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Bryce Young Dominates Wrestling Rankings

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The Elite at the Top

At the pinnacle of the rankings sits Bryce Young, representing Blue Springs, Missouri. Young's dominance throughout the season, particularly evident in his recent performance at the Southwest City tournament, has solidified his position at No. 1. He's been a consistently impressive force, making him a formidable opponent for anyone on his path. Following closely behind, Carter Fenzl from Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln, Wisconsin, maintains his No. 2 spot thanks to his consistent performance and reliable skill set. The wrestling world has yet to see a significant challenge dethrone these top two, creating a compelling anticipation for potential future matchups.

Cael Hughes, hailing from Millard West, Nebraska, marks a significant move up the rankings to No. 3, fueled by a strong showing at the Clash tournament. This upward trajectory underscores the competitive nature of high school wrestling and demonstrates Hughes' rising potential. Harrison Gardner (Herriman, Utah) remains steady at No. 4, while Jesse Winkler (Centerville, Ohio) continues to prove his standing at No. 5, solidifying his place amongst the nation's best.

Rounding out the top 10 are Ridge Persing (Osage, Iowa) at No. 6, Kade Warner (Bishop Miege, Kansas) at No. 7, Jaxon Roth (Wagner, South Dakota) at No. 8, Cole Richardson (Highland, Kentucky) at No. 9, and Landon Godinez (Bakersfield Christian, California) securing the tenth spot. Each of these wrestlers represents a significant force in their respective regions and contribute to the overall excitement surrounding high school wrestling.

Beyond the Top 10: A National Landscape

The extended Top 40 list reveals a wider picture of the talent pool across the United States. Wrestlers from a multitude of states, including Ohio, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Utah, Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota, Kentucky, California, Iowa, Illinois, Montana, Texas, Indiana, New Jersey, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New York are all represented. The breadth of representation suggests a widespread commitment to wrestling and a strong talent base in communities across the nation.

Notable names in the subsequent rankings include Tyson Williams (Ohio), Liam McIlyar (Oklahoma), and Daniel Frink (Ohio), showcasing a concentrated pocket of strength in the Midwest. The presence of wrestlers from states like Idaho, Montana, and Arkansas underscores the growth and increasing competitiveness of wrestling programs in traditionally less prominent regions. The full list provides a compelling illustration of the depth and breadth of talent in high school wrestling across the United States.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, these rankings are likely to shift and evolve. Future tournaments and head-to-head matchups will undoubtedly impact these standings, creating opportunities for new wrestlers to rise and established stars to further solidify their positions. The ongoing competition will keep fans engaged and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of high school wrestling. The next few months promise to be filled with thrilling matches and unexpected upsets as these young athletes strive for individual and team success. The landscape is dynamic, and the wrestling world is waiting to see who will ultimately emerge as the dominant forces in the 2025-26 season.

Full Top 40 List:

  1. Bryce Young, Blue Springs (Mo.)
  2. Carter Fenzl, Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln (Wis.)
  3. Cael Hughes, Millard West (Neb.)
  4. Harrison Gardner, Herriman (Utah)
  5. Jesse Winkler, Centerville (Ohio)
  6. Ridge Persing, Osage (Iowa)
  7. Kade Warner, Bishop Miege (Kan.)
  8. Jaxon Roth, Wagner (S.D.)
  9. Cole Richardson, Highland (Ky.)
  10. Landon Godinez, Bakersfield Christian (Calif.)
  11. Tyson Williams, St. Paris Graham Local (Ohio)
  12. Liam McIlyar, Edmond North (Okla.)
  13. Daniel Frink, Waverly (Ohio)
  14. Brady Barnett, Blackfoot (Idaho)
  15. Tyler Matheson, Maple Mountain (Utah)
  16. Caleb Austin, Broken Arrow (Okla.)
  17. Jett Weathers, Valley View (Ark.)
  18. Zane Schrock, Eastside (Neb.)
  19. Trent Carter, Union (Tenn.)
  20. Wyatt Ebach, Prairie View (Kan.)
  21. Malik Bey, Joliet West (Ill.)
  22. Dakota Geiger, Three Forks (Mont.)
  23. Grant Hemphill, Midway (Texas)
  24. Wyatt Washburn, Olathe Northwest (Kan.)
  25. Colby Fritsch, Hinton (Iowa)
  26. Kasen Klingman, Clay City (Ind.)
  27. Cooper Gayman, Delaware Hayes (Ohio)
  28. Dominic DeBruzzi, Marist (Ill.)
  29. Hayden Hilovsky, Greenville (N.J.)
  30. Blake Sola, Legacy (Ariz.)
  31. Max Murin, Reynoldsburg (Ohio)
  32. Gavin Dobbins, North Allegheny (Pa.)
  33. Alex O'Neill, Christian Brothers Academy (N.Y.)
  34. Cody Clemetson, Bozeman (Mont.)
  35. Austin Swartz, Brookville (Pa.)
  36. Conner Demas, South Jordan (Utah)
  37. Xander Hulse, Independence (Kan.)
  38. Garrett Impson, Mountain View (Idaho)
  39. Logan West, Shawnee (Okla.)
  40. Luke Gray, Northview (Ind.)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/high-school/wrestling/2025-26-top-40-national-high-school-wrestling-rankings-jan-24-2026-01kfr0cr5gj0 ]