states-cael-sanderson-ejected-throwing-chair-onto-mat-video/|access-date=2020-12-25|website=FanSided|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=PennLive|first=Jim Carlson {{!}} Special to|date=2017-06-11|title=Penn State wrestler Zain Retherford earns berth on U.S. Senior Freestyle World team; Mark Hall wins Junior crown|url=https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2017/06/penn_state_wrestler_zain_rethe.html|access-date=2020-12-25|website=pennlive|language=en}}
He came back to competition at the World Clubs Cup on December, where he helped the TMWC to second place with notable victories over Alireza Karimi and Pawan Kumar.{{Cite web|title=Iran's Kashan Wins World Wrestling Clubs Cup - Sports news|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/12/09/1595549/iran-s-kashan-wins-world-wrestling-clubs-cup|access-date=2020-12-25|website=Tasnim News Agency|language=en}}
= 2018 =
To start off the year, Taylor became only the 12th American to claim a gold medal at the Ivan Yarygin Golden Grand Prix, considered the toughest open tournament in the world.{{Cite web|last=R|first=Coach Mike|date=2014-01-23|title=Siberia's Toughest Wrestling Tournament Tomorrow|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/1/23/5336910/this-weekend-siberia-toughest-wrestling-tournament-in-the-world-yarygin-yariguin-brent-metcalf|access-date=2020-12-26|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en}} He opened with a win over two-time (and defending) Pan American champion Yurieski Torreblanca, followed by Selim Yaşar on points and a fall over '17 Junior World Champion Artur Naifonov to make the finals. In the finals, he got another fall, this time over Fatih Erdin, to claim the gold medal.{{Cite web|date=January 28, 2018|title=Snyder wins back-to-back titles and Taylor also gets his gold on last day of Yarygin Grand Prix in Russia|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2018/January/28/Snyder-and-Taylor-win-golds-at-Yarygin-Grand-Prix|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128204806/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2018/January/28/Snyder-and-Taylor-win-golds-at-Yarygin-Grand-Prix|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 28, 2018|website=Team USA}} On April, he claimed his second consecutive World Cup championship, recording four technical falls to help secure the gold medal for the United States.{{Cite web|date=2018-04-09|title=Penn State Wrestling Alum David Taylor Powers USA To Freestyle World Cup Title|url=https://onwardstate.com/2018/04/09/penn-state-wrestling-alum-david-taylor-powers-usa-freestyle-world-cup-title/|access-date=2020-12-26|website=Onward State|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=David Taylor Undefeated at World Cup, USA Gold {{!}} News & Updates {{!}} Nittany Lion Wrestling Club|url=https://www.nittanylionwrestlingclub.com/news/david-taylor-undefeated-at-world-cup-usa-gold|access-date=2020-12-26|website=www.nittanylionwrestlingclub.com}} He also clinched his third US National title, with four victories over fellow Americans.{{Cite web|date=2018-04-29|title=2018 Marine Corps Freestyle U.S. Open|url=https://theguillotine.com/2018/04/2018-marine-corps-freestyle-u-s-open/|access-date=2020-12-26|website=The Guillotine|language=en-US}}
On May, he claimed his first Pan American title, with notable wins over Yurieski Torreblanca, Pool Ambrocio and Eduardo Gajardo.{{Cite web|last=Orlando|first=Alexandra|date=2018-05-08|title=Team USA Dominates Pan American Wrestling Championship|url=https://www.panamsports.org/news-sport/team-usa-dominates-pan-american-wrestling-championship/|access-date=2020-12-26|website=Panam Sports|language=en-US}} On his seventh attempt to make the US World/Olympic Team, Taylor finally and dominantly was able to punch tickets to the World Championships, when he defeated '18 Bill Farrell Memorial medalist Nick Reenan twice via technical fall on May, at Final X: State College.{{Cite web|date=2018-06-17|title=David Taylor Defeats Nick Reenan to Make World Championship Team|url=https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2018/06/4150/david-taylor-nick-reenan-final-x-usa-world-team|access-date=2020-12-26|website=Roar Lions Roar|language=en|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922235656/https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2018/06/4150/david-taylor-nick-reenan-final-x-usa-world-team|url-status=dead}} He then warmed up at the Yasar Dogu of July, with four dominant pins over foreigners.{{Cite web|last=Hamilton|first=Andy|title=Taylor pins his way through Yasar Dogu, Burroughs and Chamizo put on a show, Gilman grabs gold|url=https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/PortalPost.jsp?postId=714177132|access-date=2020-12-26|website=Trackwrestling}}
At the World Championships, Taylor had a tough start, as he faced his biggest threat of the tournament in the first round, '16 Olympic Gold medalist and defending World champion Hassan Yazdani from Iran. After being down two points to six at the end of the first period, Taylor was able to overcome adversity and put on nine points on his side, finishing the legendary match 11–6.{{Cite web|date=April 28, 2020|title=The Wrestling Battles: David Taylor vs Hassan Yazdani, rivalry between two giants|url=https://wrestlingtv.in/the-wrestling-battles-david-taylor-vs-hassan-yazdani-rivalry-between-two-giants/|website=Wrestling TV}} In the next round, he tech'd '18 Alexander Medved champion Hajy Rajabau from Belarus, to advance to the quarterfinals.{{Cite web|date=2018-10-20|title=David Taylor Shines on Day 1 at World Championships|url=https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2018/10/4742/david-taylor-dominates-world-championships-hassan-yazdani-charati-yurieski-torreblanca-dauren-kurugliev|access-date=2020-12-26|website=Roar Lions Roar|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Next, he picked apart the accomplished Cuban Yurieski Torreblanca, to pick up an 8–0 victory.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Earl|date=2018-10-20|title=World Finalist David Taylor Leads Team USA on Day One at the World Championships|url=https://news.theopenmat.com/international-wrestling/world-finalist-david-taylor-leads-team-usa-on-day-one-at-the-world-championships/69984|access-date=2020-12-26|website=The Open Mat|language=en-US}} In the semifinals, he had it harder, as he went to the distance against the '17 European Champion and Russia's best Dauren Kurugliev, but was able to score the comeback win 7–5.{{Cite web|date=October 20, 2018|title=Taylor to go for gold, Colon to wrestle for bronze; Burroughs and Gwiazdowski back into repechage|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2018/October/20/David-Taylor-advances-to-Senior-World-finals|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124055828/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2018/October/20/David-Taylor-advances-to-Senior-World-finals|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 24, 2020|website=Team USA}} During the match, Taylor got briefly knocked out after Kurugliev accidentally wheel kicked him on the chin when escaping a single leg attempt by Taylor.{{Cite web|date=October 20, 2018|title=How did Penn State great David Taylor do Saturday at the World Championships?|url=https://www.centredaily.com/latest-news/article220366910.html|url-status=live|website=centredaily.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021012449/https://www.centredaily.com/latest-news/article220366910.html |archive-date=October 21, 2018 }} In the finals, he dismantled Fatih Erdin from Turkey, overwhelming his opposition with 12 points to two, to claim the World Championship and help Team USA reach third place.{{Cite web|last=Zaccardi|first=Nick|date=2018-10-21|title=David Taylor wins wrestling world title, at long last|url=https://olympics.nbcsports.com/2018/10/21/david-taylor-wrestling-world-championships/|access-date=2020-12-26|website=OlympicTalk {{!}} NBC Sports|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2018-10-22|title=Former Penn State wrestling great David Taylor wins 2018 World Championship|url=https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2018/10/former_penn_state_wrestling_gr.html|access-date=2020-12-26|website=pennlive|language=en}}
After the year was over, Taylor was named the UWW International Freestyle wrestler of the Year,{{Cite web|date=January 1, 2019|title=David Taylor named UWW Best Freestyle wrestler of the Year for 2018|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/January/01/Taylor-wins-UWW-Freestyle-Wrestler-of-the-Year|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814160222/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/January/01/Taylor-wins-UWW-Freestyle-Wrestler-of-the-Year|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2022|website=Team USA}} and was awarded the John Smith Award winner as USA's Freestyle wrestler of the Year.{{Cite web|date=March 28, 2019|title=David Taylor named 2018 John Smith Award winner, as USA Wrestling's Freestyle wrestler of the Year|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/March/28/Taylor-named-USA-Wrestling-Freestyle-Wrestler-of-the-Year|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601140505/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/March/28/Taylor-named-USA-Wrestling-Freestyle-Wrestler-of-the-Year|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 1, 2019|website=Team USA}}
= 2019–2020 =
After time off competition, the returning World Champion came back in April 2019, when he claimed his second straight Pan American title, tournament in where he scored 34 points to none against his four opponents and Team USA claimed all ten medals in freestyle.{{Cite web|date=April 21, 2019|title=USA men's freestyle sweeps all 10 Pan American Gold medals in Buenos Aires|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/April/21/USA-mens-freestyle-sweeps-all-10-Pan-American-gold-medals-in-Buenos-Aires|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507202918/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/April/21/USA-mens-freestyle-sweeps-all-10-Pan-American-gold-medals-in-Buenos-Aires|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 7, 2019|website=Team USA}} On May, he competed at the annual Beat the Streets for charity, against Drew Foster, where he suffered a severe knee injury which led him to forfeit out of the match, and ultimately, forced him to stay inactive during the whole year, missing the opportunity to make his second US World Team (forfeiting it to Pat Downey instead, whom he had tech'd twice), to represent the United States at the 2019 Pan American Games or to defend his title at the World Championships.{{Cite web|last=NJ.com|first=James Kratch {{!}} NJ Advance Media for|date=2019-05-25|title=World champion David Taylor withdraws from Final X-Rutgers; NJRTC's Pat Downey gets Team USA spot|url=https://www.nj.com/rutgers/2019/05/world-champion-david-taylor-withdraws-from-final-x-rutgers-njrtcs-pat-downey-gets-team-usa-spot.html|access-date=2020-12-26|website=nj|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=June 27, 2019|title=USA Wrestling announces 2019 Pan American Games Team|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/June/27/USA-Wrestling-announces-2019-Pan-American-Games-team|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629080854/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/June/27/USA-Wrestling-announces-2019-Pan-American-Games-team|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2019|website=Team USA}}{{Cite web|last=Collegian|first=Jake Aferiat {{!}} The Daily|title=Reigning world champion, former Penn State wrestler David Taylor withdraws from Final X due to injury|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_15be71f8-7e8a-11e9-9d26-63cbc9088599.html|access-date=2020-12-26|website=The Daily Collegian|language=en}}
After almost a full year of no competition, Taylor came back to wrestle in March 2020, at the Pan American Olympic Qualification Tournament.{{Cite web|last=Taylor|title=Multiple World and Olympic Champions to Compete at Pan American Olympic Qualifier|url=https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/multiple-world-and-olympic-champions-compete-pan-american-olympic-qualifier|access-date=2020-12-26|website=United World Wrestling|language=en}} He comfortably got three wins to win the bracket and internationally qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics.{{Cite web|title='Magic Man' returns: David Taylor qualifies USA for Tokyo 2020 after nearly a year out|url=https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/wrestling-david-taylor--usa-tokyo-2020-qualification/|access-date=2020-12-26|website=Olympic Channel}} Taylor was then scheduled to compete at the US Olympic Team Trials on April 4 at State College, Pennsylvania, where he was a heavy favorite.{{Cite web|title=Five things you did not know about USA wrestling star David Taylor|url=https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/features/detail/five-interesting-facts-wrestling-david-taylor/|access-date=2020-12-26|website=Olympic Channel}} However, the event was postponed for 2021 along with the Summer Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving all the qualifiers unable to compete.{{Cite web|last=Goodwin|first=Cody|title=USA Wrestling announces that 2020 Olympic Trials are postponed|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/olympics/2020/03/13/usa-wrestling-announces-2020-olympic-trials-postponed/5046505002/|access-date=2020-05-26|website=Des Moines Register|language=en}}
Taylor was unable to compete for a couple of months due to the pandemic, but was scheduled to wrestle Pat Downey (whom he was unable to wrestle at the '19 US World Trials) on July 25, at FloWrestling: Dake vs. Chamizo.{{Cite web|title=Myles Martin to wrestle David Taylor in battle of champions|url=https://247sports.com/Article/Myles-Martin-David-Taylor-to-wrestle-in-battle-of-champions-Flo-Wrestling-Ohio-State-Penn-State-July-25th-card-149244896/|access-date=2020-12-26|website=247Sports|language=en-US}} After Downey pulled out of the bout due to problems with the organization, Taylor wrestled and tech'd the accomplished Myles Martin.{{Cite web|title=Kyle Dake survives last-second scare to edge Frank Chamizo in wrestling thriller|url=https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/kyle-dake-beats-frank-chamizo-wrestling/|access-date=2020-12-26|website=Olympic Channel}} After more months of inactiveness, Taylor defeated two-time NCAA champion Gabe Dean by points on November 24, at the NLWC III.{{Cite web|title=Taylor edges Dean at NLWC event on Rokfin|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24012|access-date=2020-12-26|website=InterMat}}
= 2021 =
To start the year, Taylor was scheduled to face his former rival and five-time World and Olympic champion (at 74 kg) Jordan Burroughs, at 86 kilos, on January 9, while headlining FloWrestling: Burroughs vs. Taylor.{{Cite web|title=World champs Burroughs, Taylor to meet Jan. 9 on FloWrestling|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24033|access-date=2020-12-26|website=InterMat}} However, it was announced on January 8 that Taylor was unable to travel to Austin, Texas due to COVID-19 restrictions and the bout was subsequently postponed for four days later and changed its location for Lincoln, Nebraska, thus moving to a different card also named FloWrestling: Burroughs vs. Taylor.{{Cite web|title=Jordan Burroughs-David Taylor Match Moved To January 13|url=https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/6852910-jordan-burroughs-david-taylor-match-moved-to-january-13|access-date=2021-01-08|website=www.flowrestling.org|language=en}} After a 4–0 lead for Taylor in the first period, Burroughs rallied late to score four points of his own, but was unable to secure the victory as Taylor had criteria, defeating Burroughs for the first time in five matches.{{Cite web|last=Guenther|first=Dylan|date=2021-01-13|title=Burroughs Falls to Taylor 4-4 on Criteria|url=https://www.cornnation.com/2021/1/13/22230313/burroughs-falls-to-taylor-4-4-on-criteria|access-date=2021-01-14|website=Corn Nation|language=en}} Taylor was also scheduled to compete at the Grand Prix de France Henri Deglane on January 16,{{Cite web|last=Eric|title=Henri Deglane Grand Prix of France Preliminary Entries|url=https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/henri-deglane-grand-prix-france-preliminary-entries|access-date=2021-01-08|website=United World Wrestling|language=en}} but was not able to travel due to the postponement of his match against Burroughs.{{Cite web|title=Complete Henri Deglane Grand Prix Preview|url=https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/6855913-complete-henri-deglane-grand-prix-preview|access-date=2021-01-13|website=www.flowrestling.org|language=en}}
During April 2 to 3, Taylor competed at the rescheduled US Olympic Team Trials as the heavy favorite and top–seed.{{Cite web|last=Gallo|first=Ed|date=2021-03-31|title=USA Men's Freestyle Olympic Team Trials - 86 kg Preview|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2021/3/31/22358079/usa-mens-freestyle-olympic-team-trials-86-kg-preview-taylor-valencia-wrestling|access-date=2021-05-11|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en}} After cleaning out All–American Brett Pfarr in the quarterfinal round,{{Cite web|title=2021 Olympic Team Trials Quarterfinal Results and Semifinal Matchups|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24486|access-date=2021-05-11|website=InterMat}} Taylor flawlessly knocked off reigning US National champion Gabe Dean in a rematch from their match at the NLWC III, advancing to the best–of–three finals.{{Cite web|title=2021 Olympic Team Trials Challenge Tournament Results and Finals Matchups|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24488|access-date=2021-05-11|website=InterMat}} In the finale, Taylor faced reigning U23 World Champion and Penn State legend Bo Nickal, whom he is close with as a friend and teammate at the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. He defeated Nickal twice and did not allow him to score any points while scoring ten combined points of his own, becoming the US Olympic Team Member at 86 kilograms, and qualifying him to represent the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics.{{Cite web|title=Lion vs. Lion: David Taylor tops Bo Nickal for U.S. Olympic Team spot|url=https://247sports.com/Article/David-Taylor-Bo-Nickal-Penn-state-wrestling-Olympic-Trials-Tokyo-summer-games-NLWC-Nittany-Lion-Wrestling-club-Aaron-Brooks-Carter-Starocci-Kyle-Snyder-Thomas-Gilman-Greg-Kerk-163637941/|access-date=2021-05-11|website=247Sports|language=en-US}} In regards to his close relationship with Nickal, Taylor then stated:
{{Blockquote|text="It was a weird emotion," Taylor said. "We had a discussion leading up to it, and we have such a deep room in the wrestling club, especially at 86 kilos, so we're challenged every single day and none of us would be where we are without each other. Bo's amazing, and I wouldn't be where I am without Bo."{{Cite web|last=Collegian|first=Jake Aferiat {{!}} The Daily|title=Why David Taylor's Olympic berth came at a cost: 'Only one person gets to go'|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/why-david-taylors-olympic-berth-came-at-a-cost-only-one-person-gets-to-go/article_f2a0010a-9728-11eb-a35b-6f5085c09dd3.html|access-date=2021-04-14|website=The Daily Collegian|language=en}}}}As a result, Taylor also competed at the Pan American Continental Championships on May 30.{{Cite web|date=May 17, 2021|title=12 Olympic highlight U.S. Senior Pan American Championships roster|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/May/17/Senior-Pan-Ams-roster-released|url-status=dead|website=teamusa.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517230815/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/May/17/Senior-Pan-Ams-roster-released |archive-date=May 17, 2021 }} Taylor racked up 30 points against his three opponents while not getting scored on to claim the crown and help the USA reach all 10 freestyle medals.{{Cite web|last=Eric|title=USA Claims Eight Gold Medals for Team Title on Last Day of #WrestleGuatemala|url=https://uww.org/article/usa-claims-eight-gold-medals-team-title-last-day-wrestleguatemala|access-date=2021-05-31|website=United World Wrestling|language=English}}
File:Wrestling at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Men's freestyle 86 kg – Hassan Yazdani (IRI) (31).jpg in the Olympic finale.]]
On August 4, Taylor competed in the first date of men's freestyle 86 kg of the 2020 Summer Olympics, where he looked dominant enough to score technical falls over all of his three opponents on his way to the finals; four-time World Championship medalist Ali Shabanau from Belarus, '20 European Championship runner-up Myles Amine from San Marino and defending World silver medalist Deepak Punia from India.{{Cite web|title=David Taylor Reaches Olympic Wrestling Final; Helen Maroulis Loses Semifinal|url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/tokyo-summer-olympics/david-taylor-reaches-olympic-wrestling-final-helen-maroulis-loses-semifinal/2682107/|access-date=2021-08-04|website=NBC 7 San Diego|language=en-US}} On the other side of the finale awaited rival and reigning Olympic and World Champion Hassan Yazdani from Iran, Taylor meeting him in a rubber match on August 5 after downing him twice earlier in his career.{{Cite web|title=David Taylor sets up grandstand wrestling final at Tokyo 2020|url=https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/news/david-taylor-begins-olympic-wrestling-campaign-with-bang|access-date=2021-08-04|website=Tokyo 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=August 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804074310/https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/news/david-taylor-begins-olympic-wrestling-campaign-with-bang|url-status=dead}} Down 0–2 to a step-out and a passivity point in the second period, Taylor scored the first takedown to tie it up, though Yazdani scored another step-out to make it 2–3 on his favor, before being blasted by Taylor for two points late in the match, resulting in the stunning upset comeback win, shocking the world as the underdog going into the match. This result gained Taylor the 2020 Summer Olympic Games gold medal and extended his win-streak to 54 matches.{{Cite web|last=Bumbaca|first=Chris|title=American David Taylor, aka 'Magic Man,' wins gold in Tokyo Olympics 86kg freestyle wrestling|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/08/05/us-wrestler-david-taylor-wins-gold-tokyo-olympics/5494708001/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US}}
As an Olympic medalist, Taylor earned the right to automatically represent the United States at the 2021 World Championships without having to compete domestically to make the US World Team, and did do so in October 2–3.{{Cite web|date=August 12, 2021|title=Olympic champion David Taylor accepts bid to compete at the 2021 World Wrestling Championships|url=https://www.centredaily.com/sports/olympics/article253450519.html|url-status=live|website=centredaily.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816003712/https://www.centredaily.com/sports/olympics/article253450519.html |archive-date=August 16, 2021 }} On the first date, Taylor once again ran through his competition, dominating the likes of World Championship runner-ups Boris Makojev and Abubakr Abakarov to cruise to the finale.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-02|title=Taylor, Yazdani set up world title showdown at UWW World Championships|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1113748/taylor-yazdani-uww-world-championships|access-date=2021-10-04|website=www.insidethegames.biz}} A fourth match with rival and reigning World Champion Hassan Yazdani took place in the finals, but this time the Iranian came up on top for the first time, nullifying Taylor and snapping his 57-match win streak, marking the series 3–1 in favor of Taylor and the latter leaving with a silver medal.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-03 |title=Hassan Yazdani finally overcomes David Taylor |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/465722/Hassan-Yazdani-finally-overcomes-David-Taylor |access-date=2021-10-04 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}
= 2022 =
In June, Taylor stopped two-time NCAA champion Zahid Valencia twice to make the US World Team once again, at Final X NYC.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-09 |title=Olympic Champs Jordan Burroughs, Helen Maroulis, David Taylor Are Among Victors At Final X New York |url=https://www.teamusa.com/news/2022/june/09/olympic-champs-burroughs-maroulis-taylor-are-among-victors-at-final-x-new-york |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.teamusa.com |language=en}} In September, after dominantly cruising to the finals, Taylor avenged his loss to Hassan Yazdani and claimed his second World championship.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-17 |title=David Taylor wins third title as Americans take first three golds of wrestling worlds |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/david-taylor-hassan-yazdani-wrestling-world-championships |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}
= 2023 =
Repeating as Final X champion to become the US World Team member at the weight, Taylor defeated US National champion and teammate Aaron Brooks twice in a row in June.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-11 |title=Olympic champ David Taylor tops Hagerstown's Aaron Brooks at Final X |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/olympic-champ-david-taylor-tops-002235510.html |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}} At the World Championships, Taylor dominated once again, defeating everyone on his way either by fall or technical fall, including Hassan Yazdani, leading 5–1 in the series.{{Cite web |title=2023 World Wrestling Championships: Taylor Defeats Hassan Yazdani - Sports news |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2023/09/18/2957583/2023-world-wrestling-championships-taylor-defeats-hassan-yazdani |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Tasnim News Agency |language=en}}
= 2024 =
Competing at the US Olympic Trials in April, Taylor sat in the best-of-three finals as a 2023 World medalist, where he was upset twice in a row by now U23 World and four-time NCAA champion, as well as teammate, Aaron Brooks, losing the series and staying out of the 2024 Summer Olympics.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-21 |title=Aaron Brooks defeats wrestling gold medalist David Taylor, who loses his Olympic roster spot |url=https://apnews.com/article/olympic-wrestling-trials-taylor-brooks-1bf55fa9a24fdacb834b8f5d1326895e |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=AP News |language=en}} In May, after becoming the head coach at Oklahoma State, Taylor expressed at a press conference that he had retired from the sport as a competitor, at the age of 33.
In September, Taylor, now the head coach of the Cowboys, announced he would come out of retirement to compete at the US World Team Trials up at 92 kilograms.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-13 |title=Former Penn State Wrestling Star David Taylor Returns to Competition |url=https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/former-penn-state-wrestling-star-david-taylor-returns-to-competition-01j7nzbggfhb |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=Penn State Nittany Lions On SI |language=en-US}} After notorious wins on the first day over NCAA champion Michael Macchiavello and All-Americans Trent Hidlay and Marcus Coleman, Taylor made the best-of-three finals, where he faced returning World medalist Zahid Valencia.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-15 |title=Burroughs, Taylor, Blaze among men’s freestylers to advance to World Team Trials Championship Series |url=https://www.themat.com/news/2024/september/14/burroughs-taylor-blaze-among-men-s-freestylers-to-advance-to-world-team-trials-championship-series |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=www.themat.com |language=en}} Then, after consecutive victories over Valencia, Taylor was back on the US World Team.{{Cite web |title=David Taylor Wins U.S. World Team Trials |url=https://okstate.com/news/2024/9/15/cowboy-wrestling-david-taylor-wins-us-world-team-trials |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=Oklahoma State University Athletics |language=en}}
In October, he competed at his last World Championships, and in his first at 92 kilograms.{{Cite web |title=David Taylor Wins U.S. World Team Trials |url=https://okstate.com/news/2024/9/15/cowboy-wrestling-david-taylor-wins-us-world-team-trials |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=Oklahoma State University Athletics |language=en}} In a battle of Tokyo Olympic champions, Taylor fell to seven–time World and Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev from Russia, in the first round.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-30 |title=Sadulaev vs Taylor: World Championships 2024 win for Sadulaev |url=https://uww.org/article/sadulaev-shuts-down-taylor-world-championships-showdown |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=uww.org |language=en}} After being pulled back into repechage, Taylor bounced back defeating World medalist Abubakr Abakarov from Azerbaijan and Lars Schäfle from Germany to earn the right to contend for a bronze medal.{{Cite web |title=David Taylor Moves to Repechage with Chance for Bronze at World Championships |url=https://okstate.com/news/2024/10/30/cowboy-wrestling-david-taylor-moves-to-repechage-with-chance-for-bronze |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=Oklahoma State University Athletics |language=en}} In a battle of 2022 World champions, Taylor beat two-time World champion Kamran Ghasempour from Iran to earn the bronze medal, and subsequently retired from the sport as an athlete.{{Cite web |title=David Taylor Wins Bronze at World Championships |url=https://okstate.com/news/2024/10/31/cowboy-wrestling-david-taylor-wins-bronze-at-world-championships |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=Oklahoma State University Athletics |language=en}}
Coaching career
= Oklahoma State University =
In May, a month after a runner-up finish at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, it was announced that Taylor would become the head coach at Oklahoma State University, following John Smith's retirement.{{Cite web |title=David Taylor Named Oklahoma State Wrestling Coach |url=https://okstate.com/news/2024/5/7/cowboy-wrestling-david-taylor-named-oklahoma-state-wrestling-coach |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Oklahoma State University Athletics |language=en}} During his first year the Cowboy Wrestlers secured a 13-1 dual meet record, clinched the Big 12 Conference title with one Big 12 individual champion, and finished 3rd in the National Championship with six All-Americans and two individual national champions - Dean Hamiti at 174 and Wyatt Hendrickson at 285.
Freestyle record
{{s-start}}
! colspan="7"| Senior Freestyle Matches
|-
! Res.
! Record
! Opponent
! Score
! Date
! Event
! Location
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2024 World Championships {{Bronze3}} at 92 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|161–22
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Kamran Ghasempour
|style="font-size:88%"|6–2
|style="font-size:88%"|October 31, 2024
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2024 World Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|{{flagicon|ALB}} Tirana, Albania
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|160–22
|align=left|{{flagicon|GER}} Lars Schäfle
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–1
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|October 30, 2024
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|159–22
|align=left|{{flagicon|AZE}} Abubakr Abakarov
|style="font-size:88%"|3–1
|-
|{{No2}}Loss
|158–22
|align=left|{{flagicon image|White flag of surrender.svg}} Abdulrashid Sadulaev
|style="font-size:88%"|0–7
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2024 US World Team Trials {{gold1}} at 92 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|158–21
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Zahid Valencia
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|September 15, 2024
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|2024 US World Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=6|{{flagicon|USA}} Lincoln, Nebraska
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|157–21
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Zahid Valencia
|style="font-size:88%"|3–3
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|156–21
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Trent Hidlay
|style="font-size:88%"|10–6
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|September 14, 2024
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|155–21
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Michael Macchiavello
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|154–21
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Marcus Coleman
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|153–21
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Aidan Brenot
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2024 US Olympic Team Trials {{silver2}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|152–21
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Aaron Brooks
|style="font-size:88%"|1–3
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|April 20, 2024
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2024 US Olympic Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|
{{flagicon|USA}} State College, Pennsylvania
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|152–20
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Aaron Brooks
|style="font-size:88%"|1–4
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2023 World Championships {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|152–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Hassan Yazdani
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%"|September 17, 2023
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2023 World Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|{{flagicon|SER}} Belgrade, Serbia
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|151–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|KAZ}} Azamat Dauletbekov
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|September 16, 2023
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|150–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|BHR}} Magomed Sharipov
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|149–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|AUT}} Benjamin Greil
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|148–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|MAR}} Sofiane Padiou Belmir
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2023 US World Team Trials {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|147–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Aaron Brooks
|style="font-size:88%"|5–4
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|June 10, 2023
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2023 Final X Newark
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|
{{flagicon|USA}} Newark, New Jersey
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|146–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Aaron Brooks
|style="font-size:88%"|6–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2022 World Championships {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|145–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Hassan Yazdani
|style="font-size:88%"|7-1
|style="font-size:88%"|September 16, 2022
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2022 World Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|{{flagicon|SER}} Belgrade, Serbia
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|144–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|KAZ}} Azamat Dauletbekov
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|September 15, 2022
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|143–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|PUR}} Ethan Ramos
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|142–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Aron Caneva
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2022 US World Team Trials {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|141–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Zahid Valencia
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|June 8, 2022
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2022 Final X NYC
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|{{flagicon|United States}} New York City, New York
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|140–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Zahid Valencia
|style="font-size:88%"|4–2
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2021 World Championships {{silver2}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|139–19
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Hassan Yazdani
|style="font-size:88%"|2–6
|style="font-size:88%"|October 3, 2021
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2021 World Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|{{flagicon|NOR}} Oslo, Norway
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|139–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|AZE}} Abubakr Abakarov
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|October 2, 2021
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|138–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|FRA}} Akhmed Aibuev
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|137–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|SVK}} Boris Makojev
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2020 Summer Olympics {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|136–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Hassan Yazdani
|style="font-size:88%"|4–3
|style="font-size:88%"|August 5, 2021
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2020 Summer Olympics
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|JPN}} Tokyo, Japan
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|135–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|IND}} Deepak Punia
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|August 4, 2021
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|134–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|SMR}} Myles Amine
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|133–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|BLR}} Ali Shabanau
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2021 Pan American Championships {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|132–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|CAN}} Clayton Pye
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|May 30, 2021
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2021 Pan American Continental Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|{{flagicon|GUA}} Guatemala City, Guatemala
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|131–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|COL}} Juan Sebastián Rivera
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|130–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|MEX}} Noel Alfonso Torres
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2020 US Olympic Team Trials {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|129–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Bo Nickal
|style="font-size:88%"|6–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|April 2–3, 2021
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2020 US Olympic Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|{{flagicon|United States}} Fort Worth, Texas
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|128–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Bo Nickal
|style="font-size:88%"|4–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|127–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Gabe Dean
|style="font-size:88%"|4–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|126–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Brett Pfarr
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|125–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Jordan Burroughs
|style="font-size:88%"|4–4
|style="font-size:88%"|January 13, 2021
|style="font-size:88%"|FloWrestling: Burroughs vs. Taylor
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|United States}} Lincoln, Nebraska
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|124–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Gabe Dean
|style="font-size:88%"|6–2
|style="font-size:88%"|November 24, 2020
|style="font-size:88%"|NLWC III
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;"|
{{flagicon|United States}} State College, Pennsylvania
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|123–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Myles Martin
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0
|style="font-size:88%"|July 25, 2020
|style="font-size:88%"|FloWrestling: Dake vs. Chamizo
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;"|
{{flagicon|United States}} Austin, Texas
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2020 Pan American Olympic Qualification Tournament {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|122–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|PER}} Pool Ambrocio
|style="font-size:88%"|FF
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|March 15, 2020
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2020 Pan American Olympic Qualification Tournament
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|
{{flagicon|CAN}} Ottawa, Canada
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|121–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|CUB}} Yurieski Torreblanca
|style="font-size:88%"|8–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|120–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|VEN}} Pedro Ceballos
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2019 Pan American Championships {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|119–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|VEN}} Pedro Ceballos
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|April 19–21, 2019
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2019 Pan American Continental Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|ARG}} Buenos Aires, Argentina
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|118–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|CUB}} Lazaro Hernandez
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|117–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|ARG}} Meruzhan Nikoyan
|style="font-size:88%"|6–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|116–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|BAH}} Rashji Mackey
|style="font-size:88%"|8–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2018 World Championships {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|115–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|TUR}} Fatih Erdin
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|October 20–21, 2018
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2018 World Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|
{{flagicon|HUN}} Budapest, Hungary
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|114–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Dauren Kurugliev
|style="font-size:88%"|7–5
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|113–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|CUB}} Yurieski Torreblanca
|style="font-size:88%"|8–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|112–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|BLR}} Hajy Rajabau
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|111–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Hassan Yazdani
|style="font-size:88%"|11–6
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2018 Yaşar Doğu International {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|110–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|AZE}} Murad Suleymanov
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|July 27–29, 2018
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2018 Yaşar Doğu International
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|TUR}} Istanbul, Turkey
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|109–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|TUR}} Ahmet Bilici
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|108–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|SVK}} Boris Makojev
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|107–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|KAZ}} Azamat Dauletbekow
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2018 US World Team Trials {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|106–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Nick Reenan
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|June 15–16, 2018
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2018 Final X: State College
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|
{{flagicon|United States}} State College, Pennsylvania
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|105–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Nick Reenan
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 13–2
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2018 Pan American Championships {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|104–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|CUB}} Yurieski Torreblanca
|style="font-size:88%"|3–2
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|May 3–6, 2018
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2018 Pan American Continental Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|PER}} Lima, Peru
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|103–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|DOM}} Julio Rodriguez Romero
|style="font-size:88%"|3–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|102–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|PER}} Pool Ambrocio
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|101–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|CHI}} Eduardo Gajardo
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2018 US Open {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|100–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Richard Perry
|style="font-size:88%"|8–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|April 24–28, 2018
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2018 US Open National Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|
{{flagicon|United States}} Las Vegas, Nevada
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|99–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} T.J. Dudley
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|98–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Noe Garcia
|style="font-size:88%"|2–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|97–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Austin Coburn
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|96–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Evan Hansen
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2018 World Cup {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|95–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|AZE}} Aleksandr Gostiyev
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|April 7, 2018
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2018 World Cup
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|United States}} Iowa City, Iowa
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|94–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|GEO}} David Khutsishvili
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–1
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|93–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|JPN}} Masao Matsusaka
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|92–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|IND}} Pawan Kumar
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2018 Ivan Yarygin Gran Prix {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|91–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|TUR}} Fatih Erdin
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|January 28, 2018
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin 2018
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|RUS}} Krasnoyarsk, Russia
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|90–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Artur Naifonov
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|89–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|TUR}} Koloi Kartoev
|style="font-size:88%"|4–1
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|88–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|CUB}} Yurieski Torreblanca
|style="font-size:88%"|4–4
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2017 World Clubs Cup {{silver2}} for TMWC at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|87–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Alireza Karimi
|style="font-size:88%"|3–1
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|December 7–8, 2017
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2017 World Clubs Cup
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|
{{flagicon|IRI}} Tehran, Iran
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|86–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|MON}} Gankhuyag Ganbaatar
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|85–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|BGR}} Petar Savakov
|style="font-size:88%"|4–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|84–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|IND}} Pawan Kumar
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|83–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|CAN}} Alexander Moore
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 14–4
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2017 US World Team Trials {{silver2}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|82–18
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} J'den Cox
|style="font-size:88%"|3–5
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|June 9–10, 2017
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2017 US World Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=6|
{{flagicon|United States}} Lincoln, Nebraska
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|82–17
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} J'den Cox
|style="font-size:88%"|3–4
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|82–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} J'den Cox
|style="font-size:88%"|9–3
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|81–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Nick Heflin
|style="font-size:88%"|13–9
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2017 US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|80–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Pat Downey
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|79–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Joe Rau
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 13–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|78–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|JPN}} Takahiro Murayama
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%"|May 17, 2017
|style="font-size:88%"|2017 Beat The Streets: Times Square
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|United States}} New York City, New York
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2017 US Open {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|77–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Richard Perry
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|April 26–29, 2017
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2017 US Open National Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|
{{flagicon|United States}} Las Vegas, Nevada
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|76–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Nick Heflin
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 15–4
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|75–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Pat Downey
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|74–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Chance McClure
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|73–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Anthony Cress
|style="font-size:88%"|5–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2017 World Cup {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|72–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Hassan Yazdani
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|February 16–17, 2017
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2017 World Cup
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|IRI}} Kermanshah, Iran
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|71–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|AZE}} Sharif Sharifov
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|70–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Vladislav Valiev
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 14–4
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|69–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|GEO}} Dato Marsagishvili
|style="font-size:88%"|8–3
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2017 Paris Grand Prix {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|68–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Richard Perry
|style="font-size:88%"|8–5
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|January 28–29, 2017
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2017 International Paris Grand Prix
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|FRA}} Paris, France
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|67–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|FRA}} Akhmed Aibuev
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|66–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|HUN}} István Veréb
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|65–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|HUN}} Mihaly Nagy
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2016 World Clubs Cup {{gold1}} for TMWC at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|64–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Alireza Karimi
|style="font-size:88%"|12–6
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|November 30 – December 1, 2016
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2016 World Clubs Cup
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|UKR}} Kharkiv, Ukraine
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|63–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|UKR}} Bohdan Hrytsay
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 19–6
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|62–16
|align=left|{{flagicon|UKR}} Dmytro Rochniak
|style="font-size:88%"|2–6
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|62–15
|align=left|{{flagicon|GEO}} Nika Kentchadze
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2016 Spain Grand Prix {{gold1}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|61–15
|align=left|{{flagicon|HUN}} István Veréb
|style="font-size:88%"|8–6
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|July 9–10, 2016
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2016 Grand Prix of Spain
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|ESP}} Madrid, Spain
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|60–15
|align=left|{{flagicon|MGL}} Orgodolyn Üitümen
|style="font-size:88%"|14–7
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|59–15
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Anthony Valencia
|style="font-size:88%"|10–3
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|58–15
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Vahid Shahmohammadiizad
|style="font-size:88%"|6–2
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2016 US Olympic Team Trials {{bronze3}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|57–15
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Andrew Howe
|style="font-size:88%"|5–2
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|April 8–10, 2016
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2016 US Olympic Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|
{{flagicon|United States}} Iowa City, Iowa
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|56–15
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Kyle Dake
|style="font-size:88%"|4–11
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|56–14
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Austin Trotman
|style="font-size:88%"|5–2
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2015 US Nationals {{silver2}} at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|55–14
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Kyle Dake
|style="font-size:88%"|4–11
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|December 18–19, 2015
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2015 US Nationals – US Olympic Trials Qualifier
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|
{{flagicon|United States}} Las Vegas, Nevada
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|55–13
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Richard Perry
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|54–13
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Ed Ruth
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 13–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2015 Golden Grand Prix 5th at 86 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|53–13
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Ehsan Lashgari
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 0–10
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|November 27–29, 2015
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2015 Golden Grand Prix
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|
{{flagicon|AZE}} Baku, Azerbaijan
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|53–12
|align=left|{{flagicon|AZE}} Gardiiyev Nurmagomed
|style="font-size:88%"|0–6
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|53–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|UZB}} Umidjon Ismanov
|style="font-size:88%"|8–4
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2015 Stepan Sargsyan Cup {{gold1}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|52–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Kakhaber Khubezhty
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|July 18–19, 2015
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2015 Stepan Sargsyan Tournament
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|
{{flagicon|ARM}} Yerevan, Armenia
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|51–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|UKR}} Giya Chikhladze
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|50–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Ruslan Rubaev
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2015 Spain Grand Prix {{gold1}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|49–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Carmelo Lumia
|style="font-size:88%"|12–6
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|July 11, 2015
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2015 Grand Prix of Spain
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|ESP}} Madrid, Spain
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|48–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|CHN}} Zhang Chongyao
|style="font-size:88%"|9–1
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|47–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|KOR}} Gong Byung Min
|style="font-size:88%"|10–1
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|46–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|ESP}} Rafael Mota
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 13–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2015 US World Team Trials {{bronze3}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|45–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Andrew Howe
|style="font-size:88%"|6–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|June 12–14, 2015
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2015 US World Team Trials Challenge
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|
{{flagicon|United States}} Madison, Wisconsin
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|44–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Kyle Dake
|style="font-size:88%"|2–8
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|44–10
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Tyler Caldwell
|style="font-size:88%"|5–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|43–10
|align=left|{{flagicon|CUB}} Liván López
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 18–7
|style="font-size:88%"|May 12, 2015
|style="font-size:88%"|2015 Beat The Streets: Salsa in the Square
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|United States}} New York City, New York
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2015 US Open {{gold1}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|42–10
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Andre Howe
|style="font-size:88%"|2–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|May 5–9, 2015
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2015 US Open National Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|United States}} Las Vegas, Nevada
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|41–10
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Tyler Caldwell
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|40–10
|align=left|{{flagicon|COL}} Nestor Tafur
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|39–10
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Jacob Butenhoff
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2015 Grand Prix Yaşar Doğu 5th at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|38–10
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Khetag Tsabolov
|style="font-size:88%"|3–9
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 28–29, 2015
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2015 Grand Prix Yaşar Doğu
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|
{{flagicon|TUR}} Istanbul, Turkey
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|38–9
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Denis Tsargush
|style="font-size:88%"|3–6
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|38–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Bahman Teymouri
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|37–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|TUR}} Abdullah Arslan
|style="font-size:88%"|12–4
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|GEO}} Marad Zoidze
|style="font-size:88%"|6–5
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2014 US World Team Trials {{silver2}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Jordan Burroughs
|style="font-size:88%"|5–6
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|May 30–31, 2014
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2014 US World Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|United States}} Madison, Wisconsin
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–7
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Jordan Burroughs
|style="font-size:88%"|2–6
|-
|{{Yes2}}Win
|35–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Andre Howe
|style="font-size:88%"|3–1
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2014 US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Quinton Godley
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|AZE}} Jabrayil Hasanov
|style="font-size:88%"|6–0
|style="font-size:88%"|May 7, 2014
|style="font-size:88%"|2014 Beat The Streets: USA vs. The World
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|United States}} New York City, New York
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2014 US Open {{silver2}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|32–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Jordan Burroughs
|style="font-size:88%"|6–7
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|April 16–19, 2014
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2014 US Open National Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|United States}} Las Vegas, Nevada
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–5
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Tyler Caldwell
|style="font-size:88%"|6–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–5
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Paul Rademacher
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–5
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Marcus Bausaman
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 13–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2013 Universidae Games {{bronze3}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–5
|align=left|{{flagicon|MGL}} Gombodorj Dorjvaanchig
|style="font-size:88%"|10–3
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|July 11–16, 2013
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2013 Summer Universiade
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|
{{flagicon|RUS}} Kazan, Russia
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–5
|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Reza Afzali Paemami
|style="font-size:88%"|7–5
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|27–5
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Denis Tsargush
|style="font-size:88%"|4–7
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–4
|align=left|{{flagicon|GRE}} Apostolos Taskoudis
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–4
|align=left|{{flagicon|GEO}} Zurab Erbotsonashvili
|style="font-size:88%"|8–4
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2013 US World Team Trials {{bronze3}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–4
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Andrew Howe
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 9-–
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|June 20–22, 2013
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2013 US World Team Trials Challenge
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|
{{flagicon|United States}} Stillwater, Oklahoma
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–4
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Trent Paulson
|style="font-size:88%"|4–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–4
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Ryan Morningstar
|style="font-size:88%"|4–2
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|22–4
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Kyle Dake
|style="font-size:88%"|4–7
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Moza Fay
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 9–1
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2013 US University Nationals {{gold1}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Quinton Godley
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=8|May 24–26, 2013
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=8|2013 US University National Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=8|
{{flagicon|United States}} Akron, Ohio
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Quinton Godley
|style="font-size:88%"|3–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Ian Miller
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 14–4
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Logan Molina
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Geno Morelli
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 13–3
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Jesse Stafford
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Robert Schlitt
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Santonio Cathery
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Magomed Kurbanaliev
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%"|May 15, 2013
|style="font-size:88%"|2013 Beat The Streets: Rumble on the Rails
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|United States}} New York City, New York
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2013 US Open {{silver2}} at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|12–3
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Jordan Burroughs
|style="font-size:88%"|1–3, 0–1
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|April 17–20, 2013
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2013 US Open National Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|
{{flagicon|United States}} Las Vegas, Nevada
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Nick Marable
|style="font-size:88%"|2–0, 4–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Ryan Morningstar
|style="font-size:88%"|1–0, 1–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Holden Packard
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 9–0, 7–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2012 US Olympic Team Trials DNP at 74 kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Kyle Dake
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|April 21, 2012
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2012 US Olympic Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|
{{flagicon|United States}} Iowa City, Iowa
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–1
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Colt Sponseller
|style="font-size:88%"|2–0, 1–1, 4–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–1
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Mike Poeta
|style="font-size:88%"|4–3, 3–1
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|7–1
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Andrew Howe
|style="font-size:88%"|0–1, 0–5
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Moza Fay
|style="font-size:88%"|0–4, 5–3, 3–1
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2010 US University Nationals {{gold1}} at 70 kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Matt Lester
|style="font-size:88%"|3–0, 5–1
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|April 8–11, 2010
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|2010 US University National Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=6|
{{flagicon|United States}} Akron, Ohio
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Dean Pavlou
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 7–0, 6–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Seth Vernon
|style="font-size:88%"|1–0, 4–3
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Matt Ballweg
|style="font-size:88%"|2–1, 1–1, 3–1
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Timmy Boone
|style="font-size:88%"|2–2, 3–0, 8–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|United States}} Nathan Millman
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 7–0, 6–0
|-
{{end}}
NCAA record
{{s-start}}
! colspan="8"| NCAA Championships Matches
|-
! Res.
! Record
! Opponent
! Score
! Date
! Event
|-
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2014 NCAA Championships {{gold1}} at 165 lbs
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|18-2
|align=left|Tyler Caldwell
|style="font-size:88%"|6-0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 20–22, 2014
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2014 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|17-2
|align=left|Steve Monk
|style="font-size:88%"|MD 13-5
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|16-2
|align=left|Michael Moreno
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|15-2
|align=left|Jim Wilson
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|14-2
|align=left|Joe Brewster
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2013 NCAA Championships {{silver2}} at 165 lbs
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|13-2
|align=left|Kyle Dake
|style="font-size:88%"|4-5
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 21–23, 2013
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2013 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|13-1
|align=left|Peter Yates
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|12-1
|align=left|Conrad Polz
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|11-1
|align=left|Zachary Strickland
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|10-1
|align=left|John Staudenmayer
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2012 NCAA Championships {{gold1}} at 165 lbs
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|9-1
|align=left|Brandon Hatchett
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 22-7
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 15–17, 2012
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2012 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|8-1
|align=left|Bekzod Abdurakhmonov
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|7-1
|align=left|Robert Kokesh
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|6-1
|align=left|Brandon Wright
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|5-1
|align=left|Corey Lear
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2011 NCAA Championships {{silver2}} at 157 lbs
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|4-1
|align=left|Bubba Jenkins
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 17–20, 2011
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2011 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|4-0
|align=left|Steven Fittery
|style="font-size:88%"|7-1
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|3-0
|align=left|Derek St. John
|style="font-size:88%"|6-3
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|2-0
|align=left|David Bonin
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 20-5
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|1-0
|align=left|Neil Erisman
|style="font-size:88%"|MD 13-2
|-
{{end}}
Head coaching record
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin-left: lem;"
|+Year by year ! Year !! Team !! Record !! Conference !! National |
| 2025
|13-1 |1st |3rd |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin-left: lem;"
|+Overall record ! Dual Record !! Conference Champions!! All-Americans !! National Champions |
| 13-1
|1 |6 |2 |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin-left: lem;"
|+Record against rivals ! Rival !! Record |
| Oklahoma
|1-0 |
| Iowa
|0-1 |
Awards and honors
;2021
- {{gold1}} Olympic games
- {{gold1}} Pan American Championships
{{div col}}
;2019
- {{gold1}} Pan American Championships
;2018
- UWW Best Wrestler of the Year
- John Smith Award as the Freestyle Wrestler of the Year
- {{gold1}} World Wrestling Championships
- {{gold1}} World Cup Championships
- {{gold1}} Pan American Championships
- {{gold1}} Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix
- {{gold1}} Yasar Dogu
;2017
- {{gold1}} World Cup Championships
- {{gold1}} Grand Prix of Paris
;2016
- {{gold1}} Grand Prix of Spain
;2015
- {{gold1}} Stepan Sargsyan Tournament
- {{gold1}} Grand Prix of Spain
;2014
- Dan Hodge Trophy winner
- NCAA Division I Championships Outstanding Wrestler
- {{gold1}} NCAA Division I
- {{gold1}} Big Ten Conference
;2013
- {{bronze3}} World University Games
- {{silver2}} NCAA Division I
- {{gold1}} Big Ten Conference
;2012
- Dan Hodge Trophy winner
- NCAA Division I Championships Outstanding Wrestler
- {{gold1}} NCAA Division I
- {{gold1}} Big Ten Conference
;2011
- {{silver2}} NCAA Division I
- {{gold1}} Big Ten Conference
{{div col end}}
Endorsements
In 2015, Taylor and Adidas released a line of wrestling apparel labeled "M2" after Taylor's college nickname "Magic Man".{{cite web|last1=Ford|first1=Bob|title=Penn State wrestler David Taylor has one goal to go: the Olympics|url=http://articles.philly.com/2014-07-07/sports/51110139_1_david-taylor-wrestling-championship-top-wrestler|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924044615/http://articles.philly.com/2014-07-07/sports/51110139_1_david-taylor-wrestling-championship-top-wrestler|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2014|website=Philly|publisher=PhillyArticles|access-date=31 March 2015}} Taylor received the nickname after a collegiate match in which he turned an unfavorable situation for himself into an advantage.{{cite web|last1=Goodwin|first1=Cody|title=Wrestling David Taylor|url=http://www.dailyiowan.com/2014/03/12/Sports/37045.html|website=The Daily Iowan}} The apparel line began with wrestling shoes and has since expanded to clothing, posters and Adidas sponsored events.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Footer Olympic Champions freestyle wrestling middleweight}}
{{World Champions freestyle wrestling middleweight}}
{{Big Ten Athlete of the Year}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Taylor, David}}
Category:American male sport wrestlers
Category:Summer World University Games medalists in wrestling
Category:FISU World University Games bronze medalists for the United States
Category:World Wrestling Championships medalists
Category:Medalists at the 2013 Summer Universiade
Category:Big Ten Athlete of the Year winners
Category:Pan American Wrestling Championships medalists
Category:Wrestlers at the 2020 Summer Olympics
Category:Medalists at the 2020 Summer Olympics
Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States in wrestling
Category:World Wrestling Champions
Category:Penn State Nittany Lions wrestlers