Former South Dakota State wrestling All-American, Bennett Berge, has committed to Oklahoma State University out of the transfer portal, the team announced. Berge, who has one year of eligibility remaining, is making a notable move to join a highly competitive wrestling program in the 2026-27 season.
Berge’s Challenge for a Varsity Spot
Berge, a versatile wrestler who has competed at both 184 and 197 pounds during his career, will face tough competition to earn a varsity spot at Oklahoma State. To secure his place in the lineup, he will need to beat out Zack Ryder (184 pounds) or Cody Merrill (197 pounds), both of whom are formidable opponents. Ryder, an All-American in 2026, and Merrill, an NCAA finalist who lost to Penn State’s Josh Barr, both have impressive resumes.
Notably, both Ryder and Merrill have already used their redshirt years and still have three years of eligibility remaining, adding another layer of competition for Berge.
Berge’s Impressive Wrestling Background
Bennett Berge’s career highlights include being an All-American in 2024, where he took 4th place at 184 pounds. He qualified for the NCAA Championships in the following two years at 184 pounds and moved up to 197 pounds for the most recent season with South Dakota State.
Berge holds an impressive career record of 68-21, demonstrating his talent and determination on the mat.
The addition of Berge to Oklahoma State’s wrestling room is significant, as the Cowboys already boast a strong lineup, including the talent of freshmen national champions such as Jax Forrest, Sergio Vega, and Landon Robideau.
Oklahoma State Wrestling’s Bright Future
Oklahoma State’s recent success at the NCAA Tournament has added to the excitement surrounding the program. In 2026, the Cowboys featured three true freshmen national champions—Jax Forrest, Sergio Vega, and Landon Robideau—a historic achievement that highlights the potential for Oklahoma State to challenge for dominance in college wrestling in the upcoming years.
Jax Forrest, who became a 2025 Senior World Team member as a high schooler, achieved 5th place at the World Championships, even while still attending Bishop McCort High School in Pennsylvania. Forrest’s decision to graduate early and pursue his NCAA dreams with the guidance of head coach David Taylor has proven to be a successful move.
“Yeah, it was surreal,” Forrest said. “I’ve dreamed of this day for a long time. It slowly is happening over the weekend, over the year, faster than I thought. It was awesome. It was a feeling unlike any other that I’ve had.”
Bennett Berge’s move to Oklahoma State adds another layer of depth to an already talented wrestling team, and it will be exciting to see how he fits into the Cowboys’ plans for the 2026-27 season.
With formidable competition for a varsity spot, Berge will need to prove himself against other top wrestlers like Ryder and Merrill. Regardless, Oklahoma State’s wrestling program is poised for continued success, especially with the influx of talented wrestlers like Berge and the impressive achievements of freshmen stars.
