After a 23-14 win over No. 6 Missouri (1-2) in its home opener, Illinois’ (4-0) next challenge is No. 23 North Carolina (2-1) on Nov. 25. The Illini improved to 4-0, their first such start since 2021. They looked invincible in their first three duals, losing only eight matchups out of 30. The Tigers were their first real challenge, and despite a tough fight, the Illini won comfortably. They travel to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, next, with an opportunity to get their first 5-0 start since the 2015-16 season.
Unstoppable start
Dominance defined Illinois’ first three matches, but its win over Missouri proved its legitimacy. It showed it has the depth and talent to compete with the nation’s best.
In Illinois’ first three duals, it handled Southern Illinois, Binghamton and No. 21 Arizona State with ease. The Illini took those matchups by an average of just over 29 points. They are not just beating their opponents — they’re dominating them.
Coming into the Missouri competition, Illinois knew it would be challenged. The team’s mindset never wavered, though. That confidence proved worthy, and the Illini took down a talented Tigers squad led by No. 1 ranked senior 174-pounder Keegan O’Toole. While O’Toole got his win, the Illini’s overall talent proved more favorable as they battled their way to a 23-14 victory.
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This depth has been key to Illinois’ success this season. Its 10 starters are all ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight classes, and it currently has six starters that are still undefeated in dual play.
Redshirt seniors Lucas Byrd and Edmond Ruth have lived up to their All-American billing. They’ve combined for a 7-1 record in duals to start the season. Fellow redshirt seniors Luke Luffman and the Braunagel twins, Zac Braunagel and Danny Braunagel, have also shown their strength. They have posted a combined 9-3 record in dual play. This experienced core has proved crucial to Illinois’ early success, providing leadership and consistency throughout the lineup.
Illinois’ young athletes have also been impact additions to the roster. Redshirt freshman 165-pounder Braeden Scoles is still undefeated and the team leader in dual points and pins. Alongside Scoles, redshirt freshman Kannon Webster has started undefeated, proving Illinois’ ability to develop young talent through the redshirt process.
While Illinois has been successful in almost every other aspect of its season, it has yet to win the opening 125-pound round. Graduate student transfer Ramazan Attasauov and junior Caelan Riley have started the year with a combined 0-4 in dual play. Their early season struggles in the 125-pound class have left a lot to be desired. But, with a deep and talented roster, they have the potential to adjust and improve as the season progresses.
Unbeaten against the Tar Heels
North Carolina has gone 2-1 this season, alongside seven wins in the Southeast Open tournament. It swept Drexel (0-4) in the first dual and was victorious in a close 23-16 dual against Navy (1-3). Its loss came to No. 4 Nebraska (3-0) in its home opener. North Carolina is a solid team, but Illinois has had the edge over them historically.
Since 2007, the Illini are 4-0 over the Tar Heels. They have won three away duals and one at home. In their most recent meeting on Nov. 19, 2023, Illinois was victorious 20-13. Since then, Illinois has added five new wrestlers to its lineup. Two of the additions — Byrd and graduate student Jason Kraisser — are still undefeated.
Matchups that matter
The Tar Heels are undefeated in only one weight category — the 133-pound class. Interestingly, North Carolina redshirt junior Ethan Oakley will face off against Byrd. Both are undefeated so far.
Moving to other categories, Illinois’ 125-pound round struggles could come into play. North Carolina has only lost one matchup out of three in that round, and that is where it has a statistical edge over Illinois.
But Illinois has been almost flawless in the heavier categories. It has lost only four matchups above the 149-pound category. One of them was to O’Toole from Missouri. So, apart from defeats to nationally ranked wrestlers, the Illini have executed and operated exceptionally well on the mat. More matchups favor the Illini, but upsets are possible, and the Tar Heels will be on the lookout for one on home turf.
