Chambana Sun

Illinois will host the No. 2 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes in a Big Ten wrestling dual at Huff Hall on Friday, January 26, with the match set to air on the Big Ten Network at 8 p.m. CT.

The Illinois team last competed against Ohio State on January 12, where freshman Kannon Webster secured his first ranked victory by defeating Dylan D'Emilio of Ohio State in a 4-1 decision. The team's subsequent dual against Northwestern was postponed due to an internal medical condition.

Redshirt junior Edmond Ruth has been performing strongly this season, extending his winning streak to seven matches and holding a record of 12-1 after narrowly defeating Rocco Welsh from Ohio State.

The Iowa Hawkeyes come into this contest undefeated with an 8-0 record overall and are 3-0 in Big Ten conference duals. They have already faced three teams that Illinois will meet later in the season, achieving significant victories over Nebraska, Minnesota, and Purdue.

Historically, Illinois trails Iowa in their all-time series with a record of 26 wins to Iowa's 53 wins and one draw. Their last encounter on January 6, 2023, was closely contested but ended with Illinois losing by a score of 19-25.

Key performers for Illinois include Edmond Ruth leading the team in dual points and major decisions, Kannon Webster maintaining an undefeated record in duals so far this season, Joe Roberts scoring third-highest in dual points for the team, and Danny Pucino leading all starters with two technical falls.