DubStat’s state title favorites for each weight class and team race.
Pre-sectional selections.
Division 1
Division 1 Individual Rankings
106
Favorite: Loc Webber (Dublin Coffman)
Webber has separated himself from the field. He was Ohio’s only Ironman placer at this weight and has dominated in-state competition, aside from his loss to D2 #1 Walker.
The rest of the weight is wide open, with Mlnarczyk (St. Edward), Savage (Moeller), Bagdonas (Perrysburg), Snyder (Mt. Vernon), Otero (Lorain), Mateo (Ashland), and Adams (Massillon Perry) all in the mix for a state finals spot.
113
Title Favorites: Seacrist (Brecksville), Dodd (Perrysburg), Wurster (Dublin Coffman), Whitely (St. Edward), Bickerton (Medina Highland)
One of the deepest weights in the state, with multiple legit title contenders. Seacrist is the slight favorite, but he took a tech-fall loss to Dodd in the season opener. Dodd and Bickerton have split matches. Wurster went 0-2 at Ironman (losing to Rohr) but has been on a tear since, picking up a major over Dodd and losing only to Seacrist in the Brecksville finals.
Whitely is the wildcard—he hasn’t faced the other contenders but took 8th at Ironman, while Dodd, Wurster, and Bickerton failed to place.
120
Title Favorites: Grey Burnett (Perrysburg), Ethan Timar (St. Edward)
State champions Burnett and Timar are the co-favorites. Last season, they split at districts and state, with Burnett winning the match that mattered most. This year, Timar outplaced Burnett at Ironman.
Siebert (Massillon Perry) is the dark horse—he has two OT losses to Timar and nearly beat Burnett this season.
126
Title Favorite: Karson Brown (St. Edward)
The two-time state champ has hit another level this year. After placing 5th at Ironman, he won the Powerade and Escape the Rock. He’s the clear favorite at 126.
Weisner (Oregon Clay) and Haffner (Brecksville) are both excellent and would be title contenders most years. I expect one of them to be in the finals against Brown.
132
Title Favorites: Rohr (Massillon Perry), Manns (St. Edward), Contos (Waite)
None of these three have faced each other this season, but all have been dominant in Ohio competition. Contos is the most talented, but Rohr and Manns wrestle the tougher schedules.
Contos and Manns will be separated at State as they exit the same district.
138
Title Favorites: Kane Shawger (St. Xavier), Jace Jett (Brecksville)
Blaze’s move to 150 opens the door for Shawger and Jett.
Shawger dropped his opening bout at state last year to Butler (St. Edward), then tore through the backside to take third. Only a sophomore, he’s got multiple state titles ahead of him.
Jett placed 7th last year, with his only losses coming to Brown (St. Edward) and Huhn (LaSalle). He’s been sharp this season, with Blaze as his only loss.
144
Title Favorites: Joseph Sanderfer (Massillon Perry), Adam Butler (St. Edward)
Sanderfer is the slight favorite after edging Butler by a point in a slugfest at state duals. If they meet again in the finals, expect another war.
Seeding could be an issue—Sanderfer missed last year’s postseason, meaning this could be a semifinal matchup.
150
Title Favorite: Marcus Blaze (Perrysburg)
This weight looks completely different than it did yesterday.
Evans (Perrysburg) and Huhn (LaSalle) entered sectionals at 157, while Marcus Blaze has jumped two weight classes, aiming to close out his career in epic fashion.
Blaze’s biggest challenge comes from Murphy (Moeller), last year’s state runner-up. Murphy has been on fire down the stretch, racking up bonus wins over Driscoll (St. Edward), Esguerra (Coffman), and Lindsay (Watterson), plus a three-point win over Evans.
Eaton (St. Edward), a state runner-up two years ago, and Esguerra (Coffman), who has a relentless motor, add serious depth to this bracket.
Expect Eaton and Murphy to land opposite Blaze in the state bracket, while Esguerra could end up in either half, setting up a brutal battle for a spot in the finals.
157
Title Favorites: Cole Evans (Perrysburg), Holden Huhn (LaSalle), Jared Goldberg (St. Edward), Brennan Warwick (Massillon Perry)
This weight has been shaken up in a big way as well.
Previous #1 Aquila is out with a season-ending injury, and now Evans and Huhn have moved up from 150.
Evans and Huhn are neck-and-neck on paper. They haven’t faced each other this season, but their results against common opponents suggest a toss-up.
Evans is chasing his third state title and knows how to peak in March—last year, he proved it by avenging losses to Contos in the state finals.
Goldberg edged Warwick in OT during the state duals finals.
This will be one of the more exciting weights.
165
Title Favorite: Landen Johnson (Massillon Perry)
Last year’s state runner-up is the clear favorite. His biggest threats are Hoffman (Springboro) and Gardner (Olentangy Liberty), but neither have seeding criteria, so the bracket will play a big role in who reaches the finals.
175
Title Favorite: Ty Miller (St. Edward)
A healthy Miller is the guy to beat. Horak (Massillon Perry), Mize (Marysville), and Wooldridge (LaSalle) are the main contenders for a finals spot.
Horak has the best results against common opponents, but Miller has a convincing win over him. Aside from that result, none of these guys have met this season. The semifinals will be excellent, as they all come from different districts.
190
Title Favorites: Matthew Kowalski (Springboro), JR Miller (St. Edward)
Barring injury, this will be a Kowalski-Miller rematch of last year’s state finals, where Kowalski dominated.
They wrestled again this season—Kowalski won 7-5 after a third-period comeback. Miller, a three-time runner-up, will be motivated to finally get a title, but “the Gladiator” won’t give it up without a battle.
This final is going to be epic.
215
Title Favorite: Riley McPherson (Brecksville)
McPherson was third in the state last year behind Kowalski and Miller. Now at 215, he’s been dominant in Ohio and placed 5th at Ironman.
However, Adkins (Moeller) and Peterson (St. Edward) are legit threats.
Adkins was state runner-up at this weight last year and is undefeated in Ohio. If I were him, I’d see myself as the favorite.
Peterson is a wildcard. He’s up from 165 last season and has looked good, but St. Ed’s schedule means we haven’t seen him against many Ohio opponents.
285
Title Favorite: Alex Taylor (Mt. Vernon)
Taylor finished third as a freshman and held the #1 ranking all last season. It looked like he was set to win three state titles—until he lost in sudden victory to Adkins in the semifinals and finished 5th.
This year, he’s separated himself from the field. Expect him to dominate 285. Millin (Massillon Perry) and Cox (Lancaster) look to be his main challengers.
Top Teams
- St. Edward
- Massillon Perry
- Perrysburg
- Brecksville
- Archbishop Moeller
- Dublin Coffman
- Springboro
- Mt. Vernon
- Medina Highland
- Olentangy Liberty
Perrysburg’s sectional shake-up has added intrigue to the team race and improved their shot at a team trophy. However, St. Edward remains the clear favorite to win it all, with Massillon Perry favored for the runner-up spot.
How These Moves Impact the Team Race:
- 138: Bauman’s inclusion benefits Massillon Perry since he and Plotts are close in talent, both sitting ahead of St. Ed’s Kiehl. However, Bauman in the lineup also gives Perrysburg a scoring boost.
- 150: Blaze’s move hurts St. Ed’s the most, as Eaton had a better shot against Evans than Blaze.
- 157: Evans (and Huhn) bumping up makes things tougher for St. Ed’s and Perry, as Goldberg and Warwick now face two more title contenders. Additionally, Evans likely has a better title shot at 157 than 150, which boosts Perrysburg’s potential points.
These shifts tighten the team race and add more uncertainty. St. Ed’s is still the favorite, but Perry and Perrysburg are within striking distance, making for a potentially exciting finish.
Brecksville appears locked into 4th place, while Coffman, Moeller, and Springboro are battling for the next spots. The rest of the top 10 is wide open and will depend on which teams get hot at the Schott.
Division 2
Division 2 Individual Rankings
106
Favorite: Jarreau Walker (Streetsboro)
Walker has established himself as the top 106-pounder in the state, regardless of division. He owns a 2-0 win over D1 #1 Webber (Dublin Coffman) and remains undefeated this season.
Who reaches the finals opposite Walker is anyone’s guess. Freshman Bergeron (Granville) has looked the best of the field, but Walker teched him earlier this season.
113
Title Favorites: Aiden Ohl (Ontario), Dom Prosperi (Canton South)
Ohl edged Prosperi 2-1 in last year’s state quarters before finishing as runner-up to Garcia, while Prosperi took third. This season, they’ve separated themselves from the field and remain evenly matched. They exit different districts, so as long as both win them, they’ll be on opposite sides of the bracket at state.
120
Title Favorites: Marius Garcia (Bexley)
With state champion Curry bumping to 126 for sectionals, Garcia becomes the favorite. He was the 106-pound champ last season and started this year at 113 before settling at 120.
His biggest threats are standout freshmen Sheets (DeSales) and Laymon (Sheridan).
126
Title Favorites: Grady Harding (Galion), Joseph Curry (Licking Valley), Bronson Begley (Alter)
Curry’s move to 126 creates a three-horse race for the title.
Returning state runner-up Harding has the slight edge, but Begley has been equally impressive. Curry, a previous champ, should be more comfortable at this weight after likely cutting too much at 120.
Harding and Curry both exit the Norwalk district. If Harding and Begley both win their districts, they’ll be separated at state.
132
Title Favorite: Blake Bartos (Medina Buckeye), Tate Hisey (Memorial), Cannan Smith (Chillicothe)
This weight features two returning champs, Bartos and Hisey, along with third-place finisher Smith.
Bartos has been slightly more impressive, but all three are in the mix. Smith is a pinner, and Hisey knows what it takes to win in March.
They exit different districts, meaning Bartos and Hisey will be separated as past champs. Smith has seeding criteria but will see Bartos or Hisey in the semis.
138
Title Favorite: Aiden King (Bishop Hartley)
The defending champ is the clear favorite, but a couple of freshmen could challenge him.
Oscar (Clear Fork) has been one of the most dynamic freshmen in the state and sits at #2 behind King.
Rowlands (Watterson) started slow but has been improving. He lost 7-3 to King mid-season but closed the gap to 5-4 at State Duals. If his progression continues, he could extend Watterson’s streak to four straight years with a freshman state champ.
144
Title Favorite: Mitchell Younger (Watterson)
Younger’s quest for a four state titles ended last year when he lost in the semifinals to the excellent Saccoccia. This season, he’s back with a vengeance, dominating with all bonus-point wins.
No one in Division 2 is getting within 10 points of this version of Younger.
150
Title Favorites: Mason Turnbaugh (Ontario), James Lindsay (Watterson), Louden Dixon (West Holmes), Jake Hughes (Beaver)
This is the deepest and most unpredictable weight in Division 2.
Turnbaugh (3rd at 138) and Lindsay (runner-up at 138) bring experience, while Dixon (5th at 144) has an OT win over Lindsay this season.
Hughes, a freshman, has only lost twice in-state—both to Reedy (Sheridan) at 157, including a 1-1 UTB match. He also owns a 7-1 win over Warwick (Massillon Perry).
Hughes and Dixon exit Steubenville, while Turnbaugh and Lindsay exit separate districts, setting up a what should be a balanced state bracket.
157
Title Favorite: Brody Saccoccia (Steubenville)
Saccoccia, the defending champ, may be the best wrestler in Division 2 this year, but his road to a repeat won’t be easy.
Returning runners-up Hertenstein (Memorial) and Gilmore (Marengo Highland) are threats, as is undefeated Reedy (Sheridan), who won titles at Brecksville and Maumee Bay, including a victory over former D1 #1 Aquila (Brecksville).
165
Title Favorites: Gage Murphy (Reading), Joel Welch (DeSales)
Murphy remains undefeated, with his closest match being an OT win over Crooks (Graham). He’s the slight favorite, but Welch is a real threat.
Welch, who won his district over eventual state runner-up Overmyer last year, fell short of placing at state but looks vastly improved and ready for a title run.
175
Title Favorite: Rod Owens (Archbishop Alter)
Owens, a fourth-place finisher in D3 last year, has dominated as a junior. He owns three wins over Hoffman (Springboro), a major decision over Barford (DeSales), and titles at GMVWA, CIT, and Wadsworth GIT.
By next season, expect him to be one of Ohio’s top recruits.
Kroninger (Beechcroft) could challenge him, but he’s been largely inactive, with his only appearance being at the Medina Invite, where he won four matches before forfeiting to Waxler (Wauseon) in the finals.
190
Title Favorite: Lincoln Shulaw (DeSales)
After two straight runner-up finishes, Shulaw is the clear favorite to win a title. There’s a noticeable gap between him and the field.
His main competition comes from freshmen Tepley (CVCA) and Feister (Archbishop Hoban), along with Miller (Canfield), who will all push for a finals spot opposite Shulaw.
215
Title Favorites: Michael Boyle (Watterson), Brayton Feister (Archbishop Hoban)
This is a bit of a mystery weight as we have returning champ Boyle, up from 165, and Feister, who was injured during last year’s postseason and has seen limited action this season.
Boyle is more technical and gritty, while Feister brings power. Since Feister lacks seeding criteria, this could end up as a semifinal matchup.
285
Title Favorite: Will Greenberg (Hawken)
Greenberg, last year’s runner-up, is the favorite, but there’s little separation in this field.
Stancombe (Madison Comprehensive), Blair (Chaminade-Julienne), and Winner (Greenville) all have the goods to pull an upset.
Top Teams
- Bishop Watterson
- St. Francis DeSales
- Medina Buckeye
- Wauseon
- Archbishop Alter
- Beaver
- Streetsboro
- Steubenville
- Perkins
- Sheridan
This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive team races in Division 2 in recent years.
Watterson is the favorite, led by Younger, Boyle, J. Lindsay, and possibly Rowlands as title contenders. They’ll need T. Lindsay to podium and extra points from Straquadine and Hunt.
DeSales will rely on Shulaw (190 favorite) and three potential finalists in Welch, Barford, and Sheets. They’ll need their big four to deliver because their supporting cast will be limited.
Buckeye, Wauseon, and Alter will battle for third, but none appear to have the firepower to challenge Watterson or DeSales. Wauseon, with its depth, may have the best shot.
Division 3
Division 3 Individual Rankings
106
Title Favorites: Bodey Gibbs (Columbia), Ethan Powell (Genoa), Braedyn Tammarine (Liberty Center), Chance Wuhr (Lake Catholic), Derion Williams (Trinity)
This is the most wide-open weight in Division 3. The freshman Gibbs and returning runner-up Williams are probably slightly above the field, but there’s little separation among the top five.
- Williams, last year’s runner-up, is undefeated but missed time due to a mid-season injury. He appears back to full strength for the postseason.
- Gibbs has split matches with Powell and holds wins over Tammarine and Savage (Moeller).
- Powell has a win over Tammarine.
- Tammarine has beaten Bagdonas (Perrysburg) and Bergeron (Granville), both state contenders in other divisions.
- Wuhr owns an impressive résumé with wins over D1 prospects Bagdonas, Adams (Massillon Perry), Schulz (Brecksville), Savage, and Snyder (Mt. Vernon) but hasn’t faced anyone from this D3 group.
113
Title Favorites: Jake Landis (Graham), Scott Fuller (Genoa)
Landis took 4th in D2 last year and was Ohio’s highest placer at the Ironman, scoring wins over Garcia (Bexley) and Whitely (St. Edward).
Fuller, last year’s runner-up, hasn’t lost to an in-state opponent this season.
The two haven’t met yet, but Landis may have a slight edge based on his Ironman performance, where Fuller failed to place. However, Landis lacks seeding criteria, so they could meet in the semifinals
120
Title Favorites: Spencer Shore (Miami East), Tommy Slack (Lake Catholic)
Shore and Slack lead this weight, with Skelly (Waynedale) lurking.
Shore has been more dominant this season, but Slack wrestles a tougher schedule. Shore was ranked #2 last year but failed to make weight at state, while Slack placed 5th at 113. Neither holds seeding criteria.
126
Title Favorite: Adam Mattin (Delta)
Mattin is chasing his third state title and fourth finals appearance to cap off an outstanding career. There’s no one here that will stop him.
The main challengers to meet him in the finals will be state runner-up Graham (Fairland) along with freshmen Ineman (Lake Catholic) and Schlaegel (Elgin).
132
Title Favorites: Blaine DeMarco (Graham)
With Attisano moving up to 138, DeMarco is now the overwhelming favorite at 132.
A fourth-place finisher in D2 last year, he’s had an impressive season, including a wild 20-17 sudden victory win over Attisano in the GMVWA finals.
There’s a sizable gap between him and the rest of the field. Freshman Grady Phelps (Riverdale) is likely the next best, but there’s no guarantee he lands on the opposite side of the bracket from DeMarco.
138
Title Favorite: Nathan Attisano (Legacy Christian), Abe Hermes (Milan Edison), Caden Schmeltzer (Waynedale)
Hermes was the early favorite, but Schmeltzer’s mid-season drop from 144 changed the landscape. Then Attisano, last year’s champ at 132, entered sectionals here, making this one of the most competitive weights in D3.
- Hermes won state two years ago and placed 3rd last year, losing 3-2 to Attisano in the semis.
- Schmeltzer was 5th last season but has taken a leap, remaining undefeated and unchallenged this year.
- Attisano brings championship pedigree and may have the edge over the other two.
All three exit separate districts, ensuring Hermes and Attisano are split at state due to their past placements.
144
Title Favorites: Jordan Neal (LCC), Christopher Marshall (Centerburg), Cowin Becker (Northmor), Cole Winemiller (Graham)
With Schmeltzer dropping to 138, 144 is now wide open.
- Neal, 5th last season as a freshman, has dominated in-state competition aside from a loss to Shawger (St. Xavier), now the D1 favorite at 138.
- Marshall, last year’s runner-up, spent the season at 150 before dropping to 144 and beating Becker 6-5 at leagues.
- Winemiller, another excellent Graham freshman, has improved as the season progressed, securing wins over multiple state placers.
All four exit the loaded Troy district, meaning they’ll be separated in the state bracket.
150
Title Favorites: Tyson Seesholtz (South Range), Caleb Greenwood (Beachwood)
Greenwood took 8th last year but has made a jump this season, including a 9-8 win over Seesholtz in the Medina finals.
Seesholtz was 4th at 150 as a freshman but failed to place last year. Aside from his loss to Greenwood, he’s been dominant.
They’ll meet again at the Coshocton district, with a likely rematch at state.
157
Title Favorite: Brogan Tucker (Graham)
The NC State commit is a three-time champ and will finish his career as a four-timer. His pace and technique are unmatched in this weight. I don’t expect his finals match to make it to the third period.
165
Title Favorites: Ayden King (Barnesville), Braxton Quaintance (Lakota)
King and Quaintance are the top two 165-pounders in Ohio, regardless of division.
- King lost 1-0 in last year’s semis before taking 3rd. He’s undefeated in-state, highlighted by a Brecksville title over Johnson (Massillon Perry). He’s elite in all positions and hard to score on.
- Quaintance made the state finals last year but lost on an illegal slam. He’s undefeated this season with big titles at Defiance, Perrysburg, and Maumee Bay.
Despite being the favorites, 165 is stacked with the excellent Clear (Malvern) and freshmen Brooks (Graham) and Manley (River Valley) looming.
King, Clear, and Manley exit Coshocton, likely forcing Quaintance, Clear, and Manley into the same half of the state bracket, opposite King.
175
Title Favorite: Luke James (Milan Edison)
James is the heavy favorite and possibly the best 175-pounder in the state across all divisions. He’s won Brecksville and Maumee Bay, taking out Horak (Massillon Perry) and Mize (Marysville).
His main challengers are returning runner-up Awsom Mitchell (Triad) and Graham freshman Jakob Hoke.
190
Title Favorites: Ronnie Thomas (Mechanicsburg)
Thomas is undefeated and has pulled away from the field, highlighted by wins over Horak (Massillon Perry) and Takats (Perrysburg) en route to a Brecksville title.
His main competition is Robert McCrork (Waynedale), who is also undefeated but hasn’t faced the same level of competition. His closest match of the season was a 5-point win over Sintobin (Delta).
Depending on the bracket draw, this could be a semifinal. If that’s the case, look for Mannier (Graham), Sintobin, or Evans (Monroeville) to make the finals opposite Thomas.
215
Title Favorite: Danny Zmorowski (Lake Catholic)
The returning 3rd place finisher in this weight, and Fargo finalist is the top dog here, but he won’t go unchallenged.
Danny Hoke (Graham) and Pummell (Indian Lake) both have the goods to pull the upset.
Zmorowski beat Hoke 1-0 at the State Duals while Hoke and Pummel met at the State Duals qualifier but Pummel defaulted due to injury.
Pummel and Hoke are both at the Troy district and will be separated at state, meaning one will land on Zmorowski’s side of the bracket while the other should have a clear path to the finals.
285
Title Favorite: Landen Thomas (Harrison Central)
Thomas was runner-up last year at this weight to Cunningham (Crestview). With Cunningham gone, he’s the favorite.
3rd place finisher Riggenbach (Dalton) is the top challenger with Odenthal (Nelsonville-York) and Sullivan (Fairless) close behind.
Sullivan, a second-year wrestler, is the wildcard. He’s powerful, athletic, and rarely sees the second period.
Smigelski (Swanton) could also make a finals push, but his health is questionable.
Top Teams
- Graham
- Delta
- Waynedale
- Lake Catholic
- Milan Edison
- Miami East
- Northmor
- Trinity
- Lima Central Catholic
- Genoa
Graham will likely finish 100 points ahead of the runner-up in division 3. They’ll have 2-3 state champions and around 10 state placers.
The real battle is for second as Delta and Waynedale appear to be neck and neck heading into the postseason.
Delta is led by two-time state champ Mattin and should place 7-9 wrestlers. They’ll be without standout freshman Marcus Nagel, who suffered a season-ending injury, but his replacement, Daniel Thatcher, has podium potential.
Waynedale will need 5-7 placers to stay in contention and must push Schmeltzer, McCrork, and possibly Skelly into the finals to offset Delta’s depth. They come out of a weak district, allowing them to qualify a large number of wrestlers for state. Every point will be crucial in their fight for second place.
Lake Catholic is close behind Delta and Waynedale. This is a team on the rise. Expect to see them near the top of the leaderboard for the foreseeable future.