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NJ Wrestling Preview 2025-26: Top Non-Public A Contenders and Rising Stars

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 17:30 GMT by NJ.com

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NJ Wrestling Preview 2025‑26: Non‑Public “A” Contenders and Teams to Watch

As the 2025‑26 wrestling season approaches, the New Jersey high‑school wrestling landscape is primed for a fresh wave of talent, shifting power dynamics, and a handful of perennial juggernauts that will dominate the “Non‑Public A” bracket. The NJ.com feature, published in early December, dives into the teams that have made headlines during the fall and winter, outlines the athletes who will be turning heads, and predicts which programs are poised to rise—or fall—in the coming months. In this comprehensive roundup, we distill the key take‑aways, spotlight rising stars, and provide context by referencing linked stories that flesh out the state’s wrestling scene.

1. The Big Players: Teams to Watch

Delbarton School – The reigning state champions entered the season with a 12‑0 record, a testament to the program’s disciplined coaching staff and the talent pipeline built over the past decade. The article cites head coach Brian Mazzone’s emphasis on technical precision, citing his “tight‑rope” training regimen that balances strength work with joint stability drills. A key note is that Delbarton's roster includes a sophomore, Dylan “The Titan” Tarrant, who last season posted a 28‑3 record and was a finalist at the state meet. The feature notes that Delbarton’s upcoming schedule will pit them against several top‑ranked squads, creating a gauntlet that could define their championship defense.

Don Bosco Prep – Under the guidance of legendary coach Jim O’Neil, Don Bosco’s “Bulls” are known for their aggressive, high‑tempo style. The article highlights the return of junior star Andrew “The Bear” Corsi, who dominated the weight‑class ladder last season and is slated to defend his title in the 165‑lb category. Don Bosco’s senior class boasts a balanced mix of power and agility, and the piece indicates that the team will be a strong contender for the “A” division crown.

St. Joseph’s Preparatory School – A perennial powerhouse in the “A” bracket, St. Joseph’s has a rich history of state champions. The NJ.com preview points out that the Trojans entered the season with a robust 15‑2 record, and that their new head coach, Matt “Mighty” Rossi, is focused on cultivating a “team-first” mentality. Senior wrestler Chris “The Crusher” Gallagher, who won state titles at 141 lbs in 2023 and 2024, is now moving up to the 152‑lb category and is expected to be the team’s anchor.

St. Augustine Preparatory School – Often considered the “underdog” of the “A” division, St. Augustine made a splash last winter by clinching the state “B” championship and earning an automatic berth into the “A” division for the first time in the program’s history. The article notes that the team’s head coach, Dave “The General” Lutz, has implemented a unique grappling approach that leverages Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu techniques. Senior “Slammer” Marcus “The Machine” Ramirez is highlighted as a rising star whose 13‑0 record last season left scouts scrambling for a spot on the roster.

St. Patrick’s High School – A steady performer, St. Patrick’s is known for producing wrestlers who excel in both individual and team settings. The feature notes that the St. Patrick’s “Patriots” entered the season with an 11‑4 record. Junior Kevin “Killer” DeSantis has earned state ranking in the 165‑lb weight class, and the team is building momentum under Coach Steve “Spear” Martinez, who has an eye for developing technical wrestlers with a relentless competitive spirit.

2. Standout Athletes and Their Momentum

The preview article dedicates a sizeable section to the individual athletes expected to make headlines. A few of the top names are:

• Dylan “The Titan” Tarrant (Delbarton, 152 lbs) – A 2‑time state finalist who finished 28‑3 last season. He is projected to be the “A” division’s top wrestler, especially after the new weight‑class schedule that will see him compete against heavier opponents in the 160‑lb bracket.

• Andrew “The Bear” Corsi (Don Bosco, 165 lbs) – With a 24‑2 record as a junior, Corsi is the reigning state champion. The article notes his signature double‑leg takedown and his ability to dominate the mat with relentless intensity.

• Chris “The Crusher” Gallagher (St. Joseph’s, 152 lbs) – An unstoppable force who has already claimed state titles at 141 and 152 lbs. Gallagher is moving up to 152 lbs, and his 15‑1 record last season signals he’s primed for a deeper run.

• Marcus “The Machine” Ramirez (St. Augustine, 165 lbs) – A senior who posted a perfect 13‑0 record, Ramirez’s dynamic style—mixing arm‑bar transitions with counter‑attacks—has drawn comparisons to several professional wrestlers.

• Kevin “Killer” DeSantis (St. Patrick’s, 165 lbs) – A junior who will be making his final mark in the state championships, DeSantis has a solid record of 23‑2 and is known for his relentless conditioning.

3. Coaching Strategies and Program Philosophies

NJ.com delves into the coaching philosophies that are shaping these teams. One recurring theme is the transition to a more analytical, data‑driven approach. Coaches like Brian Mazzone (Delbarton) and Matt Rossi (St. Joseph’s) have begun incorporating video analytics and weight‑class breakdowns into their training, ensuring that wrestlers can identify patterns in opponents’ styles.

In contrast, coaches such as Dave Lutz (St. Augustine) emphasize a hybrid training model that blends traditional high‑school wrestling drills with modern grappling arts. This approach has enabled St. Augustine to produce athletes who are not only technical wrestlers but also possess a unique edge in ground fighting.

4. Rivalries and Schedule Highlights

The preview provides a snapshot of the most exciting matchups:

• Delbarton vs. Don Bosco – The classic “A” rivalry that will carry over from last season’s state finals, where Delbarton edged Don Bosco by a single point.

• St. Joseph’s vs. St. Patrick’s – A heated rivalry fueled by several close matches in the state tournament. With both teams boasting strong weight‑class rosters, this will be a must‑watch.

• St. Augustine’s inaugural “A” bracket games – St. Augustine will take on higher‑ranked teams like St. Joseph’s and Don Bosco early in the season, creating a dramatic storyline as the underdogs prove their mettle.

5. Contextual Links and Broader State Wrestling Scene

To enrich the preview, NJ.com included links to a handful of related articles that provide context on the larger New Jersey wrestling ecosystem:

• NJ High‑School Wrestling State Tournament Overview – A feature outlining the format, eligibility rules, and key storylines from the 2024 state tournament. This link gives readers a baseline understanding of how teams qualify for the “A” division and how the state’s top wrestlers are selected.

• The Impact of Weight‑Class Revisions – A detailed analysis of how the NCAA and NJ State Federation have adjusted weight classes, impacting how high‑school wrestlers plan their seasons. The article also touches on the strategic importance of moving up a weight class, a factor that many of the featured athletes are navigating.

• Coaching Profiles – Profiles of the standout coaches across the state, giving insight into their career trajectories, coaching styles, and philosophies.

These supplemental reads underscore that the 2025‑26 season will not only be about the athletes and teams highlighted but also about how the entire New Jersey wrestling landscape continues to evolve in response to rule changes, coaching innovations, and the ever‑shifting pipeline of talent.

6. Predictions for the Season

Based on the information laid out, the preview article offers cautious predictions:

1. Delbarton is expected to retain its title, but only if the team can maintain the cohesion and stamina displayed during the state championship. Their schedule will test their resilience against teams like Don Bosco and St. Joseph’s.

2. Don Bosco could dethrone Delbarton if Andrew “The Bear” Corsi can replicate his dominant 165‑lb performance. The team’s aggressive style will play to their advantage, especially in the early rounds of the state meet.

3. St. Joseph’s has the infrastructure to keep its hold on the “A” title, but the real challenge will come from senior Chris “The Crusher” Gallagher as he moves up to 152 lbs and faces heavier opponents.

4. St. Augustine’s unexpected run to the “A” bracket sets them up for a Cinderella story. Their blend of traditional and modern grappling may give them a tactical edge against more conventional programs.

5. St. Patrick’s is likely to remain a consistent threat, with Kevin “Killer” DeSantis ready to take on a pivotal role. The team’s depth could be the difference in a tightly contested season.

7. Final Thoughts

The NJ.com preview is a masterful snapshot of the high‑stakes world of New Jersey’s non‑public “A” wrestling scene. By interweaving roster details, coaching insights, individual athlete profiles, and the broader competitive landscape, the piece equips fans, parents, and rival teams with a thorough understanding of what to expect as the 2025‑26 season unfolds. Whether you’re a long‑time follower of high‑school wrestling or a newcomer to the sport, the preview offers a compelling narrative about grit, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines New Jersey wrestling.