No. 12 Illinois (4-0) secured a statement win in its home opener on Thursday night, defeating No. 6 Missouri (1-2), 23-14. This marked the highest-ranked win by the Illini since 2012 when they knocked off No. 5 Cornell on the road. The start to the season is also Illinois’ best since the 2020-21 season.
“This victory is just the start of what we’re working toward this season,” said graduate student transfer Jason Kraisser. “It might’ve caught some people’s attention, but going into the season, I knew we were going to shock spectators because of the talent and heart this Illinois wrestling team has.”
Kraisser’s confidence represents this team’s belief in their potential to make noise this season. His reflection is just an early testament, and everyone wants to keep this early momentum flowing.
Honoring the past
Thursday night was the 20th reunion of the 2005 Big Ten championship team. The win highlights the significant strides this team has made under head coach Mike Poeta. The Illini have proved themselves to be a true contender in the country this year and can use this win to build momentum for their future schedule.
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“It’s the best win I’ve had as head coach,” Poeta said.
Match highlights
After an opening loss in the 125-pound dual, Illinois responded quickly, with the No. 2 redshirt senior 133-pounder Lucas Byrd securing a dominant 17-4 victory to tie the score back up at four-all. The Tigers and Illini split their next two duals to go into the 157-pounder up 8-7.
After Kraisser almost pinned Mizzou’s redshirt sophomore James Conway in the first 20 seconds of the dual, momentum shifted Illinois’ way. Kraisser dominated the rest of the match, winning 9-3.
Redshirt freshman 165-pounder Braeden Scoles won his dual due to a medical forfeit by Mizzou, putting the Illini up a comfortable 17-7. After splitting their next two, Mizzou’s freshman 197-pounder Aeoden Sinclair pulled off an upset against Illinois’ No. 10 redshirt senior Zac Braunagel to cut the lead to 20-14.
Needing a pin in the 285-pound bout to force overtime, Missouri could not secure the fall, with No. 10 redshirt senior and hometown favorite Luke Luffman securing the victory for the Illini.
Kraisser’s key moment
Momentum shifted significantly after Kraisser’s almost pin of Conway. Kraisser is an aggressive wrestler. He uses this mentality to get the crowd going during matches by embracing a carefree but determined mindset.
“Just to go out there and let it fly,” Kraisser said of his strategy. “Leave everything on the mat and just go enjoy being entertainers.”
What this means
Illinois’ victory over Missouri proves the team’s ability to compete with top programs. It also sets the stage for a successful season ahead with their strengthened belief.
“This team has a ton of potential,” Kraisser said. “The amount of trust we can place in guys up and down the lineup to be held accountable is high.”
With this kind of team chemistry and talent, Illinois is poised for more success. Illinois’ schedule doesn’t get easier, though, as it faces a ranked opponent in every contest out from now. The Illini travel next to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to take on No. 23 North Carolina on Monday before they head into Big Ten play on Dec. 6 vs. No. 30 Indiana.
