The highly anticipated 2026 Who's Number One wrestling event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 26, at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. As the date approaches, fans can look forward to matchup announcements that promise to deliver thrilling competition. This year’s event is presented by Cliff Keen Athletic, a brand known for its commitment to supporting wrestling at all levels.
Among the standout matchups is the 132-pound clash between Grey Burnett and Paul Kenny, two wrestlers with a long-standing rivalry that dates back nearly a decade. Kenny, the U17 World champion ranked second in the world, will be seeking to dethrone Burnett, who earned a bronze medal at the U17 World Championships. Their most recent encounter occurred at the U20 World Team Trials in June, where Burnett secured a decisive 6-1 victory over Kenny in the semifinals.
The history between these two competitors is rich, with their previous encounters including a best-of-three series at the 2023 U17 World Team Trials, where Kenny emerged victorious to earn his spot on Team USA. Kenny's impressive performance at the World Championships, where he captured gold, adds to the stakes of their upcoming bout. Their most recent folkstyle meeting took place in December during the prestigious Ironman tournament, where Burnett edged out Kenny with a narrow 4-2 decision.
Notably, their rivalry began long before high school, with their first matchup occurring in the quarterfinals of the Super 32 tournament back in 2016. This early encounter showcased their competitive spirit and set the stage for what has become a compelling series of matches. Fans are encouraged to revisit that initial bout, as it exemplifies the intensity and skill both wrestlers bring to the mat.
Another exciting matchup to watch is the 126-pound faceoff between Sammy Sanchez and Landon Sidun. This will mark the first meeting between these two accomplished wrestlers, with Sanchez hailing from California and Sidun from Pennsylvania. Sanchez has made a name for himself on the international stage, having won two U17 World titles, which speaks to his technical prowess and composure under pressure.
This event will provide Sanchez with an opportunity to demonstrate that his international success can translate into victories against elite folkstyle competition. Sidun, a two-time Pennsylvania state champion, is no stranger to high-stakes matches. His impressive resume includes a Fargo title in 2023 and a victory at last year’s Who's Number One event against Rocklin Zinkin, who previously defeated Sanchez in the California state finals.
The matchup between Sanchez and Sidun presents an intriguing dynamic, contrasting Sanchez’s extensive international experience with Sidun’s proven ability to excel in high-profile folkstyle competitions. As both wrestlers prepare to showcase their skills, fans are left wondering who will emerge victorious in this highly anticipated duel.
With the 2026 Who's Number One event shaping up to feature some of the best high school wrestling talent in the country, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further matchup announcements and updates leading up to the event.
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