CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The No. 12 Fighting Illini wrestling team is set to open the 2025-26 season on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. CT in the UI Amory welcoming in the Rider Broncos. Illinois enters the season returning a strong core of NCAA Championships qualifiers led by one of the nation's premier wrestlers in Lucas Byrd. The Cincinnati native capped a historic 2024-25 season by claiming both the Big Ten and NCAA Championships at 133 pounds, becoming the 12th wrestler in program history to win both Big Ten and NCAA titles in the same season.
Joining him are four returning NCAA qualifiers who bring a blend of experience and firepower to the roster. Danny Pucino (141 pounds) looks to build on his second NCAA Championships appearance and continue his rise among the 141 pounders. Kannon Webster impressed as a redshirt freshman wrestling in the Big Ten finals at 149 pounds and qualified to his first NCAA Championships. Braeden Scoles (165 pounds) returns after a breakout season that saw him qualify for his first NCAA Championships. At heavyweight, Luke Luffman, a four-time NCAA Championships qualifier, provides steady veteran leadership and proven ability to score points in duals and tournaments alike.
Head coach Mike Poeta, entering his fifth season at the helm, continues to elevate Illinois back into national prominence. The Illini finished last season 9-4 overall and 4-4 in the conference. They placed fifth as a team at the Big Ten Championships and 10th at the NCAA Championships, their highest finish since 2016.
Scouting RIDER
Rider finished the 2024-25 season 9-8 overall and 5-2 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), placing 39th at the NCAA Championships. Under long-time head coach John Hangey, the Broncos have built a reputation as a tough, well-balanced program that consistently produces NCAA qualifiers. Illinois and Rider have met only once before on Nov. 9, 2014, where Illinois won 29-6 in Champaign.
The matchup will serve as an early barometer for both squads, Rider looking to make a statement against a top-12Â opponent, and Illinois aiming to launch its season with a convincing home victory in front of the UI Armory crowd on Military Appreciation Day.Â
Parking
Fans are encouraged to utilize available parking in the area, with various lots within a short walk of the Armory, as well as metered spaces surrounding the facility.
General Parking Options:
- Lot C9 is free after 5 p.m., Monday-Friday (free on weekends) to the north of the Armory, which is a 1-minute walk.
- Art & Design Building parking lot (E18) is free after 5 p.m., Monday-Friday (free on weekends) and is a 4-minute walk to the Armory (0.3 miles).
- Education Building parking lot (E2) is free after 5 p.m., Monday-Friday (free on weekends) and is an 8-minute walk to the Armory (0.3 miles).
- Parking Structure at the corner of Fourth and Pennsylvania – Fans can park at meters inside Monday-Saturday for $1.25/hour using the Mobile Meter app. On Sundays, the garage is free to park. It is an 8-minute walk to the Armory (0.5 miles).
- State Farm Center NE quadrant will be available and free on non-SFC event dates and is a 12-minute walk to the Armory (0.6 miles).
- Metered parking on streets surrounding the Armory
- As a general rule and precaution, patrons should check meters for rates and hours of enforcement as there are City of Champaign, City of Urbana and University meters on campus.
EntryÂ
Doors will open 1 hour prior to the start of the event. We encourage fans to enter through the north side of the Armory building.
