The 6A wrestling division is poised for another thrilling season in 2025–26, with the title chase shaping up as a two-horse race between perennial rivals Post Falls and Meridian. Also vying for a team trophy this year are Highland, Coeur d’Alene, and Madison. Fifty-three returning state placers look to build on their already impressive achievements, which include 14 with All-American honors.

Meridian is set for a dominant year, boasting a deep roster that includes nine returning state placers. The team’s strength lies in its extensive championship experience, with thirteen other wrestlers having previously competed at the state level. The charge is led by returning state champions Logan Shaver (Sr.) and All-American Blake Nevills (Soph.). Further solidifying their lineup, Tobias Guillen (Jr.), Justis Briggs (Sr.), and Bradley Bones (Sr.) are all aiming for their third state medal. Additionally, returning finalists Ryan Amoureux (Sr.) and Bodee Williams (Soph.), along with the Ostoja brothers, Jacob (Soph.) and Adam (Jr.), are strong contenders for a second medal, complemented by a promising class of incoming freshmen.

Don’t count out Post Falls, the defending champions, for this year’s title. They have the necessary depth and experience, bring back an impressive ten state placers and three other state championship veterans. The team is led by returning champion and All-American Matthew Hamilton (Jr.), 2025 state finalist Ryker Allen (Soph.), Sawyer Sage (Soph.), and All-American Damion Hamilton (Sr.). Further depth is provided by returning medalists Tristen Mendenhall (Soph.), All-American Gage Loftin (Sr.), Brandon Felix (Sr.), Colton Austin (Sr.), Zane Smith (Sr.), and Xander Scholes (Sr.), supplemented by a promising freshman class.

Madison High School is a team to watch in 2026. After a third-place state finish last year, they return an exceptional roster that makes them a strong contender for a trophy. The team boasts two-time state finalist and All-American Brand’n Edstrom (Jr.) and third-place finisher Ace Ingram (Sr.).

Further bolstering their lineup are key additions observed at the Golden Eagle Duals in Boise: the Hansen brothers—Jaxon (Soph., 2025 third-place, All-American) and two-time state champion James (Jr.)—from Ririe, and returning state champion and All-American McGregor Miller (Jr.) from South Fremont. With nine other state-experienced wrestlers also returning, Madison is primed for a deep run.

Other teams to be in the mix and challenge for a top five spot: Caldwell, Coeur d’ Alene, Eagle, Highland, Mountain View, and Rocky Mountain.

The 6A classification boasts a strong contingent of talented wrestlers joining those from Meridian, Post Falls, and Madison. This group is anchored by Highland's two-time state champion and Senior All-American Sawyer Anderson. Returning state champions include Cole Jensen (Soph., Rocky Mountain), Brock Armstrong (Jr., Coeur d’Alene), and Canyon Ridge's Senior All-American Sean Hall, who is on track to earn a rare fourth state medal. Others positioned to achieve this milestone are Caldwell’s two-time finalist and All-American Jaxson Freeman (Sr.) and Eagle's Dylan Frothinger (Sr.).

Additionally, keep an eye on two-time finalist and All-American Ian Avalos (Jr., Mountain View). With finals experience and a lot of wrestling over the summer, he will be tough to beat. The depth continues with returning medalists like Rocky White (Sr., Coeur d’Alene), Tucker Clark (Sr., Rigby), All-American Aiden Hernandez (Jr., Highland), and Rocky Mountain’s Kollin Baily (Sr.).

A total of thirty-five returning wrestlers are in a strong position to earn a second state medal. Among those who placed in the top three in 2025 and are now contenders for a top podium spot at the state championships are: Wyatt Meppen (Soph., Thunder Ridge), All-American Konnor Fordyce (Soph., Kuna), and finalist Tyler Irish (Jr., Rocky Mountain).

A fierce battle is anticipated for the 6A title, once again centered on traditional heavyweights Meridian and Post Falls with Madison in the mix. The fight for the top four will be hard-fought, involving several strong contenders. Early season rankings are difficult; a clearer picture of the top five teams will emerge only after lineups and the impact of incoming freshman talent become apparent.

Please note, wrestlers in this preview are listed at weight groups previously competed in at the 2025 State Championships (or prior), which is subject to change during the 2025-’26 season. Below is a list of returning states champions, state placers, and All-Americans. Please advise via email coachal777@gmal.com if there are any missing wrestlers or deletions that should be made from the list below. 

TOP 6A TEAMS TO WATCH:  

MERIDIAN (District III)

98 – Bodee Williams, 10 (2^nd)

106 – Tobias Guillen, 11 (5^th, 3^rd)

106 – Jacob Ostoja, 10 (6^th)

113 – Adam Ostoja, 11 (4^th)

120 – Justus Briggs, 12 (6^th, 5^th)

126 – Blake Nevills, 10 (State Champion)/All-American

144 – Ryan Amoureux, 12 (2^nd)

157 – Logan Shaver, 12 (State Champion)

190 – Bradley Bones, 12 (6^th, 4^th)

STATE QUALIFIERS

113 – Tre Hallford, 11

126 – Vincent Torrez, 11

132 – Cruz Ramirez, 10

132 – Jackson Beck, 11

138 – Draken Miller, 11

138 – Darius Case, 11

144 – Xyler Coleman, 11

150 – Christian Egginton, 11

157 – Hayden McDonald, 12

165 – Leo Klinger, 11

165 – Connor Hauff, 11

175 – Hezekiah Suter, 12

190 – LaGary Mitchell, 12

POST FALLS (District I-II)

98 – Tristan Mendenhall, 10 (5^th)

106 – Gage Loftin, 12 (4^th, 4^th)/All-American

113 – Matthew Hamilton, 11 (3^rd, 1^st)/All-American

113 – Ryker Allen, 10 (2^nd)

126 – Sawyer Sage, 10 (2^nd)

132 – Brandon Felix, 12 (4^th)

157 – Colton Austin, 12 (6^th)

165 – Damion Hamilton, 12 (2^nd, 2^nd)/All-American

190 – Zane Smith, 12 (5^th)

285 – Xander Scholes, 12 (3^rd)

STATE QUALIFIERS

98 – Saul Benzinger, 11

120 – Jesse Villegas, 11

120 – Logan Loaiza, 12

MADISON (District IV-V-VI)

98 – Jaxon Hansen, 10 (3^rd)/All-American

106 – Brand’n Edstrom, 11 (2^nd, 2^nd)/All-American

144 – Ace Ingram, 12 (3^rd State)

157 – James Hansen, 11 (2x State Champion)

215 – McGregor Miller, 11 (2^nd, 1^st)/All-American

STATE QUALIFIERS

98 – Rocky Jensen, 11

106 – Rigdon Green, 11

132 – Jordan Loya, 11

138 – Jacob Vincent, 11

165 – Mace Mortensen, 11

165 – Grant Gugelman, 11/All-American

175 – Colton Munns, 12

190 – Daxx Edstrom, 11

285 – Sidi Kante, 10

HIGHLAND (District IV-V-I)

98 – Nathan Hewett, 10 (6^th)

120 – Sawyer Anderson, 12 (1^st, 1^st, 3^rd)/All-American

138 – Jacob Vincent, 11 (4^th)

138 – Cuyler Johnston, 12 (5^th)

144 – Aiden Hernandez, 11 (4^th, 6^th)/All-American

150 – Brakken Johnston, 12 (6^th)

STATE QUALIFIERS

106 – Rhilan Mays, 10

126 – Mathew Hewett, 10

157 – Lucas Stohel, 11

COEUR D’ ALENE (District I-II)

106 – Nash Larsen, 10 (5^th)

113 – Rocco White, 12 (6^th, 3^rd ) 

126 – Mason Rogers, 12 (5^th) ’24

165 – Brock Armstrong, 11 (State Champion)

STATE QUALIFIERS

98 – Micah Miller, 10

106 – Nash Larsen, 10

120 – Colton Rush, 11

126 – Carter Newby, 11

132 – Logan Nitti, 10

132 – Tanner George, 12

138 – Dominic Prangley, 11

144 – Finn Case, 11

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH: Caldwell (Dist. III), Eagle (Dist. III), Mountain View (Dist. III), and Rocky Mountain (Dist. III).

RETURNING STATE PLACERS:

2X STATE CHAMPIONS 

120 – Sawyer Anderson (Highland, 12)/All-American

157 – James Hansen (Madison, 11)

1X STATE CHAMPIONS

98 – Cole Jensen (Rocky Mountain, 10)

113 – Matthew Hamilton (Post Falls, 11)

126 – Blake Nevills (Meridian, 10)/All-American

138 – Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, 12)/All-American

157 – Logan Shaver (Meridian, 12)

165 – Brock Armstrong (Coeur d’ Alene, 11)

215 – McGregor Miller (Madison, 11)/All-American

3X STATE PLACERS 

120 – Sawyer Anderson (Highland, 12): 1^st, 1^st, 3^rd/All-American

120 – Jaxson Freeman (Caldwell, 12): 2^nd, 2^nd, 4^th/All-American

120 – Dylan Frothinger (Eagle, 12): 4^th, 2^nd, 6^th

138 – Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, 12): 4^th, 3^rd, 1^st/All-American

2X STATE PLACERS 

106 – Brand’n Edstrom (Madison, 11): 2^nd, 2^nd/All-American

106 – Gage Loftin (Post Falls, 12): 4^th, 4^th/All-American

106 – Tobias Guillen (Meridian, 11): 5^th, 3^rd

113 – Matthew Hamilton (Post Falls, 11): 3^rd, 1^st

113 – Rocco White (Coeur d’ Alene, 12): 6^th, 3^rd  

120 – Justus Briggs (Meridian, 12): 6^th, 5^th

132 – Ian Avalos (Mountain View, 11): 2^nd, 2^nd/All-American

132 – Tucker Clark (Rigby, 12): 4^th, 6^th

144 – Aiden Hernandez (Highland, 11): 4^th, 6^th/All-American

157 – James Hansen (Madison, 11): 2x State Champion

165 – Damion Hamilton (Post Falls, 12): 2^nd, 2^nd/All-American

190 – Bradley Bones (Meridian, 12): 6^th, 4^th

215 – McGregor Miller (Madison, 11): 2^nd, 1^st/All-American

285 – Kollin Bailey (Rocky Mountain, 12): 6^th, 5^th

1X STATE PLACERS

98 – Cole Jensen (Rocky Mountain, 10): State Champion

98 – Bodee Williams (Meridian, 10): 2^nd 

98 – Wyatt Meppen (Thunder Ridge, 10): 3^rd 

98 – Jaxon Hansen (Madison, 10): 3^rd/All-American

98 – Burke Blue (Centennial, 10): 4^th

98 – Tristan Mendenhall (Post Falls, 10): 5^th

98 – Nathan Hewett (Highland, 10): 6^th

106 – Nash Larsen (Coeur d Alene, 10): 5^th

106 – Jacob Ostoja (Meridian, 10): 6^th

113 – Ryker Allen (Post Falls, 10): 2^nd

113 – Adam Ostoja (Meridian, 11): 4^th

113 – Cooper Wing (Timberline, 10): 5^th

113 – Shane Bayley (Borah, 11): 6^th

113 – Ryker Anderson (Owyhee, 11): 6^th ’24 (106s)

126 – Blake Nevills (Meridian, 10): State Champion/All-American

126 – Sawyer Sage (Post Falls, 10): 2^nd

132 – Brandon Felix (Post Falls, 12): 4^th

132 – Lochlan McCormack (Capital, 12): 5^th 

132 – Tucker Clark (Rigby, 12): 6^th

138 – Konnor Fordyce (Kuna, 10): 3^rd/All-American

138 – Jacob Vincent (Highland, 11): 4^th

138 – Cuyler Johnston (Highland, 12): 5^th

144 – Ryan Amoureux (Meridian, 12): 2^nd

144 – Ace Ingram (Madison, 12): 3^rd

150 – Tyler Irish (Rocky Mountain, 11): 2^nd 

150 – Brakken Johnston (Highland, 12): 6^th

157 – Logan Shaver (Meridian, 12): State Champion

157 – Colton Austin (Post Falls, 12): 6^th

165 – Brock Armstrong (Coeur d’ Alene, 11): State Champion

165 – Anthony Butler (Eagle, 12): 4^th

165 –  Jesus Alvarez (Caldwell, 11): 5^th

165 – Gavin Hudson (Borah, 12): 6^th

190 – Zane Smith (Post Falls, 12), 5^th

215 – Gage Ponton (Mountain View, 11): 5^th/All-American

285 – Xander Scholes (Post Falls, 12): 3^rd