The 2024-25 Wrestling Season: Illinois Gears Up for a Fresh Start
As the 2024-25 wrestling season approaches, anticipation is building for the Illinois Fighting Illini as they prepare to face off against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) on November 2. After a challenging 2023-24 season that saw the team finish with a 5-9 overall record and a 2-6 mark against Big Ten opponents, the Illini are looking to turn things around and reclaim their competitive edge.
Preseason Rankings and Expectations
In the latest preseason rankings by InterMat, Illinois has been positioned at No. 12 nationwide, signaling a renewed sense of optimism for the upcoming season. Among the standout athletes is redshirt senior Lucas Byrd, who has been ranked third in the 133-pound weight class. Byrd’s return to the mat is highly anticipated, especially since he did not compete last season. His experience and skill set are expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s success this year.
Key Roster Additions and Returning Athletes
The Illini’s roster for the 2024-25 season boasts several crucial returning athletes. Alongside Byrd, redshirt seniors Zac and Danny Braunagel are set to make their full-time returns after missing last season. Danny Braunagel had a brief stint last year, competing in four matches and finishing with a perfect 4-0 record. The addition of both Braunagel brothers is expected to bolster the team’s depth and competitiveness.
Another significant returnee is redshirt senior Edmond Ruth, who shone brightly last season. Ruth earned accolades as a 2024 All-American, First-Team All-Big Ten, and Big Ten champion at 174 pounds, finishing seventh at the NCAA championships. This season, he will be competing at 184 pounds, where he will face stiff competition, including redshirt junior Dylan Connell. Connell had a strong showing last season with a 25-6 record and qualified for the NCAA championships, making the 184-pound class a focal point for the Illini this year.
Additionally, the Illini welcomed redshirt sophomore Danny Nini, who transferred from North Carolina. Nini, a two-time FHSAA state champion and four-time All-State honoree, is expected to make an immediate impact. He will have a chance to face his former team when Illinois travels to Chapel Hill on November 25.
Season Schedule and Matchups
The season kicks off with a matchup against SIUE, a team Illinois has historically dominated, winning all nine previous encounters. Last season, the Illini triumphed over the Cougars with a decisive 28-7 victory. This year, the Illini are looking to continue their undefeated streak against SIUE and build momentum for the rest of the season.
In addition to SIUE, Illinois will face several other teams they have historically performed well against, including No. 22 Arizona State, Binghamton, North Carolina, No. 27 Maryland, and No. 30 Indiana. Maintaining their undefeated records against these teams could provide a significant boost, potentially leading to six wins—one more than last season.
However, the schedule also includes formidable opponents that have historically posed challenges for the Illini. Notably, Illinois will face No. 2 Iowa in January, where they hold a 2-12 all-time record, with their last victory against the Hawkeyes dating back to the 2004-05 season. Similarly, Illinois will take on No. 1 Penn State, a team they have not defeated in a decade, with their last win occurring when many current freshmen were not yet born.
Reflecting on Last Season
The 2023-24 season was a tough one for Illinois wrestling, culminating in an 11th-place finish at the Big Ten championships—the fifth time in six years they have finished in that position. Despite the struggles, the Illini managed to send three wrestlers to the NCAA championships. The experience gained from competing against top-tier teams may serve as a valuable asset as they prepare for the upcoming Big Ten championships.
This season, Illinois will face ten top-30 teams, including the top two ranked teams in the nation. The exposure to high-level competition could better prepare the Illini for the rigors of the Big Ten championships, providing them with the experience needed to improve their standings.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Fighting Illini as they aim to bounce back from a challenging previous year and make their mark in the competitive landscape of collegiate wrestling. The combination of returning talent, new additions, and a challenging schedule sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.