By Pablo Di Maria

Nevada high school wrestling continues to grow in competitiveness, standing proudly as one of only five states in the country—alongside Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Idaho—that permits two grapplers to represent their respective schools at the regional and state levels. With many local squads frequently traveling to California to battle premier competition, the Nevada 5A landscape is tougher than ever.

Based strictly on returning state points from last season (excluding incoming freshmen and transfers), here is the breakdown of the top 10 returning 5A wrestling teams in Nevada for the 2026–2027 season.

1. Slam Academy — 152 Points

The Outlook: Slam Academy is charging toward history, hunting their sixth consecutive Nevada 5A state championship, a feat that would mark the ninth-longest title streak in Nevada high school wrestling history. Last season, they set a new state record with nine weight-class winners.

Key Returners: Vander Tran (Jr), Kash Moore (So), Eric Bice (Sr), Jahryzen Pagaragan (So), Frank Soliz (Sr), Frankie Carrasco (Jr), Santiago Cabrera (Jr), Jayden Chavez Brown (Jr), Satoshi Davis (Jr).

Standout Talent: Santiago Cabrera aims for his third consecutive individual state title, while Satoshi Davis—who placed 3rd at the Powerade Tournament and beat California’s top two heavyweights at the Super 8 Duals—seeks his third straight crown.

2. McQueen High — 110.5 Points

The Outlook: Poised to challenge for the top spot, McQueen brings back a massive, battle-tested core of state qualifiers and placers who regularly test themselves against top-tier California competition.

Key Returners: Cooper Sandoval (Sr), Zaiden Hill (So), Abraham Coronado (Sr), Carter Koch (So), Taitan Green (Jr), Cael Staggs (Sr), Darren Brooks (Sr), Cole Atkinson (Sr), Noah Doyle (Jr), Tanner Frock (Sr), Hudson Koch (Jr), Aidan Toloai (Sr).

Standout Talent: Cooper Sandoval is hunting his third consecutive NIAA 5A state title after winning the prestigious Battle for the Belt in Temecula Valley last season.

3. Spanish Springs High — 45 Points

The Outlook: Spanish Springs features a balanced lineup loaded with multi-time state qualifiers ready to break through to the top tier of the podium.

Key Returners: Emery Lewallen (Jr), Kole Crafton (Sr), Mason Kendall (Sr), Gabe Parker (Jr), Brody Cox (So), Brody Boscovich (Sr), Makiah Villa (Sr), Sahib Sharma (Sr), Andrew Corea (Sr), Elijah Gustavson (Jr).

Standout Talent: Elijah Gustavson reached the state finals last season and enters this year as one of the ultimate favorites to claim gold.

4. Liberty High — 37.5 Points

The Outlook: Though leaner in returning numbers than the top two, Liberty packs serious championship punch at the top of their roster.

Key Returners: Aiden Sharpton (Sr), Tyson Daniels (Jr), Jullien Mejia (Sr), Braiden Armstrong (Sr).

Standout Talent: Braiden Armstrong returns as a reigning Nevada 5A state champion looking to cap off his high school career with multiple state titles.

5. Foothill High — 29.5 Points

The Outlook: Foothill relies on proven upper-weight strength and experienced national-level qualifiers to anchor their lineup.

Key Returners: Royal Craig (Jr), Zaidyn Robinson (Jr), Arsen Avakyants (Sr).

Standout Talent: Arsen Avakyants headlines the group after securing a strong 3rd-place finish at the state tournament in the competitive 215-pound weight class.

6. Bishop Gorman High — 24.5 Points

The Outlook: Bishop Gorman returns a hungry, junior-heavy roster looking to convert close calls last year into podium finishes this winter.

Key Returners: Derrian Rucker (Jr), Elijah Tabasa (Sr), Connor Johns (Jr), Cash McFate (Jr), Christian Kirkpatrick (Jr).

Standout Talent: Cash McFate enters the season with high aspirations of securing an individual state title after finishing as the state runner-up last year.

7. Spring Valley High — 21.5 Points

The Outlook: Anchored by a strong sophomore class that gained valuable postseason experience early, Spring Valley is primed for a step forward.

Key Returners: Jackson Walker (So), Thomas Jun Burke (So), Cole Baer (Sr), Christopher Walker (Sr), Johnny Garcia (Sr).

Standout Talent: Jackson Walker made waves as a freshman by taking 3rd in the state and returns with his sights set squarely on the top step of the podium.

8. Centennial High — 19 Points

The Outlook: Though returning a compact group of point-scorers, Centennial boasts elite-level experience in their returning state placer.

Key Returners: Braiden Foster (Jr), David Castro (So).

Standout Talent: Braiden Foster leads the charge after capturing a stellar 3rd-place finish at the state tournament last season.

9. Sierra Vista High — 18 Points

The Outlook: Sierra Vista features a gritty, deep group of wrestlers who punched their tickets to the state tournament last season and are hungry for medals.

Key Returners: Tristan Perea (Jr), Kapono Starwood (Sr), Thomas Caliboso (Jr), Kaleb Shepard (Jr), Braedon Trost (Sr), Edward Gonzalez (Sr).

Standout Talent: Kapono Starwood anchors the team as a two-time state medalist and former state finalist during the 2024–2025 season.

10. Reno High — 16.5 Points

The Outlook: Rounding out the top 10, Reno High brings back key upperclassmen leadership led by a proven state-level finalist.

Key Returners: Arjun Mediwala (Sr), Zachary Lorrain (Jr), Felipe Avalos (Jr), Samuel Weaver (Sr).

Standout Talent: Arjun Mediwala returns as a state runner-up at 106 pounds, looking to cap his senior campaign with a state title.