The path to a state championship has been laid out for Iowa’s top high school wrestlers with the release of the brackets for the 2026 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament. Forty-two wrestlers will soon compete for the title, and anticipation is building as the tournament approaches. The brackets, now available for review, detail the matchups that will determine who advances through the competition.
The 2026 Iowa boys state wrestling tournament is scheduled to take place from February 18-21 inside the Casey’s Center in downtown Des Moines. The tournament promises intense competition and showcases the dedication and skill of Iowa’s young athletes. Fans and competitors alike are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament, which will feature some of the state’s most promising wrestling talent.
Southeast Polk recently secured their third consecutive Iowa state duals title on February 7, 2026, demonstrating their strength as a program. The Rams defeated Indianola 57-11 in the final dual to claim the championship. This victory adds to their impressive record of eight boys state duals titles, trailing only Don Bosco (16) and Davenport Assumption (9) in Iowa high school wrestling history.
Key Matchups and Notable Performances
Several wrestlers are poised for exciting matchups as the tournament progresses. Wil Oberbroeckling of Southeast Polk, a key contributor to the Rams’ state duals victory, is among the competitors to watch. Oberbroeckling secured a 17-1 technical fall over Stoney Wood at 138 pounds during the state duals, showcasing his dominance in the weight class. Justis Jesuroga also contributed to Southeast Polk’s success with a 6-1 decision win over Elijah Blewitt at 150 pounds, a thrilling match that went down to the buzzer.
Looking back at the 2025 IHSAA State Championships, Nico DeSalvo of Southeast Polk emerged victorious at 113 pounds, defeating Alexander Pierce of Iowa City West with a 4-1 decision. Eddie Woody of Southeast Polk also claimed the top spot at 106 pounds, securing a fall victory over Cruz Gannon of Dowling Catholic. These past performances highlight the consistent strength of the Southeast Polk wrestling program and set the stage for continued success in the upcoming tournament.
Bracket Details and Access
Interested individuals can access the 2026 IHSAA state wrestling brackets by clicking here and selecting “brackets” from the menu. The brackets provide a detailed overview of the tournament structure, including first-round matchups, potential quarterfinal clashes, and the path to the championship finals.
The tournament will feature competition across multiple weight classes, with 42 state champions ultimately crowned. The competition is expected to be fierce, with wrestlers from across Iowa vying for the coveted state titles.
Wil Oberbroeckling of Southeast Polk also competed in the 2025 IHSAA State Championships, facing Ethan Sodergren of Ankeny Centennial in the 138 lbs Quarterfinal on February 20, 2025, as documented on Flowrestling.
What to Expect Next
As the tournament draws near, wrestlers will focus on final preparations, refining their techniques and strategies. The coming days will be crucial for athletes as they aim to peak at the right time. The IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of Iowa’s wrestling talent, and fans can expect a high level of competition and excitement.
What matchups are you most looking forward to seeing unfold at the Casey’s Center? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling enthusiasts!
