As the curtain closes on the 2025-26 high school wrestling season following the prestigious U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, Idaho once again proved it can produce elite talent capable of competing with the nation’s best.

National wrestling analyst Billy Buckheit released his final High School on SI national rankings, which combine performances from the high school season, national folkstyle events, and freestyle competition, culminating with Fargo. Among the thousands of wrestlers evaluated across the country, four Idaho standouts earned national recognition: Ryan Hirchert (Nampa), Brand’n Edstrom (Madison), Blake Nevills (Meridian), and Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge).

The quartet represents both the present and future of Idaho wrestling, showcasing the state’s continued emergence as a nationally respected wrestling power.

Ryan Hirchert (Nampa): 113s (HM)

Few wrestlers have authored a more accomplished high school career in Idaho than Ryan Hirchert.

The four-time Idaho state champion closes his prep career as one of the state’s most decorated lightweight wrestlers. Throughout his career, Hirchert consistently demonstrated technical excellence, composure, and championship consistency while adding Folkstyle All-American honors to his impressive résumé.

His national ranking serves as a fitting conclusion to one of Idaho’s outstanding prep careers.

Hirchert now turns his attention to the collegiate level, where he will continue wrestling at Reinhardt University (NAIA) in Georgia.

Brand’n Edstrom (Madison): 120s (#23)

Madison’s Brand’n Edstrom continues to elevate his national profile.

Ranked No. 23 nationally at 120 pounds, Edstrom backed up another outstanding high school season with an impressive summer on the national stage. The state champion and three-time Idaho state finalist has become one of the country’s most consistent performers, earning three Folkstyle All-American honors, a 2025 16U Fargo All-American finish, and adding Junior Fargo All-American honors in 2026.

Edstrom enters the 2026-27 season firmly established among Idaho’s elite lightweight wrestlers and will carry legitimate national expectations into his senior campaign.

Following graduation, he is committed to continue his wrestling career at Utah Valley University, one of the nation’s premier NCAA Division I wrestling programs.

Blake Nevils (Meridian) — 138s (HM)

Meridian’s Blake Nevils continues to establish himself as one of Idaho’s brightest young stars.

Already a two-time Idaho state champion, Nevills has paired state success with national accomplishments. After earning 16U Fargo All-American honors in 2025, he followed that performance by capturing a 16U Folkstyle National Championship, while also becoming a Folkstyle All-American.

This summer, Nevills successfully made the jump into the Junior division, earning Junior Fargo All-American honors and receiving Honorable Mention in the final national rankings.

With two high school seasons still remaining, Nevills enters the 2026-27 campaign as one of Idaho’s premier light-middleweight wrestlers and one of the state’s top long-term Division I prospects.

Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge): 144s (#18)

Among Idaho’s nationally recognized wrestlers, Sean Hall earned the state’s highest final ranking.

Rated No. 18 nationally at 144 pounds, Hall has quietly assembled one of the strongest résumés in Idaho wrestling.

The two-time Idaho state champion and four-time state medalist (4th, 3rd, 1st, 1st) added another major accomplishment this season by winning the 2026 Folkstyle National Championship. A multiple-time Folkstyle All-American, Hall also earned Fargo All-American honors in 2024, demonstrating success across every major level of national competition.

Pound for pound, Hall has developed into one of Idaho’s premier wrestlers, combining technical precision, consistency, and championship experience against elite competition nationwide.

Idaho Continues Its National Rise

Having four wrestlers represented in the final national rankings underscores the remarkable growth of Idaho wrestling.

Each athlete reached the rankings through a different path—state dominance, national folkstyle success, Fargo All-American performances, or a combination of all three—but together they reflect the increasing depth of talent being developed across the Gem State.

Just as importantly, three of the four nationally ranked wrestlers—Edstrom, Nevills, and Hall—return for the 2026-27 season, giving Idaho fans plenty to anticipate. Their continued development will not only shape the upcoming high school season but also strengthen Idaho’s reputation on the national wrestling landscape.

With more Idaho wrestlers consistently earning national rankings, All-American honors, and Division I opportunities than ever before, the state’s upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing.

Photos Courtesy of Travis Gugelman and Nampa High School wrestling.

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