2025 NJSIAA State Wrestling Tournament Predictions
The biggest weekend in New Jersey high school wrestling is finally here—the 2025 NJSIAA State Championships in Atlantic City. Months of grinding in the practice room, battling through stacked schedules, and navigating the brutal postseason have led to this moment. Now, the best wrestlers in the state will put it all on the line to chase a coveted state title in Boardwalk Hall.
With loaded brackets in every weight class, there’s no shortage of must-watch matchups and potential upsets on the horizon. Below, we break down each weight class, highlighting a projected championship matchup and a dark horse who could shake things up.
106 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #2 Killian Colluccio, Lacey def. #1 JoJo Burke, St. Joe's Regional
Freshman JoJo Burke comes in as the favorite after defeating Killian Coluccio earlier this season, but Coluccio’s experience could be the difference under the bright lights of Boardwalk Hall. Burke has been dominant all year, showcasing explosive offense and sharp counter-wrestling, while Coluccio, last year’s third-place finisher, brings tournament-tested grit and the ability to make key adjustments. This one has all the makings of a thrilling state final.
Dark Horse to Watch: #7 PJ Terranova, Delbarton
A dark horse to watch in this bracket is 7-seed PJ Terranova, who has proven he can hang with the best. He pushed top-seeded JoJo Burke to an 8-6 decision at the team state finals and has been battling tough competition all season. Terranova’s gritty, physical style makes him a threat to pull off an upset, and if he can put together a strong run, he could find himself in the mix for a deep podium finish—or even a shocking finals appearance. Keep an eye on him as a sleeper in this weight class.
113 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Cam Sontz, Delbarton def. #3 Anthony Mason, Southern
Cam Sontz is the clear favorite to claim his second straight state title. The Delbarton standout is 34-0 on the season and has looked dominant in every match, showing no signs of weakness. With his technical precision, relentless pace, and big-match experience, Sontz has consistently handled top-tier competition and remains the wrestler to beat. As the defending champion, he knows what it takes to win in Atlantic City, and barring a major upset, he looks primed to add another championship to his resume.
Dark Horse to Watch: #14 Eamon Fry, Rumson-Fair Haven
A dark horse to look out for is Region 5 champion Eamon Fry, who faces a tough road but has proven he can compete with the best. Despite his challenging seeding, Fry has kept it close against top-tier opponents, including a narrow 5-3 loss to Killian Coluccio. His biggest test comes early, as he’ll likely meet #3 seed Anthony Mason in the pre-quarterfinals. If Fry can pull off the upset, he could be destined for a deep run. Even if he falls short, his ability to grind through tough matches makes him a strong candidate to battle back in the consolation bracket and earn a spot on the podium.
120 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Paul Kenny, CBA def. #2 Johnathan McGinty
The 120-pound final is shaping up to be a showdown between Paul Kenny and Jonathan McGinty, two of New Jersey’s best lightweights. Kenny has had McGinty’s number so far, remaining undefeated in their head-to-head matchups, including a dominant 8-2 win at the Catholic School Duals. Those two losses to Kenny are the only in-state blemishes on McGinty’s record this season, proving how strong he’s been against everyone else. While Kenny enters as the favorite, McGinty has the talent and motivation to close the gap. If they meet again under the bright lights, expect high-paced scrambles and a battle of top-tier technique as McGinty looks to finally break through and Kenny aims to keep his perfect record intact.
Dark Horse to Watch: #9 Richard DeLorenzo, Toms River East
DeLorenzo enters the state tournament as a dangerous No. 9 seed, but his path to a deep run won’t be easy. His biggest roadblock early on is Matthew Gould, who has handed him his only two losses this season—once at the Shore Conference Tournament and again in the Region 7 semifinals. If DeLorenzo can finally get past Gould in the pre-quarterfinals, he’ll likely have to face Jonathan McGinty, a major challenge for anyone in the bracket. However, DeLorenzo has been dominant outside of those two losses, proving he has the talent to compete with the best. Even if he takes an early loss, his skill and resilience make him a strong candidate to battle his way onto the podium through the consolation bracket.
126 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Anthony Knox, St. John Vianney def. #6 Anthony DiAndrea, Watchung Hills
Anthony Knox is not just the top 126-pounder in New Jersey—he’s one of the best wrestlers in the entire country. Already a three-time state champion, Knox is on the verge of joining an elite club of four-time NJSIAA state champions, a feat accomplished by only a handful of wrestlers in history. His dominance this season has been undeniable, steamrolling the competition and showing no real weaknesses. While this bracket features several tough contenders, Knox appears to be on another level. If everything goes according to plan, he’ll be adding yet another state title to his already legendary career.
Dark Horse to Watch: #21 Braden Jones, Delbarton
Don’t let Braden Jones’ No. 21 seed fool you—he’s a legitimate threat in this bracket. The Delbarton freshman has been more than solid all season, facing some of the toughest competition in and out of New Jersey. Most of his losses have come against Anthony Knox (3x), top-ranked out-of-state opponents, or elite contenders in other brackets. Despite his low seed, Jones owns dominant wins over multiple state qualifiers and recently proved his worth by capturing the Region 3 championship. With his skill set and toughness, Jones has the potential to shock the bracket and make a serious run at the podium.
132 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #2 Dalton Weber, Pope John def. #4 Patrick O'Keefe, St. John Vianney
If there’s one weight class that could go in any direction, it’s 132 pounds. This bracket is loaded from top to bottom, and you could make a legitimate case for any of the top 10 seeds to walk away as the state champion. The top four seeds are razor-close in skill, making this one of the most unpredictable brackets of the tournament.
That being said, we’re rolling with #2 Dalton Weber of Pope John to come out on top. The returning third-place finisher has some unfinished business, and he’s coming in with serious momentum after taking out defending state champion Ryan DeGeorge in the Region 3 Finals, which he may be tasked with doing again in order to make it to the finals. In a bracket where anything can happen, Weber might just be the one who rises above the chaos to claim the title.
Dark Horse to Watch: #8 Jackson Slotnick, Williamstown
Slotnick has the type of talent to become a state champion, it's just a matter if he can put it all together in the 3-day state tournament. In arguably the deepest bracket in the state, Slotnick is not someone to be overlooked. The senior most recently fell to the #1 seed, Sammy Spaulding of Camden Catholic, in the Region 5 finals. Although he couldn't get the win, Slotnick put up a great fight, losing 1-0 in UTB, which is his only loss on the season. Look for Jackson to make a deep run in this tournament.
138 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #4 Carson Walsh, Pope John def. #3 Adrian DeJesus, St. Joe's Regional
The 138-pound state final could feature a showdown between Carson Walsh and Adrian DeJesus, two of the best wrestlers in the state. We’re predicting Walsh to come out on top, but this bracket is one of the deepest in the tournament, and the top five seeds are all legitimate title contenders.
Walsh is coming off a tough loss to Chase Quenault in the Region 3 Finals, where he wrestled well for most of the match before one costly mistake turned the tide. Despite that setback, he has been strong all season and has what it takes to make a deep run. On the other side, DeJesus hasn’t quite been 100% since returning from injury, but as a two-time state champion, he brings an experience edge that few in this bracket can match. If he finds his rhythm, he could be dangerous.
With so much talent in this bracket, nothing is guaranteed, but expect an exciting final between two wrestlers with something to prove!
Dark Horse to Watch: #9 Gideon Gonzalez, Bergen Catholic
Freshman Gideon Gonzalez has been a force all season, putting together an impressive 29-5 record while competing against some of the best wrestlers in the state. Three of his five losses have come against three of the top 4 seeds in this bracket, showing that he's been battle-tested against elite competition.
One of his most notable performances came against #1 seed Chase Quenault, where Gonzalez pushed him to an ultimate tiebreaker before narrowly falling short. That match alone proved that he can go toe-to-toe with the best and isn’t far off from pulling off a major upset.
Gonzalez has the skill, toughness, and composure to shake things up in this stacked bracket. If he can put together a strong run, don’t be surprised to see him make a deep push toward the podium.
144 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Sonny Amato, Rumson Fair-Haven def. #2 Donny Almeyda, Pope John
This highly anticipated matchup at 144 lbs features two of New Jersey’s best, but Sonny Amato has been nothing short of dominant this season. At 40-1, the returning state champion has been an absolute hammer, ranked Top 10 in the nation, and has finished over 35 matches by fall or tech fall. Amato’s relentless pace, high-level technique, and ability to end matches early make him a serious favorite to win back-to-back state titles.
However, Donny Almeyda is no easy task. Despite wrestling a limited schedule (16-0), he has taken out some of the state’s top talent and is no stranger to the state podium, having placed 4th twice. Almeyda is on a mission to finally break through and claim a state title, but he’ll have to go through a titan at the top of the bracket to do it.
Amato’s dominance makes him the clear favorite, but Almeyda’s experience and talent should make for an exciting battle. If Almeyda can slow the match down and dictate the pace, he may have a shot, but Amato looks to be on another level right now.
Dark Horse to Watch: #8 Anthony Depaul, St. Augustine
Despite taking some tough losses this season, Anthony DePaul has proven that he belongs in the conversation with the state's best. His 4-2 loss to #2 seed Donny Almeyda and 4-1 loss to #5 seed Chase Hansen show just how close he is to breaking through against top-tier competition. He’s been right there in these high-level matches—now, it’s just a matter of capitalizing.
DePaul has the skillset to make a deep run, and if he can find a way to flip those close losses into wins, he could shock this bracket. With his talent and toughness, he’s more than capable of knocking off some big names and wrestling his way onto the podium, as he looks to improve upon his 5th place finish from last season.
150 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Jayden James, Delbarton def. #2 Jamar Dixon Jr. Delsea
Jayden James has been nothing short of dominant this season. The Virginia Tech commit is 38-0, ranked Top 2 in the country, and has proven to be one of the pound-for-pound best wrestlers in New Jersey. Every single one of his wins this season has come by fall or tech fall, showcasing just how much of a gap there is between him and the rest of the field.
A two-time state medalist, James is looking to finally claim that elusive state championship, and there’s little doubt he’s more than ready. With the way he’s been wrestling, it will take a monumental upset to keep him from standing atop the podium in Atlantic City.
Dark Horse to Watch: #7 Alenxander Delaurier, Raritan
Alexander Delaurier has been quietly putting together an outstanding season, sitting at 27-1 and proving he can hang with the best. He’s coming into Atlantic City with serious momentum, fresh off a Region 5 title where he knocked off a Top 5 opponent in Joey Ruiz of St. Peter’s Prep.
This is Delaurier’s last shot at securing a state medal, and he’s more than capable of making a deep run. While Jayden James is the clear favorite, Delaurier has the skill and confidence to shake things up in this bracket and surprise some people on his way to the podium.
157 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Gavin Hawk, Phillipsburg def. #3 Kage Jones, Camden Catholic
The 157lb bracket is stacked with talent, and there are multiple wrestlers who could realistically take home the title. That said, Gavin Hawk has earned his spot as the top seed for a reason. Sitting at 36-1, Hawk has taken down elite competition all season, most recently claiming a Region 1 title with a dominant win over 4th-seeded Joey Canova. As a 2024 state finalist, Hawk is on a mission to right his wrong from last year and finally secure a state championship.
However, the road won’t be easy. Wyatt Stout, Max Nevlin, and Kage Jones are all legitimate threats in this weight class. Jones, a returning state finalist, has the experience and skill to make another deep run, and Stout and Nevlin have the firepower to play spoiler.
While this bracket is wide open, Hawk has been the most consistent and battle-tested wrestler this season, giving him the slight edge over the rest of the field. But with so much talent in the mix, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting brackets in Atlantic City.
Dark Horse to Watch: #15 Ryan Engel, Ridge
While the 157lb bracket is filled with elite talent, Ryan Engle of Ridge has quietly positioned himself as a dark horse to claim a podium spot. Engle has been red hot as of late, recently winning the Region 4 title, proving he can hang with the best in this field.
This will be Engle’s first trip to Atlantic City with serious expectations, and he’s looking to capitalize on his momentum to make a deep run. With the bracket as stacked as it is, nothing will come easy, but if Engle continues wrestling at this level, he has a strong shot at securing his first-ever state medal.
165 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Alessio Perentin, Delbarton def. #3 Jake Clayton, Point Pleasant Boro
At 165 pounds, the favorite to walk away with the state title is without question Alessio Perentin of Delbarton. Ranked 4th nationally and with an impressive 37-1 record, the Cornell commit has dominated the competition all season. His only loss came to the #2 ranked wrestler in the country in an out-of-state match, but when it comes to in-state competition, he’s been virtually untouchable. Every single match he’s wrestled within New Jersey has ended by either fall or tech fall, a testament to his unmatched skill and relentless aggression.
This year, Perentin is chasing a third straight state championship, an achievement that speaks volumes about his consistency and elite-level wrestling. His ability to control opponents on the mat, combined with his impressive technique and high wrestling IQ, makes him the clear favorite in the 165lb bracket. With his track record and the way he’s handled every challenge thrown his way, Perentin is undoubtedly the one to beat in the state tournament—and he’s hungry for another title to solidify his legacy as one of the best.
Dark Horse to Watch: #14 Cole Dunham, Pope John
While Alessio Perentin is the heavy favorite to take home the state title at 165 pounds, don’t overlook Cole Dunham of Pope John as a potential disruptor in this stacked bracket. With a 30-4 record, Dunham has been a stud all season and has quietly put together a strong campaign. While Perentin may have the bracket on lock, Dunham looks poised to make some serious noise and could secure his first podium appearance at the state tournament.
Dunham’s only in-state losses have come at the hands of Perentin and #6 seed Cristian Gioia, but it’s worth noting that Dunham also defeated Gioia earlier this season. His ability to bounce back from losses and continue competing at a high level speaks to his resilience and growth throughout the year. With his solid technique, confidence, and experience in big matches, Dunham could very well surprise some people in the 165lb bracket and be a strong contender for a top finish. Don’t be surprised if Dunham makes a deep run and secures a spot on the podium, proving that he’s one of the most dangerous wrestlers in this class.
175 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #2 Jordan Chapman, Cranford, def. #1 Ryan Burton, St. Joe's Regional
The 175lb bracket at this year’s state tournament might be the most intriguing of all. At the top, #1 seed Ryan Burton of St. Joe’s Regional has been nearly untouchable, posting a 35-1 record with his only loss coming to the #2 ranked wrestler in the country in an out-of-state matchup. Ranked 3rd nationally, Burton has torn through competition in New Jersey, looking every bit the part of a dominant wrestler. After claiming last year’s state championship, Burton is determined to repeat and solidify his legacy as one of the best in the country. His combination of strength, technique, and wrestling IQ makes him the clear favorite to take home another title.
However, #2 seed Jordan Chapman of Cranford is not far behind, and this could be one of the most exciting showdowns in recent memory. With a 35-4 record, Chapman has faced some of the toughest competition, with all his losses coming to nationally ranked opponents. He’s a two-time state medalist, finishing 2nd and 3rd in previous years, and is now gunning for that elusive state title to cap off his high school career.
Chapman is wrestling the best he ever has. Just recently, he was seconds away from pulling off a huge win over #1 nationally ranked 190lb Harvey Ludington, an accomplishment in itself considering Chapman moved up a weight class to take on Ludington. Although he ultimately fell short, his performance showed that he’s more than capable of taking on any challenge. With his overwhelming speed, aggressive style, and hunger for the state title, Chapman is primed to finally stand at the top of the podium.
Dark Horse to Watch: #23 Andrew Bouchard, St. Joe's Metuchen
While the top two seeds in the 175lb bracket—Ryan Burton and Jordan Chapman—have garnered most of the attention, don’t sleep on Andrew Bouchard from St. Joe’s Metuchen. With a 31-5 record, Bouchard has proven that he can compete with the best in the state. Two of his losses have come at the hands of the #4 seed Anthony Verdi from St. Peter’s Prep, but Bouchard got his revenge when it mattered most, avenging those losses by claiming the Region 5 title with a solid 4-1 victory over Verdi.
Despite being seeded lower than some of the top contenders, Bouchard has shown he can hold his own against elite talent. His ability to bounce back from losses and perform when the pressure is on speaks volumes about his mental toughness and wrestling ability. With a strong Region 5 performance and a reputation for competing with the state’s best, Bouchard is a legitimate dark horse who could very well find himself on the podium come tournament’s end.
190 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Harvey Ludington, Brick Memorial def. #2 Vincenzo Lavalle, Hanover Park
The 190lb bracket is easily one of the most top-heavy weight classes in the entire tournament, with an unprecedented five top-20 nationally ranked wrestlers. Among them is Harvey Ludington, the #1 ranked wrestler in the nation, who enters the state tournament with an undefeated 36-0 record. Ludington is looking for his third state title, and after defeating #13 nationally ranked Tanner Hodgins of Howell in the Region 6 Finals, he has all the momentum on his side. Ludington’s dominance this season has been apparent, and he has proven time and again that he’s a cut above the rest.
However, Vincenzo Lavalle is not far behind, ranked #6 nationally, and with a solid 2-0 record against Hodgins this season, Lavalle has shown that he’s more than capable of making a run at the title. While Lavalle is expected to make it to the finals, it won’t come easy. He’ll face a slew of talented, nationally ranked opponents along the way, and his path to the top will be filled with challenges.
Despite the fierce competition, Ludington has been on a level of his own this season. His dominance and consistent performances make him the clear favorite to claim his third state title. The depth of talent in the 190lb bracket is remarkable, but Ludington has proven to be a step ahead of the pack, and it will take a gargantuan effort from any of his competitors to knock him off his perch.
Dark Horse to Watch: #15 Levi Foote, Southern
In a 190lb bracket filled with nationally ranked stars and elite-level talent, Levi Foote of Southern has quietly emerged as a potential dark horse. While the road to a podium finish will be incredibly tough—especially with a likely matchup against Vincenzo Lavalle in the pre-quarters—Foote has the talent, resilience, and momentum to make a run and secure his first career state medal.
With a 34-5 record and a recent Region 7 title win, Foote has shown he can hang with the best of them. His ability to perform in big moments, paired with his improving technique, makes him a legitimate contender in a bracket stacked with top-tier competitors. If Foote can execute at the top of his game and navigate the tough path ahead, he has the potential to defy expectations and break into the medal rounds.
215 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Anthony Harris, St. Joe's Regional def. #2 Dante DeLuca, Don Bosco
At 215lbs, Anthony Harris of St. Joe’s Regional has looked untouchable this season, and he enters the tournament as the clear favorite to capture his first state title. Ranked #6 in the nation and committed to Oklahoma, Harris has been on a mission despite an injury last season that limited his time on the mat. With a perfect 13-0 record, Harris has pinned every single opponent, including four state qualifiers, proving that any concerns about him catching up to speed were unfounded.
As a returning state finalist, Harris is determined to finish the job this time around. While the 215lb bracket does feature other tough contenders like Dante DeLuca from Don Bosco, Anthony Jackson from Paul VI, and Rocco Salerno from Seton Hall Prep, none have shown the same level of dominance that Harris has displayed this season. His combination of power, technique, and experience makes him the man to beat, and unless someone can find a way to slow him down, Harris looks poised to claim his first state championship and solidify himself as one of the best upper weights in the country.
Dark Horse to Watch: #8 Nicolas Gonzalez, Mt. Olive
In a 215lb bracket where Anthony Harris is the clear favorite, Nicolas Gonzalez of Mount Olive has the potential to make a deep run and secure his first career state medal. Entering the tournament with a 32-4 record, Gonzalez has proven himself as one of the toughest competitors in the field, having defeated multiple state qualifiers throughout the season.
His only in-state loss at 215lbs came at the hands of Harris in the Region 2 finals, while his other three losses were out of state, meaning no one else in the bracket has gotten the best of him. That makes Gonzalez a dangerous dark horse who could break through in Atlantic City if he wrestles at the top of his game.
While Harris stands alone at the top, the rest of the podium spots are up for grabs. Gonzalez has the experience, skill, and toughness to make a serious push, and if he gets rolling early in the tournament, he could very well find himself standing on the medal stand when all is said and done. Keep an eye on Gonzalez—he has the ability to shake things up in this stacked weight class.
285 Pounds
Championship Matchup Prediction: #1 Rocco Dellagatta, St. John Vianney def. #2 Cristian Alvarez, St. Joe's Regional
The 285lb bracket is shaping up for a must-watch championship clash between two of the best heavyweights in the country: #1 seed Rocco Dellagatta of St. John Vianney and #2 seed Cristian Alvarez of St. Joe's Regional.
Dellagatta has been dominant all season, boasting a perfect 26-0 record while earning the #4 national ranking at heavyweight. The Cornell commit is a returning state champion, and he looks primed to repeat after tearing through the competition this year. His combination of finesse, power, and speed has made him untouchable in New Jersey, and he’s been the gold standard for heavyweights in the state.
However, Alvarez is more than capable of challenging him. Despite having no prior state medals, Alvarez has had a breakout season, compiling a 29-2 record with both losses coming against top-10 nationally ranked opponents. Ranked #13 in the country, he has proven he can compete at an elite level and enters this tournament on fire after pinning his way through the Region 2 bracket.
While this is a battle between two national-caliber heavyweights, Dellagatta has the edge as the defending state champion. Alvarez will look to pull off the upset, but taking down Dellagatta will be no easy task. If these two meet under the lights in Atlantic City, expect a hard-hitting, high-level heavyweight battle that could go down as one of the best finals matchups of the tournament.
Dark Horse to Watch: #8 Tommy Borgia, West Morris
One name that could shake up the 285lb bracket is Tom Borgia of West Morris. Borgia has been building momentum at the right time and enters the tournament fresh off a dominant Region 3 Championship performance, where he handled state qualifier August Moser (Delbarton) with a 9-1 major decision. That type of victory sends a message—he’s not just here to participate, he’s here to make a deep run.
What sets Borgia apart is his athleticism and agility. For a big man, he moves exceptionally well, which gives him an edge over many of the heavier, more traditional heavyweights in the field. His ability to stay active, create angles, and push the pace makes him a real threat to not only reach the podium but potentially knock off higher-seeded opponents along the way.
With the 285lb bracket featuring top-end national talent, Borgia is a long shot to take the title. However, if he continues wrestling at the level he showed in Regions, he has the talent, confidence, and style to turn some heads and earn a career-defining state medal in Atlantic City.
New Jersey wrestling fans know that anything can happen in Atlantic City. While some favorites will dominate, there will always be Cinderella runs, overtime thrillers, and last-second takedowns that define the tournament. As we get ready for another incredible weekend, these predictions set the stage for what should be an electric 2025 NJSIAA State Tournament.