Dramatic Video Review Sends Ohio State Freshman Ben Davino to NCAA Wrestling Final

Red-shirt freshman Ben Davino has exploded onto the national stage at the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships, powering his way into Saturday night’s 133-pound final and electrifying Ohio State fans in the process. The Buckeye newcomer, who lost only once in 182 high-school matches while winning four Illinois state titles, carried that pedigree into collegiate competition and now finds himself one win away from a national crown. Davino punched his ticket to the championship bout by outlasting fellow freshman Marcus Blaze in sudden-victory overtime, a dramatic semifinal that earned him a standing ovation and social-media virality among wrestling die-hards. Saturday’s final sets up a marquee clash with No. 1 seed Jax Forrest of Oklahoma State, a matchup analysts have circled as must-see TV for its high-octane scrambling and contrasting styles. Davino’s relentless hand-fighting, lightning re-attacks and iron-clad gas tank have fueled a 26-2 record this season, including a Big Ten title in early March. Beyond the mat, Davino’s story resonates with Buckeye Nation. The St. Charles East (IL) standout committed to Ohio State as a blue-chip recruit in 2024, opting to redshirt last season to develop under head coach Tom Ryan and Olympic bronze medalist assistant Logan Stieber. That decision is paying dividends in Columbus: Davino’s emergence, coupled with teammate Jesse Mendez’s run to the 141-pound final, positions the Buckeyes for their best NCAA finish since 2018. Keys to Davino vs. Forrest 1. First takedown: Davino has scored the opening takedown in 23 of 28 matches this year; when he does, he is undefeated. 2. Top control: Forrest rides with heavy hips, but Davino boasts a 78 % escape rate, the second-best among 133-pound qualifiers. 3. Third-period pace: Conditioning is Davino’s trademark—he’s outscored opponents 42-7 in third periods this postseason. What a national title would mean • Ohio State’s first individual champion at 133 lbs since Logan Stieber in 2013. • Momentum on the recruiting trail, where the Buckeyes are already in the mix for several top-50 seniors. • A potential team-trophy push; bonus points from Davino could vault OSU past Iowa for second place behind Penn State. Fan engagement surges Search interest for “Ben Davino” has spiked this week as clips of his overtime thriller rack up hundreds of thousands of views across YouTube, Instagram Reels and X, underscoring his growing brand appeal among college sports followers. Up next The 133-pound final is slated for 7:42 p.m. ET on ESPN, capping a breakout freshman campaign that has already rewritten Ohio State’s record books. Win or lose, Ben Davino’s fearless style—and the buzz it generates—suggests the Buckeyes have a new star capable of anchoring their lineup for years to come.