The 2026 Idaho 3A (Small School) State Wrestling Championships preview highlights a highly competitive field in the small-school division, with several standout teams positioned to contend for the team title and numerous individuals poised for strong performances.

Top teams to watch include Malad from District V, entering as a strong favorite with 20 qualifiers and a deep lineup of returning talent, including multiple state placers and All-Americans. Kellogg from District I follows closely with 15 qualifiers and a solid group of experienced wrestlers. St. Maries (District I) brings 16 qualifiers and key returning placers, while Ririe (District VI) and Tri-Valley (District III) each qualify 10 wrestlers and feature notable state-experienced athletes, setting up intense competition among these programs.

Leading the individual highlights are the 2x state champions, including Carter Kimball (Grace, 12) at 138 pounds. The 1x state champions returning or noted include Jack Willie (Malad, 12) at 113, Colton Storey (Kellogg, 11) at 113, Kaden Schaff (Nezperce, 12) at 120, Henry Thomas (Glenns Ferry, 12) at 126, Drake Morrison(Malad, 11) at 157 (also an All-American), Aiden Yearout (St. Maries, 12) at 165, and Eli Noah (Tri-Valley, 12) at 190.

Several wrestlers stand out as 3x state placers, such as Jack Willie (Malad, 12) with placements of 5th, 2nd, and 1st at 113; Porter Mills (Malad, 12) at 138 (4th, 4th, 6th); Jace Waggoner (Tri-Valley, 12) at 150 (2nd, 6th, 4th); and Elijah Dilworth (Soda Springs, 12) at 190 (5th, 2nd, 2nd).

A strong group of 2x state placers bolsters the field, including Kevin Watson (Kellogg, 11) at 113 (5th, 3rd), Colton Storey (Kellogg, 11) at 113 (3rd, 1st), Johnny Stovern (Kellogg, 12) at 120 (3rd, 2nd), Ayden Potter (Malad, 12) at 120 (5th), Kaden Schaff (Nezperce, 12) at 120, Jack Schwendiman (Ririe, 12) at 138 (5th, 2nd), Kelby Harvey (St. Maries, 11) at 144 (5th, 4th), Chase Scribner (Kellogg, 12) at 144 (3rd, 6th), Drake Morrison (Malad, 11) at 157 (3rd, 1st), Aiden Yearout (St. Maries, 12) at 165 (3rd, 1st), Oakley Maddox (Malad, 11) at 175 (2nd, 3rd), and Eli Noah (Tri-Valley, 12) at 190 (4th, 1st).

Additional state placers from recent seasons add depth across weights, such as Jake Barzee(West Side, 10) as a 106-pound champion, Jack Jones (Ririe, 12) with 2nd at 106, Zach David (St. Maries, 12) with 2nd at 150, and others like Rydon Montgomery (Malad, 12) at 190 (5th) and multiple placers at 215 and 285.

This division features All-Americans Drake Morrison (Malad) and Oakley Maddox (Malad), underscoring their elite national-level recognition.

On the college front, Aiden Yearout (St. Maries) has committed to North Idaho College (NJCAA), marking a key future step for one of the division’s top talents.

With Malad’s depth, Kellogg’s returning champions, and strong challengers from St. Maries, Ririe, and Tri-Valley, the 2026 3A division promises exciting matchups and potential repeat or breakthrough performances at the state tournament.

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

TEAMS TO WATCH

MALAD (District V): 20 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers:

113 – Jack Willie (12): 5^th, 2^nd, 1^st

113 – Jaxon Mills (10): 5^th

120 – Ayden Potter (12): 5^th

138 – Porter Mills (12): 4^th, 4^th, 6^th

157 – Drake Morrison (11): 3^rd, 1^st*

175 – Oakley Maddox (11): 2^nd, 3^rd*

190 – Rydon Montgomery (12): 5^th

State Qualifiers to Watch:

98 – Brecken Price (9)

98 – Kallen Price (9)

150 – Parker Price (11)

165 – Chase Martin (12)

215 – Cam Bingham (12)

285 – Trevor Allen (11)

KELLOGG (District I): 15 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers:

113 – Kevin Watson (11): 5^th, 3^rd

113 – Colton Storey (11): 3^rd, 1^st

120 – Johnny Stovern (12): 3^rd, 2^nd

126 – Carson Hinkelman (10), 2^nd

144 – Chase Scribner (12): 3^rd, 6^th

150 – Jayce Haynes (12): 5^th

State Qualifiers to Watch:

106 – Lowden White (10)

215 – A.J. Peak (12)

RIRIE (District VI): 10 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers:

106 – Jack Jones (12): 2^nd

132 – Breylon Moon (12): 4^th

138 – Jack Schwendiman (12): 5^th, 2^nd

State Qualifiers to Watch:

144 – Ashtyn Crapo (12)

150 – Declan Yearsley (9)

165 – McKay Yearsley (11)

ST. MARIES (District I): 16 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers:

144 – Kelby Harvey (11): 5^th, 4^th

150 – Zach David (12): 2^nd

165 – Aiden Yearout (12): 3^rd, 1^st

State Qualifiers to Watch:

157 – Amado Stewart (12)

190 – Zack Sotin (12)

215 – Rustle Brusseau (12)

TRI-VALLEY (District III): 10 Qualifiers

Returning State Placers:

126 – Bill Avery (10): 4^th

150 – Jace Waggoner (12): 2^nd, 6^th, 4^th

175 – Wyatt Moura (12): 6^th, 6^th

190 – Eli Noah (12): 4^th, 1^st

State Qualifiers to Watch:

144 – Kaden Nokes (11)

215 – Mishka Rapp (11)

138 – Carter Kimball (Grace, 12) 

1X STATE CHAMPIONS

106 – Jake Barzee (West Side, 10)

113 – Jack Willie (Malad, 12)

113 – Colton Storey (Kellogg, 11)

120 – Kaden Schaff (Nezperce, 12) ’25

126 – Henry Thomas (Glenns Ferry, 12)

157 – Drake Morrison (Malad, 11)/All-American

165 – Aiden Yearout (St. Maries, 12)

190 – Eli Noah (Tri-Valley, 12)

3X STATE PLACERS 

113 – Jack Willie (Malad, 12): 5^th, 2^nd, 1^st

138 – Porter Mills (Malad, 12): 4^th, 4^th, 6^th

150 – Jace Waggoner (Tri-Valley, 12): 2^nd, 6^th, 4^th

190 – Elijah Dilworth (Soda Springs, 12): 5^th, 2^nd, 2^nd

2X STATE PLACERS 

113 – Kevin Watson (Kellogg, 11): 5^th, 3^rd

113 – Colton Storey (Kellogg, 11): 3^rd, 1^st

120 – Kaden Schaff (Nezperce, 12), 2nd, 1st (’25)

120 – Johnny Stovern (Kellogg, 12): 3^rd, 2^nd

120 – Ayden Potter (Malad, 12): 5^th

126 – Henry Thomas (Glenns Ferry, 12): 6^th, 1^st

132 – Peter Fabbi (Clearwater Valley, 11): 6^th, 2^nd

138 – Carter Kimball (Grace, 12): 2x State Champion

138 – Jack Schwendiman (Ririe, 12): 5^th, 2^nd

138 – Hunter Gamble (Orofino, 12): 5^th, 5^th

144 – Kelby Harvey (St. Maries, 11): 5^th, 4^th

144 – Chase Scribner (Kellogg, 12): 3^rd, 6^th

157 – Drake Morrison (Malad, 11): 3^rd, 1^st*

165 – Aiden Yearout (St. Maries, 12): 3^rd, 1^st

175 – Oakley Maddox (Malad, 11): 2^nd, 3^rd*

175 – Wyatt Moura (Tri-Valley, 12): 6^th, 6^th

165 – Mac Hall (West Jefferson, 12): 6^th, 2^nd

190 – Eli Noah (Tri-Valley, 12): 4^th, 1^st

126 – Ben Reinke (North Fremont, 11): 4^th

STATE PLACERS

106 – Jake Barzee (West Side, 10): State Champion

106 – Jack Jones (Ririe, 12): 2^nd

113 – Jaxon Mills (Malad, 10): 5^th

113 – Ryker Spencer (Challis, 10): 6^th

120 – Teran Tracy (Raft River, 10): 3^rd

120 – Taylor Izzard (Marsing, 10): 4^th

126– Carsun Hinkelmann (Kellogg, 10): 2^nd

126 – Bill Avery (Tri-Valley, 10): 4^th

132 – Bryce Jensen (North Fremont, 12): 2^nd

132 – Eian Schwecke (Kendrick, 11): 3^rd

132 – Breylon Moon (Ririe, 12): 4^th

144 – Parker Wangsgard (West Side, 12): 4^th

144 – Tanner Labrum (Kamiah, 12): 6^th

144 – Payton Martindale (North Fremont, 12): 5^th

150 – Jayce Haynes (Kellogg, 12): 5^th

150 – Zach David (St. Maries, 12): 2^nd

165 – Kaiser Henne (Nampa Christian, 12): 4^th

165 – Conner Christensen (Clearwater Valley, 11): 6^th

190 – Rydon Montgomery (Malad, 12): 5^th

215 – Beau Ringel (Firth, 12): 2^nd

215 – Tannon Nelson (Aberdeen, 12): 3^rd

215 – Nolan Darrough (New Plymouth, 11): 4^th

215 – Rawley Babcock (West Jefferson, 12): 6^th

285 – Michael Lizarraga (Firth, 12): 4^th

285 – Robert Fuentes (Declo, 12): 5^th

285 – Will Whittier (Challis, 12): 6^th

ALL-AMERICANS*

Drake Morrison (Malad)

Oakley Maddox (Malad)

COLLEGE COMMITS

Aiden Yearout (St. Maries), North Idaho College (NJCAA)