Chambana Sun

Illinois Head Wrestling Coach Mike Poeta has been granted a four-year contract extension, which was approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees in their July meeting. This new agreement will keep Poeta at the helm through the 2028-29 season.

Poeta recently completed his fourth year leading Fighting Illini Wrestling and has brought the program back into national prominence. Under his guidance, Lucas Byrd won the 2025 NCAA Championship at 133 pounds, marking the first national title for Illinois since 2016 and a first-ever win in that weight class. Prior to this achievement, Byrd also claimed victory at the Big Ten Championship. The team secured a tenth-place finish at the NCAA Championships, their best performance in nine years.

"We are pleased to continue Mike's longstanding relationship with the University of Illinois and Fighting Illini Wrestling by extending his contract for the next four years," stated Josh Whitman, Illinois Director of Athletics. "As a former Illini All-American and proud U of I graduate who later served as an assistant coach before taking the reins four years ago as head coach, Mike has a special appreciation for this place and this program, and he wears his loyalty and dedication on his sleeve. Mike's passion on the mat is self-evident. Last year's individual and team accomplishments represented a meaningful step forward for the program, and we look forward to an even brighter future under his continued leadership."

In 2025, eight wrestlers from Poeta's team qualified for NCAA Championships: Lucas Byrd, Danny Pucino, Kannon Webster, Braeden Scoles, Danny Braunagel, Edmond Ruth, Zac Braunagel, and Luke Luffman—the most since 2020. Webster achieved silver at Big Ten Championships as a redshirt freshman—a first in seven years—and Ruth along with both Braunagel brothers won bronze in their respective categories.

Throughout his tenure so far, Poeta has coached one NCAA Champion among three All-Americans while producing two Big Ten Champions and qualifying twenty athletes for NCAA Championships.

"I am beyond excited and grateful to have a long-term coaching commitment with the University of Illinois," expressed Poeta. "I want to thank Josh Whitman for having trust in me to lead this program. I have great assistant coaches & support staff here; thrilled about continuing work together! My family too deserves thanks—for dealing w/crazy hours involved—and I'm happy providing them via job we all love! Only beginning though—much left towards achieving goals set forth!"

In previous seasons under Poeta’s guidance: Ruth attained All-America status alongside winning Big Ten title (174 lbs), while Moore became first true freshman qualifier since '17 during rookie year leading squad where he helped Byrd achieve All-America honors (133 lbs).

Before becoming head coach after five years serving as assistant within Illini ranks—Poet ran own training center based out Lake Forest IL following collegiate career earning multiple accolades including membership on ’05 championship roster alongside personal achievements such receiving trio all-American nods plus pair conference titles!