The Guillotine's Latest Shockwaves: Unpacking The 2025-2026 Minnesota High School Wrestling Rankings
The 2025-2026 Minnesota High School Wrestling season is officially in full swing, and as of today, December 22, 2025, the landscape is already showing clear divisions of power across the three MSHSL classes. The initial rankings, compiled by authoritative sources like The Guillotine, have set the stage for intense sectional battles and a highly anticipated State Tournament in March. These early-season placements are crucial, not only for bragging rights but for determining the immediate pressure and expectations on the state's elite programs and individual competitors. The buzz surrounds perennial giants and dark horse contenders alike, all vying for the coveted top spot in their respective classes.
The latest rankings, with updates as recent as December 4, 2025, reveal the teams and individuals who have established themselves as the ones to beat. The top seeds—St. Michael-Albertville in Class AAA, Simley in Class AA, and Staples-Motley in Class A—are expected to face stiff challenges from rivals like Shakopee, Becker, and LPGE-Browerville, respectively. This comprehensive analysis will break down the latest placements, spotlighting the key wrestlers and teams dominating the Minnesota wrestling scene as the holiday tournament season approaches.
The Dominators: Breakdown of Class AAA Team and Individual Rankings
Class AAA, the largest and arguably most competitive division, is currently being dictated by the sheer dominance of St. Michael-Albertville (STMA). The Knights have secured the No. 1 team ranking, a position they are accustomed to, signaling their intent to capture another state title in the 2025-2026 season. Their early-season performance has been flawless, with a strong showing against tough competitors.
The primary threat to STMA’s reign comes from the powerhouse program of Shakopee, a team known for its deep roster and ability to peak late in the season. Other notable contenders in the Class AAA team standings include Bemidji, Prior Lake, and Albert Lea, all of whom possess the talent to disrupt the top two. The rankings also feature strong programs like Centennial/SLP, Minnetonka, Holy Family, and Edina, demonstrating the depth of competition at this level.
Key Class AAA Individuals to Watch
The individual rankings in Class AAA are electrifying, featuring some of the state’s most promising talent. The 107-pound weight class is particularly noteworthy, with Jackson Thorn of St. Michael-Albertville leading the charge. Thorn, a sophomore, is ranked No. 1 and is building on an impressive freshman campaign. He is closely followed by Oscar Hanks of Bemidji, who has also shown exceptional skill early in the season.
- Jackson Thorn (St. Michael-Albertville): Ranked No. 1 at 107 lbs, a potential state champion.
- Landon Thoennes (St. Michael-Albertville): A top-ranked wrestler who provides critical points for the Knights.
- Nehemiah Schwimghammer (Bemidji): A key upper-weight wrestler for the Bemidji program.
- Brock Zurn (Prior Lake): A crucial figure in the Lakers' push for team success.
The focus on individual excellence is crucial, as dual meet victories often come down to key matchups between these ranked athletes. The depth of talent in Class AAA suggests that the state tournament will be a battle of attrition, with champions emerging from a field of highly competitive wrestlers.
The Powerhouse of Class AA: Simley's Reign and Top Contenders
In Class AA, the narrative often begins and ends with the Simley Spartans. The Spartans, a perennial state championship contender, are once again ranked No. 1 in the team standings. Their program consistently produces elite wrestlers and is known for its incredible coaching and rigorous schedule. Simley’s dominance in Class AA is a testament to their sustained excellence over the past decade.
However, the gap is closing, with several strong programs poised to challenge Simley's supremacy. Becker is one such team, consistently ranked high and featuring a roster capable of matching up well against the Spartans. Other teams making noise in the Class AA rankings include programs like Dawson-Boyd/Lac qui Parle/Montevideo United (DB/LQPV/M United) and a host of Central Minnesota prep teams, such as Royalton-Upsala, who have individuals highly ranked. The competitive nature of Class AA ensures that Simley will not have an easy path to the state final.
Class AA Individual Standouts Shaping the Season
The Class AA individual rankings are loaded with talent, including several wrestlers who are nationally recognized. Cash Raymond of Simley is a standout, bringing national attention to the Class AA division. His early-season results have confirmed his status as one of the top wrestlers in the state, regardless of class.
Another wrestler making a significant impact is Eli Olson from the Dawson-Boyd/Lac qui Parle/Montevideo United cooperative. Olson is a high-ranking individual whose performance is vital to his team’s success in the Class AA team standings. The depth of the Class AA individual rankings, which includes multiple state champions from the previous year, highlights the high caliber of wrestling in this division.
Class A's Elite: Staples-Motley and the Small-School Giants
Class A represents the smallest schools but often features some of the state's most fiercely competitive and passionate wrestling communities. For the 2025-2026 season, Staples-Motley has been designated as the team to beat, securing the No. 1 ranking. Their program has established a reputation for toughness and excellent fundamentals, making them a difficult dual-meet opponent for any team.
Close behind Staples-Motley are other established small-school giants, including LPGE-Browerville (Long Prairie-Grey Eagle/Browerville), a program that has historically been at the top of the Class A rankings. The rivalry between these top teams, along with others like Adrian, Albany, and Aitkin, will define the Class A sectional and state tournament action. The success of Class A teams often relies on a few dominant individuals who can carry the team in key weight classes, making every dual meet score highly volatile.
Top-Ranked Class A Wrestlers to Follow
The individual rankings in Class A are defined by gritty, hard-nosed wrestlers who have mastered the fundamentals. The lower weights often feature fast-paced, high-scoring matches, while the upper weights demonstrate incredible strength and technique. Key individuals like Jaxson Rohman and Ethan Lebrija, while not explicitly listed under a Class A ranking in the earliest updates, represent the caliber of athlete that rises through the ranks in the small-school divisions, often coming from co-op programs that consolidate talent.
The competition in Class A is a true testament to the dedication of Minnesota's wrestling community, proving that size does not dictate the quality of the competition. The path to the state championship for Staples-Motley will require navigating a minefield of talented teams and highly motivated individual wrestlers from across the state.
Key Wrestlers to Watch: The 2025-2026 Season's Rising Stars
Beyond the team rankings, the Minnesota high school wrestling scene is defined by the incredible individual talent on display. The 2025-2026 season is shaping up to be a showcase for several athletes who have already achieved state-level success or are on the verge of breaking out. These wrestlers are the entities that drive the conversation and the excitement surrounding the sport.
The list of must-watch athletes extends across all weight classes and classes. From the lightweights to the heavyweights, the state is producing top-tier competitors who are being scouted by major college programs. Their performance in the upcoming holiday tournaments—often a proving ground for state contenders—will solidify their rankings heading into the crucial sectional phase of the season. The constant updates to the rankings reflect the dynamic nature of high school wrestling, where a single victory or loss can drastically alter a wrestler's standing. The Star Tribune and The Guillotine will continue to track these athletes closely.
As the season progresses, the focus will shift from the initial rankings to head-to-head results. Teams like Alexandria, Annandale/Maple Lake, and Albany will be looking to climb the team rankings by securing wins over currently higher-ranked opponents. The next few weeks will be pivotal, setting the stage for the February push toward the MSHSL State Tournament in St. Paul, where the 2025-2026 champions will ultimately be crowned. Every pin, every decision, and every dual-meet victory is a step toward securing a legacy in Minnesota wrestling history.
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