Brayden Thompson Named NCAA Wrestler of the Week

Brayden Thompson hasn’t even finished his first semester of college yet but has already garnered national recognition.

Thompson, a 174-pound freshman, was announced Tuesday as NCAA Wrestler of the Week after going 2-0 last weekend in Oklahoma State’s duals against Lehigh and Oklahoma. He’s the first Cowboy to earn the honor this season.

On Friday against Lehigh, Thompson beat Thayne Lawrence 8-2 to tally his first collegiate win. Thompson had started his career 0-3 before the decision against Lawrence.

“Nice win from Thompson, getting his first win,” OSU coach John Smith said Friday. “Just saw a little different demeanor and trusting the process to get to where he can compete and feel like he can compete. That was a nice win.”

Two days after notching his first victory, Thompson upset No. 17 Tate Picklo of OU with a 9-0 major decision in his first Bedlam on Sunday. Thompson got late nearfall points to secure bonus points after controlling the entire match.

BT put on a show in his first Bedlam 😤#HomeOfWrestling l @TheBTH0MPS0N pic.twitter.com/NEHEwQUdpx

— OSU Cowboy Wrestling (@CowboyWrestling) December 11, 2023

The early insert into OSU’s lineup and success there for Thompson shouldn’t be a surprise. He was the No. 3 pound-for-pound wrestler in his recruiting class, according to Flo, out of Lockport Township High School in Illinois.

Thompson was one of four freshmen who started for the Cowboys last weekend. Thompson is the only true freshman without a redshirt year under his belt, though.