Illinois has plenty of top-shelf talent again this year with a cast of nationally ranked high school wrestlers. Here’s a look at eight other under-the-radar wrestlers who are viable candidates to challenge for state championships in February. 

Jaxon Penovich (SR) – St. Viator, 190

It might be cheating a little on this one as Penovich is a 2024 state champion committed to the University of Illinois. However, after missing last season and with the recent surge by Jimmy Mastny sucking the oxygen out of 190 in Illinois, Penovich has gotten lost in the shuffle a bit. Thanks to some questionable seeding at Dvorak, these two met in the quarterfinals, where Penovich made it clear that this weight is up for grabs, falling 1-0 to Mastny.  The two are on a collision course that will likely put the spotlight on the 2A center mat down in Champaign.

Preston Morrison (JR) – Marmion Academy, 113

It took a few weeks for the season to get rolling for Morrison, but since Ironman, the Cadet has multiple signature wins, including a fall over nationally ranked Traevon Ducking at Carnahan and a significant win over Erik Klichurov at the Flavin.  Morrison’s path to a state title is a gauntlet with 113 3A being one of the deepest brackets in Illinois this year, but a bracket board in Champaign would likely also come with a top 10 national ranking if he can take the top of the podium.

Niko Odiotti (SO) – Loyola, 113

Odiotti made the state finals as a freshman falling to Greco World champion MJ Rundall in the finals. Since they Odiotti has quietly put together quite a campaign with a recent placement at Ironman and a win at the Dvorak, which is considered Illinois’ toughest in season tournament.  Barring any stumbles, the Rambler will be the favorite going into Champaign.

Bobby Ruscitti (JR) – Montini, 126

Ruscitti is another to seems to improve with every showing.  The Bronco found stop signs in Fargo in both styles and hasn’t missed a step entering the folkstyle season. With multiple quality wins and a title at the Dvorak, Ruscitti seems prepared for the current 126 3A field and any last minute additions.

Aiden Arnett (SO) – ICCP, 157

Arnett has been impressive this season and is undefeated in state against wrestlers not named Justus and Wyatt. However, he has been competitive against them and since both are in the top 5 nationally, Arnett has shown that he can scrap with the best. It is possible that Wyatt Medlin and Justus Heeg will fan out over 157 and 165, which will make Arnett a favorite for a 2A center mat showdown with one of the best in the country. 

MJ Rundell (JR) – OPRF, 113

Rundell is the defending state champion at 106 3A. His move up to 113 puts him in one of the deepest brackets that Illinois has to offer this season with #6 Caleb Noble and #19 Preston Morrison waiting in the wings, along with several other wrestlers on the cusp. Rundall is an Olympic style standout with World teams and international placements to his credit. He is well credentialed for the gauntlet he will face come February. 

Justin Wardlow (SR) – Lockport, 157

The future Arizona State Sun Devil is multi-time finalist in the Illinois 3A division. He is looking for the bracket board in his final campaign and he is off to a strong start with a finals appearance at the Donnybrook and a strong showing at the Ironman. Wardlow is at one of the deeper weights in Illinois 3A but has entered the national rankings and will be looking to climb as the season progresses.

Vince Jasinski (SR) – Grant, 144

The Bulldog was having a solid campaign but upped his stock significantly with a technical fall over Demetrios Carerra, who was ranked #18 nationally going into the contest. If Janinski can capitalize on this momentum going into the state series he will be a dark horse to win regardless of who he may face along the way.