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Watch the Idaho Mat Chat State Tournament Preview Show!

The 2026 Idaho 4A State Wrestling Championships are shaping up to be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory, headlined by a handful of powerhouse programs boasting exceptional depth, returning state champions, decorated placers, All-Americans, and even a Division I college commit.

Leading the charge among the top teams is American Falls from District V, which qualified an impressive 17 wrestlers and returns a loaded lineup of experienced talent capable of contending for the team trophy. Their roster is anchored by three-time state champion and Utah Valley University commit Nathan Gugelman II at 144 pounds, who enters his senior season chasing a historic fourth straight title. American Falls also boasts multiple All-Americans and a slew of multi-time placers, including seniors Chance Povey (106 lbs, 2nd and 5th), Evan Simms (138 lbs, back-to-back 4ths), Wade Williams (157 lbs, 3rd and 2nd), and Titus Dillow (165 lbs, 5th), alongside juniors Onyx Kunsaitis (150 lbs, 4th and 1st) and Blaise Turner (190 lbs, 3rd and 1st), plus Kai Christiansen (132 lbs, 5th). With additional threats like Brian Lopez at 144 pounds, American Falls possesses the perfect blend of proven excellence and emerging depth to make a serious run at the championship.

Homedale from District III arrives with the second-highest qualifier count at 20, positioning them as another elite contender built on both championship pedigree and youthful potential. The Trojans feature two returning state champions in sophomore Jakobe Valle (106 lbs) and junior Trevor Paynter (113 lbs, who also placed 2nd previously), giving them immediate title threats at the lightest weights. Supporting them are multi-time placers Ryker Layne (106 lbs, 3rd), Porter Swan (126 lbs, 3rd), and sophomore Braelyn Arredondo (132 lbs, 2nd). Homedale’s upper weights add significant firepower with qualifiers Asa Black (138 lbs), Nathan Martson (175 lbs), freshman Hunter Bell (190 lbs), and senior Grady Walgamott (215 lbs), creating a balanced lineup that could challenge for the team crown through consistent scoring across the entire bracket.

Snake River from District V brings the largest contingent with a staggering 25 qualifiers, making them the deepest team in the field and a legitimate favorite to contend for top honors through sheer volume and quality. Their returning placers read like a who’s who of Idaho wrestling, led by senior Kelton Reynolds (132 lbs, 1st and 3rd) and including Gus Packer (113 lbs, 2nd), Gage Reynolds (126 lbs, 3rd and 5th), Logan Marshall (157 lbs, 4th), Clancy Howell (165 lbs, 5th and 3rd), and Lynden Stone (285 lbs, 4th), plus Colt Thompson (144 lbs, 6th). Snake River’s underclassmen and additional qualifiers further strengthen their position, with standout freshmen and sophomores such as Morris Heib and Jaxon Phillips (both 98 lbs), Pierce Hales (120 lbs), Joseph West (126 lbs), Ryker Thomas (175 lbs), Colt Barron (190 lbs), and Jarrett Fuller (215 lbs). This combination of experience and breadth across every weight class positions Snake River as perhaps the most dangerous team when the brackets are finalized.

Rounding out the primary teams to watch are Buhl (District IV, 14 qualifiers) and Fruitland (District III, 18 qualifiers), both of which bring high-quality returners that could produce multiple individual champions and push the top teams in the standings. Buhl is powered by senior standouts Raidyn Pugsley (150 lbs, 2nd and 1st) and Fabi Pierce (175 lbs, back-to-back 2nds), along with junior Caleb Carpenter (285 lbs, 3rd), and promising qualifiers Ivan Hernandez (120 lbs), freshman Harper Stone (138 lbs), Titus Finley (190 lbs), and Porter Higley (215 lbs). Fruitland counters with senior Marcus Aleman (126 lbs, 2nd, 3rd, and 1st) and junior Kysen MacKenzie (165 lbs, 2nd and 4th), supported by a deep group of qualifiers including Wyatt Griffith (132 lbs), Jayden Bixby (138 lbs), Kobie Baxter (144 lbs), Logan Vaughn (150 lbs), freshman Sawyer Forbes (190 lbs), Alex Arredondo (215 lbs), and Isaiah Torres (285 lbs). Together, these five programs represent the clear upper echelon of 4A wrestling in Idaho heading into the state tournament.

Individually, the spotlight shines brightest on the returning state champions, a select group that includes one three-time titlist and several one-time gold medalists ready to defend or reclaim their crowns. Nathan Gugelman II of American Falls stands alone as the lone three-time state champion in the division, entering at 144 pounds as the overwhelming favorite and a Utah Valley University commit. The one-time state champions feature an exciting mix of youth and experience: sophomore Jakobe Valle (Homedale, 106 lbs), junior Trevor Paynter (Homedale, 113 lbs – also a 2024 champion), sophomore Greysen Packer (South Fremont, 120 lbs), junior Kole Younger (Marsh Valley, 126 lbs), senior Marcus Aleman (Fruitland, 126 lbs), senior Kelton Reynolds (Snake River, 132 lbs – 2024 champion), junior Raidyn Pugsley (Buhl, 150 lbs), junior Onyx Kunsaitis (American Falls, 150 lbs), and junior Blaise Turner (American Falls, 190 lbs). These wrestlers not only bring gold-medal experience but also serve as the anchors for their respective teams’ title hopes.

Beyond the champions, the tournament will be defined by an impressive collection of multi-time state placers who have consistently reached the podium and now seek higher honors. Three-time state placers include senior Wyatt Carey of Timberlake (113 lbs: 3rd, 2nd, 2nd), senior Marcus Aleman of Fruitland (126 lbs: 2nd, 3rd, 1st), and the aforementioned three-time champion Nathan Gugelman II (144 lbs: 1st, 1st, 1st). The two-time state placers list is even more extensive, featuring Chance Povey (American Falls, 106 lbs), Trevor Paynter (Homedale, 113 lbs), Gage Reynolds (Snake River, 126 lbs), Hunter Solomon (Marsh Valley, 120 lbs), Kelton Reynolds (Snake River, 132 lbs), Jed Townsend (Marsh Valley, 132 lbs), Evan Simms (American Falls, 138 lbs), Raidyn Pugsley (Buhl, 150 lbs), Kysen MacKenzie (Fruitland, 165 lbs), Wade Williams (American Falls, 157 lbs), Onyx Kunsaitis (American Falls, 150 lbs), Fabi Pierce (Buhl, 175 lbs), Clancy Howell (Snake River, 165 lbs), Kace Fullmer (Teton, 165 lbs), Blaise Turner (American Falls, 190 lbs), and Taylor Dodd (Bonners Ferry, 285 lbs). This depth of proven podium performers ensures that every weight class will feature multiple wrestlers with the experience and pedigree to reach the finals.

The 2026 4A field is further elevated by a standout group of All-Americans, each marked with elite national-level recognition: Nathan Gugelman II (American Falls), Greysen Packer (South Fremont), Onyx Kunsaitis (American Falls), Blaise Turner (American Falls), Wade Williams (American Falls), and Kace Fullmer (Teton). These wrestlers represent the very best Idaho has to offer on the national stage and will undoubtedly be the ones to beat when the competition intensifies at the Ford Idaho Center. Adding to the prestige is the lone college commit in the division, Nathan Gugelman II, who has already secured his future at Utah Valley University (DI), providing a clear example of the high-level opportunities available to 4A standouts.

Collectively, the combination of these top teams, returning champions, decorated state placers, All-Americans, and college-bound talent creates a preview filled with drama, rivalries, and potential history-making performances. With American Falls, Homedale, Snake River, Buhl, and Fruitland all loaded and ready, the 2026 Idaho 4A State Championships are guaranteed to deliver unforgettable wrestling and crown a new set of champions worthy of the state’s proud tradition.

Below is a breakdown of the teams to watch, returning champions, returning medalists, All-Americans, and college commits. 


TEAMS TO WATCH

AMERICAN FALLS (District V): 17 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers: 
106 – Zane Fabrizius (10): 5th
106 – Chance Povey (12): 2nd, 5th
132 – Kai Christiansen (11): 5th
138 – Evan Simms (12): 4th, 4th
144 – Nathan Gugelman II (12): 1st, 1st, 1st*
150 – Onyx Kunsaitis (11): 4th, 1st*
157 – Wade Williams (12): 3rd, 2nd*
165 – Titus Dillow (12): 5th
190 – Blaise Turner (11): 3rd, 1st*

State Qualifiers to Watch:
144 – Brian Lopez (12)


HOMEDALE (District III): 20 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers:
106 – Jakobe Valle (10): State Champion
106 – Ryker Layne (12): 3rd
113 – Trevor Paynter (11): 1st, 2nd
126 – Porter Swan (10): 3rd
132 – Braelyn Arredondo (10): 2nd

State Qualifiers to Watch:
138 – Asa Black (10)
175 – Nathan Marston (12)
190 – Hunter Bell (9)
215 – Grady Walgamott (12)


SNAKE RIVER (District V): 25 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers:
113 – Gus Packer (10): 2nd
126 – Gage Reynolds (11): 3rd, 5th
132 – Kelton Reynolds (12): 1st, 3rd
144 – Colt Thompson (10): 6th
157 – Logan Marshall (11): 4th  
165 – Clancy Howell (12): 5th, 3rd
285 – Lynden Stone (12): 4th

State Qualifiers to Watch:
98 – Morris Heib (10)
98 – Jaxon Phillips (9)
120 – Pierce Hales (10)
126 – Joseph West (12)
175 – Ryker Thomas (11)
190 – Colt Barron (9)
215 – Jarrett Fuller (10)


BUHL (District IV): 14 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers: 
150 – Raidyn Pugsley (11): 2nd, 1st
175 – Fabi Pierce (12): 2nd, 2nd
285 – Caleb Carpenter (11): 3rd

State Qualifiers to Watch:
120 – Ivan Hernandez (9)
138 – Harper Stone (9)
190 – Titus Finley (11)
215 – Porter Higley (12)


FRUITLAND (District III): 18 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers: 
126 – Marcus Aleman (12): 2nd, 3rd, 1st
165 – Kysen MacKenzie (11): 2nd, 4th

State Qualifiers to Watch:
132 – Wyatt Griffith (11)
138 – Jayden Bixby (10)
144 – Kobie Baxter (11)
150 – Logan Vaughn (10)
190 – Sawyer Forbes (10)
215 – Alex Arredondo (11)
285 – Isaiah Torres (10)


3X STATE CHAMPION 
144 – Nathan Gugelman II (American Falls, 12)*
  
1X STATE CHAMPIONS 
106 – Jakobe Valle (Homedale, 10)
113 – Trevor Paynter (Homedale, 11) ’24 
120 – Greysen Packer (South Fremont, 10)*
126 – Kole Younger (Marsh Valley, 11) 
126 – Marcus Aleman (Fruitland, 12)
132 – Kelton Reynolds (Snake River, 12) ’24 
150 – Raidyn Pugsley (Buhl, 11)
150 – Onyx Kunsaitis (American Falls, 11)*
190 – Blaise Turner (American Falls, 11)*
 
3X STATE PLACERS 
113 – Wyatt Carey (Timberlake, 12): 3rd, 2nd, 2nd
126 – Marcus Aleman (Fruitland, 12): 2nd, 3rd, 1st
144 – Nathan Gugelman II (American Falls, 12): 1st, 1st, 1st*
 
2X STATE PLACERS 
106 – Chance Povey (American Falls, 12): 2nd, 5th
113 – Trevor Paynter (Homedale, 11): 1st, 2nd
126 – Gage Reynolds (Snake River, 11): 3rd, 5th
120 – Hunter Solomon (Marsh Valley, 11): 4th, 3rd
132 – Kelton Reynolds (Snake River, 12): 1st, 3rd
132 – Jed Townsend (Marsh Valley, 12): 5th, 6th
138 – Evan Simms (American Falls, 12): 4th, 4th
150 – Raidyn Pugsley (Buhl, 11): 2nd, 1st
165 – Kysen MacKenzie (Fruitland, 11): 2nd, 4th
157 – Wade Williams (American Falls, 12): 3rd, 2nd*
150 – Onyx Kunsaitis (American Falls, 11): 4th, 1st*
175 – Fabi Pierce (Buhl, 12): 2nd, 2nd
165 – Clancy Howell (Snake River, 12): 5th, 3rd
165 – Kace Fullmer (Teton, 11): 5th, 2nd*
190 – Blaise Turner (American Falls, 11): 3rd, 1st*
285 – Taylor Dodd (Bonners Ferry, 11): 4th, 2nd
 
1X STATE PLACERS
98 – Tason Banta (Sugar-Salem, 11): 6th
106 – Jakobe Valle (Homedale, 10): State Champion
106 – Zane Fabrizius (American Falls, 10): 5th
106 – Ryker Layne (Homedale, 12): 3rd
106 – Colton D`Avanzo (Timberlake, 11): 4th
106 – Chance Povey (American Falls, 12): 5th
113 – Gus Packer (Snake River, 10): 2nd
113 – Ross McPherson (Bear Lake, 10): 6th
120 – Greysen Packer (South Fremont, 10): State Champion*
126 – Kole Younger (Marsh Valley, 11): 1st
126 – Porter Swan (Homedale, 10): 3rd
126 – Ridge Adams (Teton, 10): 6th
132 – Kai Christiansen (American Falls, 11): 5th
138 – Jett Atchley (Teton, 10): 5th
132 – Braelyn Arredondo (Homedale, 10): 2nd
138 – Cole Ingle (Weiser, 12): 3rd
144 – Colt Thompson (Snake River, 10): 6th
144 – Klete Cook (Weiser, 11): 6th
150 – Ezra Gillette (Gooding, 10): 5th  
157 – Tyson Cobb (Weiser, 11): 2nd  
157 – Logan Marshall (Snake River, 11): 4th  
157 – Koen Barendregt (Kimberly, 12): 3rd
157 – Chris Schmidt (Timberlake, 11): 5th
165 – Titus Dillow (American Falls, 12): 5th
165 – Joseph Torr (Timberlake, 10): 6th
175 – Kelton Ricks (South Fremont, 12): 6th  
190 – John Spilotros (McCall-Donnelly, 12): 5th  
285 – Caleb Carpenter (Buhl, 11): 3rd
215 – Talon Heinley (Payette, 11): 5th
285 – Lynden Stone (Snake River, 12): 4th
285 – Kaiden Peck (Weiser, 12): 5th


ALL-AMERICANS*
Nathan Gugelman II (American Falls)
Greysen Packer (South Fremont)
Onyx Kunsaitis (American Falls)
Blaise Turner (American Falls)
Wade Williams (American Falls)
Kace Fullmer (Teton)


COLLEGE COMMITS
Nathan Gugelman II (American Falls), Utah Valley University (DI)