Vote now: Who is the best high school boys wrestler in the nation at 126 pounds?

Read up on the decorated SBLive National Mock Wrestling Invitational field and make your pick for the winner of 126

As the high school wrestling seasons come to a close across the country, SBLive is unveiling a fictitious tournament — let’s call it the SBLive National Mock Invitational — featuring eight of the top boys wrestlers from across the United States in each weight class.

Over the next several weeks, we will unveil the weight classes one at a time then ask you, the reader: Who would emerge victorious in matchups between the best wrestlers from New England to Southern California, and everywhere in between?

The leading vote-getter in each weight classification will be crowned mock national champion — and all the winners will be announced atop the would-be podium.

We opened with 106 pounds, the smallest weight class, then 113 pounds and 120 pounds. Now, a closer look at the field in the 126-pound weight class. Scroll down to read up on the field and cast your vote. Voting will close Tuesday, March 7 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

Who is the best of the best at 126 pounds?

Dillon Campbell, Legacy Christian (Ohio)

Campbell’s strong junior season includes a third-place finish at the Walsh Ironman. He won his second state title last year without giving up a point at the state tournament.

Ben Davino, St. Charles East (Illinois)

Davino recently won his third Illinois state championship, defeating Marmion senior Jameson Garcia 6-1 in a highly anticipated showdown. Davino, a junior, also picked up a gold medal at the 16U National Championships last summer.

Max Gallagher, Blue Point (New York)

Gallagher is the Division II defending state champion at 126 pounds. The senior has faced tough competition all season and is looking to defend his title.

Mason Gibson, Bishop McCort (Pennsylvania)

Gibson, a junior, is committed to Penn State. He is a two-time gold medalist at the U16 National Championships and a five-time Pennsylvania junior wrestling champion.

Alan Koehler, Prior Lake (Minnesota)

Koehler, who captured state titles as a sophomore and junior, is attempting to become the program’s first three-time champion. He will wrestle in college for Nebraska.

Kael Lauridsen, Bennington (Nebraska)

Lauridsen became the 36th wrestler in state history to win four state titles when he defeated O’Neill’s John Alden in the Class B 126-pound finals earlier this month. Lauridsen will stay home to wrestle for the Cornhuskers in college.

Marc-Anthony McGowan, Blair Academy (New Jersey)

McGowan’s notable accomplishments include a Florida state title as an eighth-grader and a gold medal in 2019 at the World Championships Cadets. The senior will wrestle in college for Princeton.

Ernie Perry III, Airline (Louisiana)

The first four-time state champion in Airline history, Perry III could face McGowan in the Ivy League while wrestling for Cornell. Perry III won each of his state titles in different weight classes. He is the third Division 1 wrestler in state history to win four titles. 


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