2025-26 Wrestling Roster
Dylan Connell
- Class:
- Graduate Student
- Hometown:
- Marengo, Ill.
- High School:
- Marian Central Catholic
- Major:
- Agribusiness, Markets, & Management
- Position:
- 197
 1x NCAA Championships Qualifier |
2025-26
- Went 7-12 overall, 3-7 in duals and 1-4 in Big Ten duals
- Recorded three a pin, three tech. falls and a major decision
- Academic All-Big Ten
2024-25
- Went 11-8 overall
- Recorded two falls, one tech. fall and four major decisions
- Academic All-Big Ten
2023-24
- Went 6-12 overall, 4-7 in duals and 2-5 in Big Ten duals with 13 dual points
- One of nine Illini to score double digit dual points
- Academic All-Big Ten
2022-23
- Went 18-18 overall, 5-8 in duals and 4-4 in Big Ten duals
- Recorded 2 falls and had the fastest fall on the team (0:30) to place fifth at Midlands Championships
- Scored 16 dual points
- Academic All-Big Ten
2021-22
- Went 25-6 overall as a redshirt with seven falls
- Fastest fall, 0:51 at the Harper Open on 1/22/22
Career Record
| Year | Overall | Dual | Conference | Falls | TF | MD | Big Ten | NCAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22* | 25-6 | -- | -- | 6 | 4 | 4 | -- | -- |
| 2022-23 | 18-18 | 5-8 | 4-4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -- | DNP |
| 2023-24 | 6-12 | 4-7 | 2-5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -- | -- |
| 2024-25 | 11-8 | -- | -- | 2 | 1 | 4 | -- | -- |
| 2025-26 | 7-12 | 3-7 | 1-4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | -- | -- |
| Career | 42-50 | 12-22 | 7-13 | 5 | 6 | 10 |
*Redshirt Season
High School
- Three-time IHSA state champion
- Compiled a 167-5 high school record
- IWCOA state champion
- Four-time letterwinner
- Coached by David Silva
Personal
- Son of Patrick and Mary Connell
- Was coached by head coach Mike Poeta in 7th and 8th grade
- Chose Illinois because of the team atmosphere and coaches, and felt like a family during his visits
- Plans to become an entrepreneur following school
Illini Wrestling I Lucas Byrd First Pitch 5/13/25
Saturday, May 17
Illini Wrestling I Lucas Byrd National Champion Highlight Reel 3/31/25
Monday, March 31
Illini Wrestling I Lucas Byrd Media Availability 3/27/25
Thursday, March 27
Illini Wrestling I Mike Poeta Media Availability 3/27/25
Thursday, March 27
