Get ready, wrestling fans, because the 2026–2027 San Diego Section season is about to bring absolute fireworks to the mat! The battle for team supremacy is shaping up to be an absolute dogfight across the region, with stacked rosters and returning state champions ready to put on a show.To give you the ultimate sneak peek at who holds the early advantage entering the winter, we’ve crunched the numbers based strictly on returning points from last season’s explosive section tournament—excluding state tournament points, incoming freshmen, and prospective transfers.

(Note: This article is based purely on hard data and returning points, not a personal opinion or prediction on final team standings)

Here is your hyped-up, comprehensive breakdown of the Top 10 returning squads ready to tear through the San Diego Section.

Poway High – Returning 318 Points

Key Returners: Wyatt Carnrite (So.), Julius Villamil (Jr.), Rene Cordero (Sr.), Jack Malinconico (Sr.), Matthew Orbeta (Sr.), Diego Valdiviezo (Sr.), Bailey Holman (Sr.), Mason Carnrite (Sr.), Mario Carini (Sr.), Daniel Moylan (Sr.), Lewis Fofanah (Jr.)

Poway High returns a staggering 318 points and features a powerhouse lineup anchored by a pair of state champions in seniors Bailey Holman and Mario Carini. Holman was triumphant in winning the section tournament before going on to capture an individual state title for the Green Mean Machine. Carini, fresh off a second-place finish at the prestigious Fargo National Championships this month, secured his second state title and third section crown, cementing his status as a three-time state place-winner. They are joined by fellow Fargo National runner-up and senior Daniel Moylan, who captured his second section title and battled to a third-place finish at the state tournament once again.

The lineup receives a massive boost with the return of senior Arseni Kikiniou, a Cornell College commit who missed last season but is back to bolster the roster with his elite pedigree. Kikiniou is already a two-time CIF state place-winner, having battled to a hard-fought runner-up finish as a freshman and a fifth-place finish as a sophomore. He also brings world-class experience to the mat, standing out as a double medalist at the U17 World Championships.

The roster is further strengthened by an elite core of returning state place-winners. Seniors Matthew Orbeta and Jack Malinconico both captured their first section titles before placing fifth at state, with Orbeta becoming a two-time state placer. Senior Rene Cordero won his second section title and secured a fourth-place finish at the state tournament, while junior Julius Villamil also claimed his second section crown and secured his second state medal by finishing eighth. Seniors Mason Carnrite and Diego Valdiviezo each brought home fifth-place state medals; Carnrite won a section title in his first year starting for Poway after placing third in Oregon’s largest division as a freshman, and Valdiviezo advanced to state following a second-place section finish.

Rounding out this incredibly deep group are sophomore Wyatt Carnrite and junior Lewis Fofanah. Wyatt Carnrite put together a stellar freshman campaign, placing second at sections and advancing all the way to the blood round at the state tournament. Fofanah brings remarkable grit to the lineup, placing second at the section tournament and finishing 1-2 at state as a sophomore—an especially impressive feat given he managed to punch his ticket to the big dance while giving up more than 40 pounds to his opponents, ensuring Poway remains a formidable force from top to bottom.

Granite Hills High – Returning 134 Points

Key Returners: Cash McClurg (So.), Elias Pedroza (So.), Adam Winter-Smith (Sr.), Uriah Hawkins (Sr.), Jayden Ruiz (Sr.), Jackson Kartchner (So.), Jovanni Mansour (Sr.), Steven Gomez (So.), Travin Shahbaz (Sr.)

Granite Hills High returns a massive 134 points and features a formidable lineup anchored by a quartet of state qualifiers in Cash McClurg, Jovanni Mansour, Steven Gomez, and Travin Shahbaz. McClurg led the charge during a stellar freshman campaign, capturing the section tournament title before going on a tear at the CIF state tournament to secure a highly impressive third-place finish. Mansour punched his ticket to the state tournament for a second consecutive year, battling to an even 2-2 record at the event. The upper weights are solidified by Gomez and Shahbaz; Gomez broke through to reach the state tournament after a strong third place showing at sections at 215 pounds and finished 2-2 at state as a freshman, while Shahbaz made the leap after placing fourth at sections and ultimately turning in a 1-2 finish at the state tournament.

The roster is further bolstered by returning section standouts Uriah Hawkins and Elias Pedroza, who will both be squarely in the mix to punch their tickets to the big dance this coming season. Both wrestlers put together strong postseason runs, battling to hard-fought fifth-place finishes at the section tournament last year, with Pedroza achieving the feat as a freshman.

Rounding out this deep group are returning section qualifiers Adam Winter-Smith, Jayden Ruiz, and Jackson Kartchner. Winter-Smith and Ruiz look to build upon the crucial postseason mat time they gained during their junior campaigns, while Kartchner brings valuable experience to the upper weights after qualifying for sections as a freshman, giving Granite Hills a battle-tested and loaded core entering the year.

La Costa Canyon High – Returning 87.5 Points

Key Returners: Shane Ito (Sr.), Jason Lin (Sr.), Luke Kruntchev (Sr.), Trey Thomas (Sr.), David Teasley (Sr.), Skylar Groke (Sr.), Dane Blair (Sr.)

Loaded with a battle-tested senior class, La Costa Canyon High is poised to make serious waves in the San Diego Section this season. The Mavericks feature a formidable lineup anchored by a trio of returning state qualifiers in seniors Shane Ito, Jason Lin, and Skylar Groke.

Ito returns to the mat with a wealth of big-stage experience. A three-time CIF state qualifier, he put together a gritty 3-2 run in Bakersfield this past season and is looking to finally break through to the podium. He is joined by Lin, who punched his ticket to the state tournament following a strong third place showing at sections and battled his way to a 2-2 record at state. Groke also broke through to the state tournament after capturing third place at the section tournament. A massive leap forward for the senior after going 2-2 at sections as a sophomore.

The Mavericks’ roster is further bolstered by returning section standouts Trey Thomas and Luke Kruntchev, who will both be squarely in the mix to make the leap to state this year. Thomas secured an impressive top 8 finish in his weight class at the section tournament last season, while Kruntchev battled to a solid 2-2 record. Rounding out the group are seniors David Teasley and Dane Blair, who both picked up crucial postseason mat time after finishing 1-2 at the section tournament. With top-to-bottom depth, this veteran core gives La Costa Canyon the firepower needed to be a major threat in the section.

Brawley Union High – Returning 75.5 Points

Key Returners: Aydann Correa (So.), Nickolas Ortiz (Jr.), Carlos Zaragoza (Jr.), Daryn Leon (Sr.), Rodolfo Pena (Jr.)

Brawley Union High returns 75.5 points and features a formidable lineup anchored by a pair of state qualifiers in senior Daryn Leon and sophomore Aydann Correa. Leon punched his ticket to the CIF state tournament for a second consecutive year, putting together a stellar postseason run that ended just short of the podium in the blood round. He is joined by Correa, who broke through to reach the state tournament for the first time following a strong third place showing at sections during his standout freshman campaign.

The roster is further bolstered by returning section standouts Carlos Zaragoza and Nickolas Ortiz, who will both be squarely in the mix to qualify for the state tournament this upcoming season. Zaragoza fell just one match short of advancing to state after battling to a hard-fought fifth-place finish at the section tournament, while Ortiz secured an impressive top 8 finish at sections during his sophomore campaign. Rounding out the group is junior Rodolfo Pena, who will look to build upon the crucial postseason mat time he gained by advancing to the section tournament as a sophomore, giving Brawley Union a deep and battle-tested core.

Carlsbad High – Returning 62 Points

Key Returners: Zephyr Aubuchon (Sr.), Roman Zelenka (Sr.), Landon Nelms (Sr.), Joe Iredell (Sr.)

Carlsbad High returns 62 points and features a veteran lineup anchored by state qualifiers Roman Zelenka and Landon Nelms. Zelenka broke through to reach the state tournament for the first time following a strong third place showing at the section tournament—building upon his sixth-place section finish as a freshman and section qualification as a sophomore—where he ultimately turned in an even 2-2 record at state. Nelms joins him after making a major leap to finish fourth at sections to punch his state ticket, capitalizing on the postseason experience he gained as a section qualifier during his junior campaign.

The roster is further bolstered by senior Zephyr Aubuchon, who fell just one match short of advancing to the state tournament after battling to a hard-fought fifth-place finish at sections and will be squarely in the mix this season. Rounding out the group is senior Joe Iredell, who will look to build upon the crucial postseason mat time he gained after finishing 1-2 at the section tournament, giving Carlsbad a battle-tested core entering the year.

Central Union High – Returning 54 Points

Key Returners: Gabriel Pacheco (Sr.), Armando Lopez-Mendoza (Sr.), Isaiah Aguirre (Sr.), Xavier Jordan (Sr.)

Central Union High returns 54 points and features a veteran lineup anchored by three-time section runner-up and state qualifier Gabriel Pacheco. Pacheco punched his ticket to the CIF state tournament after battling to a hard-fought second-place finish at sections, ultimately gaining valuable experience with an even 2-2 finish at state. He is joined by fellow senior Isaiah Aguirre, who broke through to finish fifth at the section tournament and will be squarely in the mix to qualify for the state tournament this upcoming season.

The roster is further bolstered by returning section competitors Armando Lopez-Mendoza and Xavier Jordan. Both seniors look to build upon the crucial postseason mat time they gained during their junior campaigns, with Lopez-Mendoza and Jordan each making the most of their trips by finishing with 1-2 records at the section tournament. Rounding out the group, they will rely on that valuable experience to help push Central Union forward in their final year.

Ramona High – Returning 54 Points

Key Returners: Thomas I Cambell (So.), Ryan Peck (Jr.), Liam Gonzalez (Sr.), Michael Mota (Jr.), Liam Cavaness (Jr.)

Ramona High returns 54 points and features a lineup anchored by a pair of state qualifiers in Liam Gonzalez and Liam Cavaness. Gonzalez earned his second career trip to the state tournament—having previously qualified as a freshman—after battling to a hard-fought sixth-place finish at the Masters tournament last season. Cavaness broke through to reach the state tournament for the first time following a strong third place showing at the section tournament, ultimately gaining valuable experience with a 1-2 finish at state.

The roster is further bolstered by returning section competitors Ryan Peck and Michael Mota. Peck finished with an even 2-2 record at sections during his sophomore campaign, while Mota went 1-2 competing in the heavier 215-pound weight class. Rounding out the group is incoming sophomore Thomas I Cambell, who will look to build upon the crucial postseason mat time he gained by competing at the section tournament as a freshman.

Holtville High -Returning 53.5 Points

Key Returners: Derrick Strahm (Jr.), Anthony Strahm (Sr.), Drew Kellum (Jr.), Raul Pasillas (Sr.), Francisco Arroyo (Jr.), Marcos Garcia (Sr.), Jayden Bastidas (Jr.), Zavien Aguirre (Sr.), Oscar Moreno (Jr.)

The Strahm brothers anchor the lineup for Holtville High, bringing high-level postseason experience to the roster. Anthony Strahm broke through to reach the state tournament for the first time, where he finished with a 1-2 record, and cemented his veteran status by becoming a three-time Masters place winner after taking home fifth and sixth-place medals over the past two seasons. Derrick Strahm also put together a stellar sophomore campaign, wrestling his way to a sixth-place finish at the Masters tournament.

Oscar Moreno highlights a solid group of returning section competitors, battling to a 3-2 record at the section tournament last year. Drew Kellum and Raul Pasillas both gained valuable postseason mat time as well, with each putting together 2-2 finishes at sections.

Providing additional depth to this experienced roster are Francisco Arroyo, Marcos Garcia, Jayden Bastidas, and Zavien Aguirre. While they didn’t secure wins at the section tournament last season, all four gained crucial postseason exposure on the mat that will serve them well heading into the new season.

Here is the Helix Charter preview written in the exact same format as the previous ones, continuing your San Diego Section breakdown:

Helix Charter – Returning 50.5

Points Key Returners: Kaden Bedsole (Sr.), Isaiah Boelk (Sr.), Xavier Jackson (Sr.), JJ Martinez (Sr.)

Helix Charter returns an impressive 50.5 points and a deep, entirely senior-led nucleus poised to be a major force in the San Diego Section this season. The Highlanders feature a formidable lineup anchored by returning state qualifier JJ Martinez. Martinez had a breakout season last year, battling to a strong fourth-place finish at the section tournament and advancing to the CIF state tournament for the first time, providing a high-caliber anchor for the squad.

The roster is further bolstered by returning section standout Isaiah Boelk, who proved he is squarely in the mix to make the leap to state this year following an impressive 6th-place finish at the section tournament last season. Rounding out the veteran group are seniors Kaden Bedsole and Xavier Jackson. Bedsole picked up crucial postseason mat time by finishing with a solid 2-2 record at the section tournament, while Jackson successfully gained valuable experience as a section qualifier. With a full lineup of seasoned seniors, Helix Charter has the firepower to make a deep postseason run.

Torrey Pines High – Returning 47 Points

Key Returners: Ryan Sicat (So.), Ryan Scher (Jr.), Artem Subeev (Sr.), Diego Lavin (Jr.), Elijah Ra (So.), Feodor Rubtsov (Jr.), Jack Hellman (Jr.)

Torrey Pines High returns a hungry, battle-tested roster with several wrestlers eyeing a breakout season and a push toward the state tournament. The lineup is anchored by returning section standouts Artem Subeev and Jack Hellman, who both proved their mettle by securing impressive top 8 finishes at the section tournament last year. Subeev brings vital senior leadership to the squad following his strong junior campaign, while Hellman looks to build upon a standout sophomore season that put him squarely on the radar in his weight class.

The roster is further bolstered by a deep group of returning section qualifiers who gained crucial postseason mat time. Junior Diego Lavin will be in the mix to make a leap this year after battling to a solid 2-2 record at the section tournament, while fellow junior Ryan Scher looks to capitalize on the experience he gained as a sophomore qualifier.

Rounding out the lineup are junior Feodor Rubtsov and sophomore Elijah Ra, who both picked up valuable postseason experience after finishing 1-2 at sections. They are joined by sophomore Ryan Sicat, who advanced to the section tournament during his freshman campaign; despite falling short of a victory, the early exposure to high-level postseason wrestling provides a strong foundation for his sophomore season, giving the Falcons a solid core of developing talent.

Mira Mesa High – Returning 37 Points

Key Returners: Lorenze Bucao (Sr.), Chris Tran (Sr.), Nehemiah Gautt (Jr.), Ryder Allan (So.), Javier Garcia (So.), Bruno Guisone (Jr.)

Mira Mesa High returns 37 points and features a lineup anchored by a trio of strong Masters tournament performers. Tran and Bucao lead the charge following their impressive postseason runs, with Tran battling to a hard-fought sixth-place finish at the Masters tournament and Bucao securing a top 8 finish. The core is further strengthened by junior Nehemiah Gautt, who also broke through to finish top 8 in his respective weight class.

The roster is further bolstered by returning section competitors Ryder Allan, Javier Garcia, and Bruno Guisone. Allan finished with a 1-2 record in the section during his freshman campaign. Rounding out the group are incoming sophomores Garcia and junior Guisone, who will both look to build upon the crucial postseason mat time they gained by advancing to the section tournament last year, ultimately gaining valuable experience they can carry into the upcoming season.

Valhalla High – Returning 35.5 Points

Key Returners: Tomas Toshee (Jr.), Ethan Perry (Jr.), Noor Al Saedi (Sr.), William Hypes (Sr.), Vincent Gosswiller (So.), Michael Huerta (Jr.)

Valhalla High returns 35.5 points and features a lineup anchored by a pair of strong section performers in juniors Ethan Perry and Michael Huerta. Both wrestlers put together impressive postseason runs during their sophomore campaigns, battling to hard-fought top 8 finishes at the section tournament to lead the way for this deep squad.

The roster is further bolstered by returning senior section competitors Noor Al Saedi and William Hypes. Both seniors made the most of their trips to the postseason, each turning in solid 3-2 records at the section tournament. Rounding out the group are junior Tomas Toshee and sophomore Vincent Gosswiller, who will both look to build upon the crucial postseason mat time they gained last year—with Gosswiller picking up a win to finish 1-2 as a freshman and Toshee advancing as a section qualifier—giving Valhalla a battle-tested core entering the year.

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Mt. Carmel High – Returning 33.5 Points

Key Returners: Ryan Khazael (So.), Kaden Patel (Sr.), Peter French (Sr.), Tyoh Tran (Sr.), Joshua Wong (Sr.), Sebastian Jensen (Jr.)

Mt. Carmel returns 33.5 points to its roster, paced by senior Joshua Wong, who put together a strong run last season to advance to the quarterfinals of the section tournament. He is joined by Sebastian Jensen, who made the most of his sophomore campaign by battling his way to a solid 3-2 record at sections.

The squad will also feature a trio of wrestlers who gained valuable postseason experience by each finishing with a 2-2 record at the section tournament: incoming sophomore Ryan Khazael, and seniors Peter French and Tyoh Tran. Rounding out this experienced returning core is senior Kaden Patel, providing the team with excellent veteran depth as they head into the new season.

Olympian High – Returning 25 Points Key Returners: Eli Herrera (Jr.), Luis Bue (Sr.), Micheal Jorgensen (Sr.), Tamin Bader (Sr.)

Olympian High returns 25 points and a battle-tested core of upperclassmen looking to make their mark in the San Diego Section this season. The lineup is anchored by senior leader Tamin Bader, who put together a strong postseason run last year, battling his way to a gritty 3-2 record at the section tournament to lead the returning squad.

The roster is further bolstered by a pair of seasoned seniors in Luis Bue and Micheal Jorgensen, who both gained crucial postseason mat time by finishing with solid 2-2 marks at the section tournament. Rounding out the group is junior Eli Herrera, who successfully advanced to sections during his sophomore campaign. He will look to rely on that valuable early exposure to fuel a breakout junior season, giving Olympian a hungry and experienced veteran nucleus heading into the winter.

Rancho Bernardo High – Returning 24.5 Points

Key Returners: Zane De Leon (Sr.), Sid Cohen (Jr.), Nakoa Cortes (Jr.), Waymond Liggins (Jr.), Tyson Rey (Jr.)

Rancho Bernardo High returns 24.5 points and a solid core of battle-tested upperclassmen looking to make their mark in the San Diego Section this season. The lineup is anchored by senior leader Zane De Leon, who put together a strong postseason run last year, battling his way to a gritty 3-2 record at the section tournament. He is joined by junior Sid Cohen, who will look to take the next step and push for a spot on the podium after finishing with a solid 2-2 mark at sections during his sophomore campaign.

The roster is further bolstered by a trio of returning junior qualifiers who gained crucial postseason mat time last year. Nakoa Cortes and Tyson Rey will both be squarely in the mix to advance deeper into the bracket this season after each finishing 1-2 at the section tournament. Rounding out the group is Waymond Liggins, who successfully advanced to sections as a sophomore and will rely on that valuable early exposure to fuel a breakout junior season, giving Rancho Bernardo a hungry and experienced core.

Vista High – Returning 20 Points

Key Returners: Isaac Navarro (Jr.), Jordan Jara (Jr.)

Vista High returns 20 points and a concentrated but potent lineup anchored by returning state qualifier Isaac Navarro. Entering his junior campaign, Navarro is coming off a breakout sophomore season where he captured a strong fourth-place finish at the section tournament to punch his ticket to Bakersfield. Once at the state tournament, he proved he belonged on the big stage by battling his way to a solid 2-2 record against California’s best.

The Panthers’ roster is further bolstered by fellow junior Jordan Jara, who gained crucial postseason mat time by qualifying for the section tournament as a sophomore. With Navarro leading the charge as a proven state-level threat and Jara looking to build upon his early postseason exposure to make a deep bracket run, Vista features a hungry returning core ready to make an impact in the San Diego Section this season.

Imperial High – Returning 54 Points

Key Returners: Noah Larios (Sr.), Diego Esquivel (Jr.), Aiden Avila (Jr.), Oscar Quintana (Jr.), Ryan Adame (Sr.)

Imperial High returns 54 points and features a lineup anchored by senior standout Noah Larios. Larios is a highly decorated competitor, entering the season as a two-time state place winner and a three-time state qualifier who also captured the 2025 U16 Freestyle National Championship. With Larios leading the charge, the Tigers boast a determined nucleus of upperclassmen eager to make noise in the San Diego Section this season.

The roster is further strengthened by junior Oscar Quintana, who set a strong pace last year by capturing an impressive top-8 finish in his weight class at the section tournament. Quintana is flanked by fellow junior Diego Esquivel, who put together a strong postseason run of his own by battling to a solid 3-2 record at sections as a sophomore.

Senior leader Ryan Adame brings crucial experience to the room after picking up a postseason victory and finishing 1-2 at sections, while junior Aiden Avila rounds out the battle-tested group after qualifying for the section tournament during his sophomore campaign. With this hungry core back on the mat, Imperial has the building blocks in place for a strong postseason push.

Editor’s Note: Noah Larios (Imperial High) was inadvertently omitted from the initial publication of this article. The Imperial High preview and returning point total have been updated to reflect his inclusion and past accomplishments.