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The 2024-2025 California High School Wrestling Rankings: Top 10 Teams And Must-Watch State Champions

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The 2024-2025 California High School Wrestling season is officially underway, and the initial state rankings are already setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying year on the mat. As of late December 2025, the landscape is dominated by familiar powerhouses and a new crop of elite individual talent, all vying for the coveted CIF State Championship title in Bakersfield. This year’s rankings, heavily influenced by preseason tournaments and early dual meet results, provide a crucial roadmap to the top contenders and the breakout stars to watch in both the boys' and increasingly competitive girls' divisions. The Central Section and Southern Section remain the epicenter of California wrestling excellence, with traditional giants like Buchanan and Poway leading the team race once again. The depth of talent across all weight classes, from 106 lbs to 285 lbs, highlights California's status as a national wrestling hotbed. For fans, coaches, and recruiters, these rankings are the definitive guide to who is currently performing at an elite level and who has the momentum heading into the crucial league and sectional championships.

The Definitive 2024-2025 California Boys' Team Rankings

The team race for the 2025 CIF State Championship is expected to be a brutal battle between long-standing rivals. The top-tier programs have reloaded their rosters, featuring a mix of returning state placers and highly touted freshmen. The rankings below reflect the current consensus of organizations like CalGrappler and FloWrestling, projecting which teams have the depth and star power to challenge for the state crown.

The Top 10 Powerhouse Programs

The top of the rankings is a familiar sight, with a handful of schools consistently demonstrating national-level dominance. These rankings are a testament to year-round training, elite coaching, and unparalleled program depth.

  1. Buchanan (Central Section): The Bears, often ranked nationally, continue their reign with a deep lineup across all weight classes. Their strength lies in their ability to score points at every level of the state tournament.
  2. Poway (San Diego Section): A perennial contender, Poway brings a relentless, aggressive style. They are anchored by several high-ranked individuals and have the pedigree to upset anyone.
  3. Gilroy (Central Coast Section): The Mustangs are always a threat, known for producing top-tier individual champions and fielding a team that consistently finishes in the top three.
  4. St. John Bosco (Southern Section): With a blend of impressive transfers and homegrown talent, St. John Bosco is a major force, particularly in the middle and upper weights.
  5. Clovis (Central Section): Another Central Section giant, Clovis remains a staple in the top five, relying on a strong foundation of fundamentals and tournament experience.
  6. Clovis North (Central Section): The depth of the Central Section is evident with Clovis North consistently pushing their local rivals and fielding a highly competitive squad.
  7. Bakersfield (Central Section): Known for their grit and toughness, Bakersfield is a team that always performs well when it matters most, particularly in the CIF tournament setting.
  8. Fountain Valley (Southern Section): A rising program with significant momentum, Fountain Valley is making a strong push into the elite tier of California wrestling.
  9. Pitman (Sac-Joaquin Section): Representing the SJS, Pitman is often the top contender from their section and a dark horse to place high at the state meet.
  10. Servite (Southern Section): Known for their solid coaching and disciplined wrestlers, Servite rounds out the top ten, capable of pulling off major dual meet victories.

Individual Dominance: The 2024-2025 Boys' Elite Wrestlers

While team titles capture headlines, the individual state champions are the true stars of the sport. The 2024-2025 season features a stacked field of wrestlers who are nationally ranked and expected to contend for a CIF medal. Their performances at early-season tournaments like the Doc Buchanan Invitational and the Five Counties Classic will cement their status.

Here is a look at some of the top-ranked wrestlers across key weight classes, all of whom possess the topical authority in California wrestling to be considered the best in the state:

  • 106 lbs: The lightest weight class is a proving ground for young talent. The top spot is highly contested, with wrestlers like Nathaniel Granados (Merced) and Samuel Sanchez (Esperanza) battling for supremacy.
  • 126 lbs: This class is packed with returning state placers. The competition here is fierce, often featuring high-scoring, explosive matches.
  • 132 lbs: Look for athletes like Joseph Antonio (St. John Bosco), a senior with a commitment to Army West Point, to dominate. His technical skill and experience make him a favorite.
  • 150 lbs: Mario Carini (Poway) is a name that frequently appears at the top of this weight class, representing the backbone of the Poway program.
  • 190 lbs: The upper weights are seeing a surge in athleticism. Top wrestlers in this class are often heavily recruited by major NCAA Division I programs.
  • Heavyweight (285 lbs): The big men always draw a crowd. The rankings here are often fluid, depending on who can maintain consistency and conditioning throughout the long season.

The intensity of the competition means that a single loss can dramatically shift a wrestler's ranking, keeping the state wrestling scene dynamic and unpredictable throughout the winter months.

The Rise of Girls' Wrestling: 2024-2025 State Contenders

Girls' wrestling in California has exploded in popularity and competitiveness, culminating in its own CIF State Championship event. The 2024 CIF State Championship saw Walnut High School win the team title, signaling a shift in power and the emergence of new programs. The 2024-2025 rankings reflect this growing depth, with elite female athletes demonstrating incredible skill and technique.

Key Girls to Watch for the 2025 CIF Title

The girls' division features several nationally recognized athletes who are setting new standards for the sport. Their pursuit of a state title is a major storyline this season.

  • Sophia Marie Gonzales (Clovis East): A highly-ranked freshman, Gonzales is poised to make an immediate impact and challenge for a state title in the lower weight classes.
  • Jazmin Turner (Grace Davis): As a senior, Turner brings significant experience and is a consistent threat to reach the top of the podium.
  • Aubrey Gutierrez (Marina): Another talented freshman, Gutierrez’s early-season performance has earned her a high ranking, marking her as a future star.
  • Epinesa Elison (California): Elison is a top-ranked wrestler in the 110-pound class, representing the high level of individual talent in the Golden State.
  • Abbi Cooper (High School Name): Cooper is another senior who is expected to have a stellar season, providing veteran leadership and championship-level wrestling.

The growth of girls' wrestling is one of the most exciting developments in the California high school sports landscape. The increased participation and the quality of coaching are driving the competitive level higher every year, making the girls' CIF State Championships a must-watch event.

Understanding the California Wrestling Ecosystem

The California State Wrestling Rankings are more than just a list; they are a complex reflection of the state's entire wrestling ecosystem. Several key entities and concepts govern how these rankings are created and how the season progresses:
  • CIF (California Interscholastic Federation): The governing body for high school sports in California. The CIF State Championships are the ultimate goal, held annually in Bakersfield.
  • Sectional Championships: Before the state meet, teams and individuals must qualify through their respective sections (e.g., Central Section, Southern Section, San Diego Section). The performance at these sectional tournaments heavily influences final state rankings.
  • CalGrappler and The California Wrestler: These independent organizations are the primary sources for the most respected and frequently updated state rankings, providing in-depth analysis and breaking down the performance of every elite wrestler and team.
  • LSI Keywords and Topical Authority: The consistent success of teams like Buchanan, Poway, and Gilroy, and the emergence of stars in specific weight classes (e.g., 106 lbs, 132 lbs, 150 lbs) are the core entities that define the state's wrestling authority.

The road to the state title is a grueling one, demanding peak performance through a schedule packed with high-level duals and tournaments. The current 2024-2025 rankings serve as the benchmark, but expect significant shifts as the season progresses and wrestlers face off in head-to-head competition.

california state wrestling rankings
california state wrestling rankings

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