Steve Millar’s top 10 boys wrestling teams and 25 wrestlers to watch in the Southland for the 2025-26 season

Joliet Catholic starts out in top spot, with Mount Carmel, Lincoln-Way West and Lockport up next.

Top 10 Teams

1. Joliet Catholic (11-11)

After taking third in Class 3A last season, the Hilltoppers return a third-place finisher in senior Jason Hampton (132 pounds) — an SIU-Edwardsville recruit — and senior Nolan Vogel (157), who placed fifth. Junior Luke Foster (126) is back from injury, while Colton Schultz (113) is a freshman to watch.

2. Mount Carmel (9-5)

The Caravan lost some key seniors but look to reload behind senior Liam Kelly (157), a defending state champ and Illinois recruit. Junior Justin Williamson (132) and sophomore Sebastian Gracia (106) both finished fifth last season.

3. Lincoln-Way West (16-5)

The Warriors expect to thrive on their depth. Juniors Brady Glynn (132) and Shane Stream (138) are top returnees. Senior Jimmy Talley (215), who is also a football standout, brings leadership. Senior Max Herman (165) is a transfer from Texas, where he was a three-time state qualifier.

4. Lockport (13-7)

Senior Justin Wardlow (150), an Arizona State recruit, is a three-time state runner-up, while junior Jaedon Calderon (157) finished fifth in a breakout season. Seniors Isaac Zimmerman (126), Anthony Sutton (113) and Chris Miller (165) are returning state qualifiers who add to an experienced lineup.

5. Providence (9-3)

After seeing success with an extremely young lineup last season, the Celtics are still young but figure to be a major contender in Class 2A, led by a defending state champion in sophomore Justus Heeg (157). Sophomore Jasper Harper (165) finished fourth, while sophomore Christian Corcoran (106) and junior Tommy Banas (132) placed fifth.

6. Marist (22-5)

The RedHawks are rebuilding after graduating the most decorated senior class in program history. But five state qualifiers return and are led by junior Ethan Sonne (157), a Purdue recruit who won a Junior Nationals championship this summer in Fargo. Tommy Fidler (150), Joseph Bronske (113) and Jack Watson (285) are senior leaders.

7. Brother Rice (16-7)

The Crusaders made it to the dual-team state meet the last three seasons in Class 2A and now bump up to 3A. They have the pieces to compete at the higher level with five returning state qualifiers. Junior Dan Costello (175) placed fourth, senior Oliver Davis (138) took fifth and junior Frank Miceli (157) finished sixth.

8. Oak Forest (11-11)

The Bengals hope to make some noise in Class 2A as they return five state qualifiers. Senior Austin Perez (150) placed third and junior Jacob Sebek (120) finished fourth. Seniors Jason Janke (175) and Andrius Vasilevskas (215) add experience.

9. Lincoln-Way Central (17-8)

Returning state qualifier Jalen Byrd (165) is one of eight seniors and 14 wrestlers with varsity experience for the Knights. Junior Jadon Zimmer (138) also qualified for state last season, while senior Aiden Hennings (285) fell one win short.

10. Lincoln-Way East (24-4)

The Griffins look to reload after graduating seven starters. Seniors Gage LaDere (285) and Kaidge Richardson (150) and junior Colton Zvonar (190) are returning state qualifiers.

The 25 Wrestlers to Watch

• Tommy Banas, Providence, junior, 132 pounds.
• Jalen Byrd, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, 165.
• Jaedon Calderon, Lockport, junior, 157.
• Adrian Cervantes, Evergreen Park, senior, 132.
• Christian Corcoran, Providence, sophomore, 106.
• Dan Costello, Brother Rice, junior, 175.
• Oliver Davis, Brother Rice, senior, 138.
• Tommy Fidler, Marist, senior, 150.
• Brady Glynn, Lincoln-Way West, junior, 132.
• Sebastian Gracia, Mount Carmel, sophomore, 106.
• Jason Hampton, Joliet Catholic, senior, 126.
• Jasper Harper, Providence, sophomore, 165.
• Judah Heeg, Lemont, senior, 190.
• Justus Heeg, Providence, sophomore, 157.
• Liam Kelly, Mount Carmel, senior, 157.
• Frank Miceli, Brother Rice, junior, 157.
• Austin Perez, Oak Forest, senior, 150.
• Kaidge Richardson, Lincoln-Way East, senior, 150.
• Chazz Robinson, Homewood-Flossmoor, junior, 120.
• Jacob Sebek, Oak Forest, junior, 120.
• Ethan Sonne, Marist, junior, 157.
• Shane Stream, Lincoln-Way West, junior, 138.
• Nolan Vogel, Joliet Catholic, senior, 157.
• Justin Wardlow, Lockport, senior, 150.
• Justin Williamson, Mount Carmel, junior, 132.