State champion wrestler Ryder Wilder is ITG Next’s 2026 Camden County High School Male Athlete of the Year, presented by AgSouth Farm Credit.
The senior wrapped up one of the greatest careers in Georgia high school wrestling history by winning his fourth traditional wrestling state championship at 190 pounds while leading the Camden County boys wrestling program to its 12th straight state title. He became the 52nd four-time state champion in the history of Georgia high school wrestling.
He went undefeated in his senior season with a 31-0 overall record. That included his four championship matches at this year’s GHSA Class 6A state championships, which he won in record time at just under two minutes combined. He set the record for the quickest matches in a Georgia high school state wrestling tournament.
He ended his outstanding high school wrestling career with an overall record of 352 wins and just eight losses.
While Ryder Wilder has wrapped up a phenomenal high school career, he is now ready to take the next step. He will be headed to Northwestern University after signing with the Wildcats during his senior season.
Ryder Wilder comes from a family with deep roots in wrestling. His brother, Raydan Wilder, was a three-time state champion at Camden County before Ryder Wilder’s arrival at the school. His father, Jess Wilder, is the Camden County High School wrestling head coach and has built the program into one of the most successful in not just wrestling but of any sports program in the state.
Jess Wilder said he could see the talent in Ryder Wilder during his freshman season at Camden County.
“Ryder came in as a ninth-grader with the expectation to be a starter and a goal to be a state champion,” Jess Wilder said. “I have been spoiled to have him in the lineup for four years.”
Jess Wilder said that although he has coached many great wrestlers, he knows Ryder Wilder was special.
“I would say that Ryder is one of the best I’ve ever coached, although my assistants worked with him more than I did,” Jess Wilder said.
With Ryder Wilder headed to begin his college career at Northwestern University, Jess Wilder said there will be a transition from high school to college.
“Freshman year in college will be a challenge as it is for almost all athletes,” Jess Wilder said. “I do think he has all the tools to be successful at the highest level.”
