As the 2026–2027 CIF Los Angeles City Section wrestling season approaches, the speculation surrounding which programs have the firepower to capture the team title is already heating up. While the offseason rumor mill is often dominated by talk of high-profile transfers and phenom incoming freshmen, true program strength is built on development and retention.

Cutting through the noise of offseason additions, a recent deep-dive analysis zeroes in strictly on core program development, ranking the top five LA City Section teams based entirely on returning points from the 2026 season.

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Birmingham Charter – Returning 119 Points

Key Returners: Greg Gyumushyan (Sr.), Maxim Sim (So.), Arkadii Oganisian (So.), Greg Torosian (Sr.), Ari Hasani (Sr.), Wyatt Bingham (Sr.)

The Patriots are looking to reload after graduating four state medalists and a state champion from a squad that secured a top 10 finish at the CIF State Tournament.

Nevertheless, the Patriots return two-time state place winner, multiple-time Fargo All-American, and USA wrestling team member Greg Torosian. Torosian is on course to become a four-time section champion and will be a massive asset to the lineup.

Leading the charge alongside him is senior Ari Hasani, who captured his first section title last year as a junior and battled to a solid 2-2 record at the state tournament. The roster is further strengthened by returning section finalists Greg Gyumushyan and Arkadii Oganisian. Wyatt Bingham is also back to score points after taking third in his bracket, following a strong regular season where he entered the postseason as a No. 2 seed.

Additionally, keep an eye on sophomore Maxim Sim. At one-point last season, he was ranked in the top 15 and favored in winning his weight class before unfortunately having to miss the section tournament. Coach Medeiros has high expectations for Sim, who is poised to be a very tough matchup for anyone he faces this year.

San Fernando High – Returning 114.5 Points

Key Returners: Thiago Solano (So.), Ivan Cabrera (So.), Matthew Gonzales (Sr.), Gabriel Meza (Sr.), Sebastian Loera (Jr.), Ruben Soliz (Jr.), Luis Marrero (Sr.), Luis Laparra (Sr.), Justin Arana (Jr.), Jonathan Cruz (Sr.)

The Tigers are bringing back a deep roster of 10 point-scorers from a squad that secured a runner-up finish in last year’s team standings.

Leading the way is senior Matthew Gonzales, who broke through to capture his first section title last season after earning runner-up finishes as both a freshman and a sophomore.

Also looking to make a push for the top of the podium are junior Ruben Soliz and senior Luis Marrero, both of whom are returning after strong second-place section finishes last year. The lineup is further bolstered by Thiago Solano and Luis Laparra, who placed fifth and sixth, respectively. Meanwhile, Sebastian Loera and Justin Arana return with valuable experience after both battling to 2-2 records at the section tournament, providing excellent depth for the Tigers.

El Camino Real Charter – Returning 85.5 Points

Key Returners: Damir Martynov (So.), Jacob Rice (Jr.), Isaac Gamboa (Jr.), Julio Lemos (Jr.), Tristean Fonvergne (Jr.), Aron Moeller (Sr.), Abtin Rostama (Sr.), D’Angelo Escobedo (Jr.)

Senior Abtin Rostama steps up as the top returning wrestler for the Conquistadores after an impressive runner-up finish at last year’s section tournament.

He will have strong backup from a deep group of returning section placers who are ready to score big points this season. Juniors Isaac Gamboa and Tristean Fonvergne lead that supporting cast after both secured solid fourth place finishes last year. Rounding out this strong core of veterans are senior Aron Moeller and junior Jacob Rice, who took fifth and sixth, respectively, at the section tournament.

Eagle Rock High – Returning 69 Points

Key Returners: Kenneth Castaneda (So.), Joshua Robles (Sr.), Gryphen Huynh (Sr.), Keawe Porter (Jr.), Nathaniel Mojica (Sr.), Robert Garcia (Sr.), Jackson Schiebler (Sr.)

Eagle Rock brings a formidable lineup to the mat this season, highlighted by the return of two section finalists. Seniors Joshua Robles and Robert Garcia will lead the charge, both looking to reach the top of the podium after their impressive runner-up finishes last year.

The roster also features strong returning point-scorers, including senior Nathaniel Mojica, who battled his way to a solid fifth place finish last season. Providing additional depth and veteran experience are senior Gryphen Huynh and junior Keawe Porter, who are both looking to build on the 2-2 records they posted at the section tournament.

Banning High – Returning 68 Points

Key Returners: Junior Lopez (Sr.), Eduardo Sanchez (Jr.), Jose Escobar (Jr.), Andre Hernandez (Jr.), Alessandro Pimentel (Jr.), Alfonso Galvan (Sr.), Julius Alvarez (Jr.)

Senior Junior Lopez steps up as the undisputed leader for Banning this season. He returns with elite experience after capturing a section title and competing at the CIF State Tournament last year.

Backing him up is a strong junior class of returning section placers who will be heavily relied upon to score points. Jose Escobar leads that group after taking fourth at the section tournament, while Eduardo Sanchez and Alessandro Pimentel secured fifth and sixth-place finishes, respectively. The lineup is further bolstered by junior Andre Hernandez, who brings valuable postseason experience after a solid 2-2 showing at the section tournament.

Photo Courtesy of John Sachs