|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: Mendez and Davino
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
|
Jesse Mendez has been a gem and a light for the Bucks program since his arrival. He absolutely carried this program over the last several years especially after Sasso's shooting. We are fortunate to have had the chance to cheer for him and I wish him the very best in what should be an illustrious freestyle career. Thank you for showing us what greatness looks like.
Ben Davino is the best redshirt freshman I have ever seen in a Buckeye singlet. Yes...better than Logan Stieber...Tom Rowlands...Nato...etc....You can call it recency bias but he is an unbelievably excellent wrestler. He beat last year's finalists with relative ease. Bonused almost all his competition. Went 2-1 againt Blaze. His only loss is to arguably the greatest true frosh in the history of the sport (recency bias again but Forrest is extraordinary. You can argue Vega is his equal in that regard although Vega didn't bonus at the same rate). I hope he remains in Columbus and that they can rebuild rapidly around him. I'll repeat what I just wrote: I hope he remains in Columbus.
|
Last edited by Hank Kornblut on March 24, 2026; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: Mendez and Davino
Ben Golden added to this discussion on March 23, 2026
|
I've tried to think of good stylistic comparisons for Mendez over the last month or so. He is an all time great brawler. Like a focused, rich man's Tessari; they both seem to go out there like a match is primarily a war of physicality and guts. Metcalf was also a brawler but their styles aren't that similar outside of that. The level of accountability they take is similar, though. It's been a privilege to have him representing the program.
Davino... what strikes me is how intensely focused he is in every match. I don't think I've noticed a moment of mental lapse for him to be caught off guard. After he was called for stalling in tie breakers against Blaze, he didn't let up on his ride for even a moment. Stayed on it like a dog on a bone to finish a difficult ride out for the win--exactly the thing he needed to do. You can tell he's devoted to being the best he can be, and it's great to watch him.
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: Mendez and Davino
Sean Koran added to this discussion on March 23, 2026
|
If Davino doesn't get hit for stalling in the 2nd while being ridden (which seemed ridiculous), does he take the shot in the 3rd that led him getting taken down, or would he have felt more liberated to remain measured and cautious?
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: Mendez and Davino
Mark Niemann added to this discussion on March 23, 2026
|
Phenomenal competitors, the both of them! I saw traces of Stieber when watching Davino. They have similar builds and styles. Just a joy to watch.
Mendez - great point about carrying the team, Hank. What an absolute treasure to have here in Columbus. He finished his career in a Buckeye singlet as a 3x finalist & 4x All-American.
To add to this - these two along with the rest of the team follow the lead of tremendous coaches. When preparation meets laser-like focus, determination, & incredible ability, great things can occur.
Lastly, I saw Mendez's name bantered about concerning MMA. I am unsure of his aspirations either way, but if he has World & Olympic aspirations, it'll be worth the view.
As always, Go Buckeyes!
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: Mendez and Davino
Jared Ball added to this discussion on March 27, 2026
|
OSU doesn’t have a lot of history with guys jumping to MMA, but I guess there is a first for everything. I would think Jesse would be in the running for a world team spot at 65kg, and we know he has Olympic aspirations for 2028. Most Buckeye grads tend to enter the workforce with their degrees. I do think in part people send their sons to Tom Ryan because he holistically believes in developing young people into successful adults. I think Jesse is graduating with a degree in economics. It will be interesting to see the next couple of weeks how things shake out. I’d guess the 61kg and 65 kg spots will be contested by Forrest, Blaze, and maybe even Bassett over the next couple of years. Love to see both vie for those spots
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: Mendez and Davino
Scott Nicola added to this discussion on March 27, 2026
|
|
Quote from Jared Ball's post:
|
|
"OSU doesn’t have a lot of history with guys jumping to MMA, but I guess there is a first for everything. I would think Jesse would be in the running for a world team spot at 65kg, and we know he has Olympic aspirations for 2028. Most Buckeye grads tend to enter the workforce with their degrees. I do think in part people send their sons to Tom Ryan because he holistically believes in developing young people into successful adults. I think Jesse is graduating with a degree in economics. It will be interesting to see the next couple of weeks how things shake out. I’d guess the 61kg and 65 kg spots will be contested by Forrest, Blaze, and maybe even Bassett over the next couple of years. Love to see both vie for those spots"
|
Randleman? Coleman? I presume you mean recent history. Duke is likely too big for 65 kilos at this point. I would say it's wide open at this point. Real Woods was the rep this year. I like Jesse's chances against guys like Woods, Bassett etc. training freestyle full time.
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: Mendez and Davino
Casey Talbott added to this discussion on March 27, 2026
|
^^^ And Lance Palmer, to boot.
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: Mendez and Davino
Pat Costilow added to this discussion on March 27, 2026
|
Related to recent Buckeyes, Mark Martin was fighting but I haven't heard anything about him for a while now. Jaden Mattox has a pretty promising amateur career going, wouldn't be surprised to see him turn pro soon.
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: Mendez and Davino
Jared Ball added to this discussion on March 27, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
