Chambana Sun

The Illinois wrestling team is set for a busy weekend, hosting Michigan State on Friday, February 2, at the State Farm Center before traveling to face No. 4 Nebraska on Sunday, February 4. The matches are scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and 2 p.m. CT respectively.

This will be the first time since their opening meet against SIU-Edwardsville on November 2, 2023, that the Illini will compete at the State Farm Center. In that match, they secured a victory of 28-7 over the Cougars.

Freshman Kannon Webster has been a standout performer this season. Ranked No. 8 in the 149 lbs category, he improved his record to 7-1 against ranked opponents with an overtime win against Iowa's Caleb Rathjen last week. Webster leads his team with a win percentage of 92.3%, holding an overall record of 12-1 and remaining undefeated in all duals (6-0) and Big Ten duals (2-0).

Dylan Connell also achieved success last week by defeating Aiden Riggins from Iowa in overtime.

Michigan State arrives at Champaign with an overall dual record of 8-3 and a Big Ten dual record of 1-3. They recently upset No.17 Wisconsin with a score of 22-15. Historically, Illinois trails Michigan State in their all-time series.

Nebraska holds a strong position with a dual record of 9-1 overall and is ranked fourth nationally. They have only one common opponent with Illinois this season: Iowa, who defeated both teams.

Several Illini wrestlers have made notable contributions this season:

Kannon Webster has maintained an impressive performance throughout the year.

Edmond Ruth ranks No.9 at 174 pounds and leads his team in dual points.

Joe Roberts has gone into overtime more than any other team member this season.

Danny Pucino leads starters in technical falls.

Dylan Connell reached double-digit dual points as well.

The Illini aim to build on these individual successes as they face two challenging opponents this weekend.