2026 Iowa Wrestling Brackets Released: State Tournament Preview

Southeast Polk Secures Third Consecutive Duals Title Ahead of Highly Anticipated State Championships

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The brackets for the 2026 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament have been released, detailing the matchups that will determine the state champions across 42 weight classes. The tournament, set to take place from February 18-21 in Des Moines, is expected to showcase intense competition and the dedication of Iowa's top high school wrestlers. Southeast Polk High School, the reigning three-time state duals champions, are among the programs to watch, with standout wrestlers like Wil Oberbroeckling and Nico DeSalvo looking to defend their titles.

Why it matters

The IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament is a highly anticipated annual event that celebrates the skill and hard work of Iowa's young athletes. As one of the state's premier high school sports, wrestling holds a special place in the hearts of many Iowans. The release of the brackets generates excitement and anticipation as fans and competitors alike look forward to the intense matchups and potential upsets that will unfold.

The details

The 2026 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament will feature 42 wrestlers competing for state titles across multiple weight classes. Southeast Polk High School, led by standout wrestlers like Wil Oberbroeckling and Nico DeSalvo, recently secured their third consecutive Iowa state duals title, demonstrating their continued dominance in the sport. Oberbroeckling, who won a technical fall victory over Stoney Wood at 138 pounds during the state duals, is expected to be a top contender in his weight class. Justis Jesuroga's 6-1 decision win over Elijah Blewitt at 150 pounds also contributed to Southeast Polk's state duals championship.

  • The 2026 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament is scheduled to take place from February 18-21 in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Southeast Polk High School secured their third consecutive Iowa state duals title on February 7, 2026.

The players

Wil Oberbroeckling

A wrestler for Southeast Polk High School who secured a 17-1 technical fall victory over Stoney Wood at 138 pounds during the 2026 Iowa state duals championship.

Justis Jesuroga

A wrestler for Southeast Polk High School who won a 6-1 decision over Elijah Blewitt at 150 pounds during the 2026 Iowa state duals championship.

Nico DeSalvo

A wrestler for Southeast Polk High School who won the 113-pound title at the 2025 IHSAA State Championships, defeating Alexander Pierce of Iowa City West with a 4-1 decision.

Eddie Woody

A wrestler for Southeast Polk High School who won the 106-pound title at the 2025 IHSAA State Championships, securing a fall victory over Cruz Gannon of Dowling Catholic.

Southeast Polk High School

A high school wrestling program that has won eight boys state duals titles, trailing only Don Bosco (16) and Davenport Assumption (9) in Iowa high school wrestling history.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The 2026 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament is set to begin on February 18, 2026, with the championship finals taking place on February 21, 2026, at the Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

The takeaway

The release of the 2026 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament brackets has generated significant excitement and anticipation among wrestling fans and competitors in Iowa. The tournament promises to showcase the dedication and skill of the state's top high school wrestlers, with programs like Southeast Polk High School expected to be among the favorites to claim state titles.