Chambana Sun

The Illinois wrestling team is preparing for the Big Ten Championships, scheduled to take place from March 9-10 at the XFINITY Center in College Park, Maryland. The competition will be broadcast on BTN and B1G+.

Among the Illinois wrestlers, redshirt junior Edmond Ruth stands out as the highest-ranked participant. Competing in the 174-pound category, Ruth has secured a team-high of 18 wins with a win percentage of .900. He leads in dual points with 42 and remains undefeated in major decisions with an 8-0 record. His recent performances include a six-match winning streak.

Redshirt sophomore Danny Pucino follows closely behind Ruth in terms of dual points scored this season, accumulating 32 points. Competing in the 141-pound weight class, Pucino has recorded two pins—the only ones among active starters—with his fastest pin taking just 2:26. He currently holds a four-match winning streak.

Graduate student Tony Madrigal also shares the longest active win streak on the team with six consecutive victories. Competing at 133 pounds, Madrigal boasts a .700 win percentage and ranks third on the team for dual points with 24.

The television schedule for the championships includes extensive coverage across both days of competition. On Saturday, March 9, BTN will air sessions featuring first-round and quarterfinals matches from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while B1G+ will provide customizable viewing options through individual mat cameras and quad-box views during session two starting at 4 p.m., focusing on wrestlebacks and consolation matches. Semifinals coverage will return to BTN from 6-8 p.m.

On Sunday, March 10, B1G+ begins broadcasting session three at 11 a.m., covering consolation semifinals and seventh-place matches using individual mat cameras. At 3:30 p.m., BTN resumes coverage as Big Ten champions are determined alongside third and fifth-place bouts.

The commentary team for BTN's broadcasts includes Shane Sparks, Jim Gibbons, Tim Johnson, along with reporter Hannah Mears.