As the 2025-2026 IHSA girls wrestling season kicks off in early November, programs across Illinois are stepping onto the mats with fresh energy and high aspirations. The sport’s explosive growth nationwide is mirrored in the Land of Lincoln, where talented athletes and dedicated coaches are elevating the competition year after year. These preseason rankings highlight teams poised for success, factoring in returning state placers from the 2024-2025 season—held at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington—and promising incoming freshmen.
Last year’s IHSA Girls State Tournament saw District 230 (Sandburg, Stagg, Andrew) claim the team championship with 66 points, edging out Hampshire (51 points), Kaneland (45.5 points), Collinsville (40.5 points), and Lockport (40 points). Remember, IHSA Girls Team State placements are determined by points earned at the Individual State tournament, where a few high-placing wrestlers can outscore teams with broader depth but fewer podium finishes.
