2026 Sectional Wrestling Tournament Predictions - Group 5

Central 

Central Group 5 shapes up with a clear top tier, as two programs have separated themselves from the field and project as the most likely finalists. Sitting a tier above the rest based on season results and lineup strength, those two teams appear on a collision course, while the remaining field will look to close the gap and challenge that expectation.

Top seeded Jackson Township has been one of the best teams in the Shore Conference this season, with an astounding 15-2 record. In their first season after merging Jackson Liberty and Jackson Memorial, The Jaguars sit at the #15 spot in our Top 20 rankings, securing tough wins over Rumson-Fair Haven, Middletown North, and. Middletown South. Jackson Township holds two of the best wrestlers in the state at their respective weight classes in Armani McCann and Tucker Pazinko. These two have played a pivotal role in Jackson's success this season, and a big reason why they come in at the top spot in this tournament.

The #2 seeded Old Bridge has looked better than ever this season. With a strong schedule, the Knights managed to work to a 16-8 record on the season, holding impressive wins over Lacey, Ridge, and Kingsway. Four of their six losses were to Top 20 programs, so they are no stranger to tough competition. Old Bridge looks to their senior big man Zach Florio, who is currently ranked #8 at 215lbs, to provide them with leadership and clutch moments. With another solid season in the books, Old Bridge looks to capitalize and take home a sectional title.

Prediction: Jackson Township over Old Bridge

South

South Group 5 has a bracket that features two programs positioned as the clear frontrunners and likely finalists, each carrying top-20 caliber profiles. At the same time, the depth behind them is notable, with multiple lower-seeded teams capable of being highly competitive in most other sections. While the favorites appear to be on a collision course, this bracket still projects as one where no dual will come easy and quality teams may be eliminated early.

It's no question that #1 seeded Howell has been one of the best teams in the state this season. They rank #10 in our Top 20 rankings, and have the record of 19-1 to back it. Howell's only loss comes by way of Delsea, who is ranked #9 in the state, while racking up key wins over a slew of great programs like Phillipsburg, Jackson Township, North Hunterdon, and Pascack Valley to name a few. The Rebels are led by 2x state medalist, Oklahoma State commit, and a Top 20 nationally ranked wrestler, Tanner Hodgins. Being one of the best wrestlers in the country, Hodgins has been Howell's ace, coming up big in many spots this season as he continues to dominate. Tyler Going has also been great for Howell this season, coming in at #8 in the state rankings at 175lbs.

Washington Township enters the tournament at the #2 seed. The Minutemen are currently 17-5 this season, wrestling their way to becoming one of the best teams in the Tri-County Conference. They scored notable wins over Kingsway, High Point, and Haddonfield, while 4 of their 5 losses came from Top 20 programs, where they fought valiantly to keep it close. Washington boasts an impressive lower weight duo of Dylan Hetzel and Colton Haggerty, who are ranked #8 and #4 at their respective weight classes. These two look to lead their squad to a sectional title, as they will face adversity in the matches that will potentially take place.

#3 Kingsway has been a popular name among the Tri-County Conference. Their 19-4 record shows that they can get the job done when needed, picking up wins over Toms River East, Lacey, and Seneca. The Dragons look to avenge their regular season loss to Washington Township, where they fell 36-28. If both Kingsway and Washington Township win their fast matchups, they will meet in the semi-finals to see who can really win when it matters most. Look for Kingsway to go all out to get their payback and give themselves a shot at the sectional title.

The #4 seed in this tournament is by far the most questionable seeding decision. Southern Regional sits at this spot, while being the top ranked public school, at #8 in our Top 20 rankings. The Rams hold a 15-1 record and their only loss comes from a dual with the #1 team in the state and nationally ranked Christian Brothers Academy. When it comes to their key wins, Southern has racked up Top 20 wins over Delsea, Jackson Township, Phillipsburg, Mt. Olive, and Rumson-Fair Haven. Southern has consistently been one of the best teams in the state, and it is a head-scratcher why there are the #4 seed, and will have to face a potential group winning team in Howell in the semi-finals. They have been given the shortest end of the stick to say the least. With 4 wrestlers ranked in the individual rankings; Jonas Lusker, Cade Collins, Anthony Mason, and Levi Foote, Southern Regional is poised not only to potentially win the South Group 5 sectional championship, but also the Group 5 championship as a whole. Many predict that whoever wins that semi-final matchup, may indeed win the whole Group 5 tournament.

Prediction: Southern over Washington Township

North 1

North 1 Group 5 shows two programs that have separated themselves as the most likely finalists. Based on season-long results and overall lineup profiles, these two teams appear to be on a collision course, while the rest of the field will look to challenge that projection and disrupt the expected finals matchup.

The #1 seed, Passaic Tech, has been a tough team in the Big North this season, going 4-0 in divisional action. With a modest 14-10 record, PCTI has been through the fire, facing multiple Top 20 teams and other solid programs all year. The Bulldogs picked up some solid wins over Middletown South and Caldwell. Passaic Tech looks to use their experience against top level opponents to their advantage in this tournament.

2 seeded North Bergen enters the tournament with a 17-5 record. The Bruins had another strong season, winning 6 of their last 8. North Bergen looks to prove why they are deserving of their #2 seed as they gear up to make a run at the North 1 sectional title.

Prediction: Passaic Tech over North Bergen

North 2

North 2 Group 5 projects two programs that have established themselves as the top contenders and the most likely finalists. While the rest of the field has pieces capable of being competitive, this section largely shapes up around how those two teams match up and whether either can be pushed off course before a projected finals meeting.

Top seeded Bridgewater-Raritan has looked solid all year, compiling a 17-8 record. The Panthers have wins over Wacthung Hills and Hopewell Valley, showing their ability to defeat good competition. Their strong schedule has seasoned them and prepared them for the adversity that lies ahead of the North 2 sectionals. Look for Bridgewater-Raritan to use that experience to their advantage, as they aim to secure the top spot in the North 2 Group 5 sectional tournament.

#2 seeded Union put together another impressive season, going 17-5 and 5-1 in conference matches. As they have been one of the more solid teams in the Union County Conference, The Farmers look to solidify their position and bring the fight into this bracket. Winning 4 of their last 5, Union has momentum on their side, as they look to claim the North 2 Group 5 Championship.

Prediction: Bridgewater-Raritan over Union