The Open Mat presents awards annually in three categories for each division of college wrestling at the conclusion of the season. Awards are presented for Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year and Wrestler of the Year.

Jax Forrest of Oklahoma State has been named the 2026 NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year by The Open Mat after winning a national title in his debut season.

Forrest began the 2025-26 season at Bishop McCort High School as a senior before graduating early, enrolling at Oklahoma State in January, and immediately joining the Cowboy lineup.

He made an instant impact, recording a 47-second fall in his collegiate debut against Oklahoma. He followed up that performance by winning the Cyclone Open, highlighted by a shutout victory over two-time U23 world champion Reineri Ortega.

Forrest continued to shine in dual competition, earning wins over multiple ranked opponents. His victories included a technical fall over two-time national finalist Drake Ayala of Iowa, as well as a win over Aaron Seidel of Virginia Tech.

At the Big 12 Wrestling Championships, Forrest captured the title with a 15-2 major decision over Kyler Larkin of Arizona State. He also earned Most Outstanding Wrestler honors, becoming the first freshman to receive the award since 2021.

Forrest carried that momentum into the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, where he had a dominant run to the finals that included a fall, two technical falls, and a major decision. In the finals, Forrest defeated Ben Davino of Ohio State 5-2 to secure the national title.

He finished his true freshman season with a perfect 18-0 record and set an Oklahoma State freshman record with 26 team points at the NCAAs.

Forrest's emergence helped lead Oklahoma State to a runner-up finish at the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and capped one of the most impressive freshman seasons in recent memory.