IRVING, Texas – After opening the season with a victory over No. 4 Jaxon Smith from Maryland, Oklahoma State redshirt freshman Zack Ryder has been named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week.

Ryder picked up the 14-4 major decision over the three-time national qualifier in his wrestling debut with the Cowboys at the NWCA All-Star Classic. He collected four takedowns in the match and picked up the only bonus-point win of the event against Smith, who had only given up bonus points in two career matches.

Ryder’s performance helped solidify OSU’s place as the fifth-ranked team in the NWCA Coaches Poll this week, and he earned a top-five ranking in the 184-pound division. The Cowboys will take on No. 19 Stanford in Gallagher-Iba Arena on Friday, November 7.