2026 Class 2 Boys 165lb State Preview

02/23/2026 1:45 PM

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Austyn Hunter from Kirksville is the favorite to win the 2026 Class 2 Boys 165lb state championship.
The bracket analysis highlights key wrestlers in each quarter and their paths to the semifinals.
The semifinal matchups are projected to be intense, with Carter Pyatt facing Austyn Hunter in a marquee matchup.
The projected medal standings place Austyn Hunter in first place, followed by Tristan Thompson, Bryson Whitman, Carter Pyatt, Deagen Pasley, and Ian Chapin.
The team title implications include strong competitors from Mexico, Father Tolton Regional Catholic, Ste. Genevieve, Savannah, Cassville, Oak Grove, and Kirksville.

2026 Class 2 Boys 165lb State Preview

The roadmap to the state podium is here. We’ve analyzed the 2026 Class 2 Boys 165lb bracket using season-long head-to-head results and our established individual rankings to project the path to the finals.

The below information is based solely on our latest round of rankings. We fully understand wrestling has to happen on the mat, there will be countless upsets, and wrestlers will wrestle differently at state. Enjoy the week, and have a successful and safe week to everyone.

Deep Dive: View our complete Class 2 165lb Individual Rankings for a full breakdown of the field.

The Favorite

Austyn Hunter (Kirksville) enters as the #1 ranked wrestler in the state. With a dominant season record, Austyn is the front-runner to stand atop the podium in this bracket.

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