A national title changes your life, but it doesn’t change the work. We sat down live at Hawks Nest with Nebraska’s own NCAA champion Antrell Taylor for a raw, energizing dive into what really fuels a winning program: structure, loyalty, and the daily choices no one sees. From his start as a football kid who wrestled to get better, to the moment the finals nerves hit in a quiet hotel room, Antrell walks us through the habits and headspace that carried him to the top—and how he plans to stay there without playing defense on last year’s success.
We dig into recruiting during COVID, why he chose to stay home in Nebraska, and the realities of NIL that few athletes say out loud. Loyalty matters to Antrell. Culture matters. He talks candidly about transfer temptations, the value of belonging to a room that believes in the same standards, and how big-name visits can spark momentum without changing who you are. The heartbeat of his growth is mentorship—especially from James Green—who helped shape Antrell’s patience, position, and confidence through brutal, honest practice sessions that translate when the lights are brightest. If you’ve ever wondered how champions prepare, manage anxiety, and turn pressure into offense, this conversation cuts through the noise.
We also zoom out: sports specialization vs. playing multiple sports, protecting kids from burnout, and why wrestling’s community crosses backgrounds and beliefs with respect at the center. Antrell’s goals are bold—bonus 90 to 95 percent of opponents, stack All-Americans, and push for a team title—but his process is simple and relentless. Looking ahead, he’s aiming at world teams, the 2028 Olympics, and a future in coaching that pays forward the guidance he received. If you care about wrestling, athlete development, or building a high-performance culture that lasts, this one hits home. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, share with a friend, and leave a rating to help more listeners find the show.
