Chambana Sun

The University of Illinois wrestling team, ranked No. 12 nationally, will begin its 2025-26 season at home against Rider University on Saturday, November 8, at the UI Armory in Champaign. The match is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Central Time and will be broadcast on B1G+.

Illinois returns several experienced wrestlers who competed at last year’s NCAA Championships. Lucas Byrd leads the group after winning both the Big Ten and NCAA titles at 133 pounds during the previous season, becoming only the 12th wrestler in program history to achieve both honors in one year. Other returning NCAA qualifiers include Danny Pucino (141 pounds), Kannon Webster (149 pounds), Braeden Scoles (165 pounds), and heavyweight Luke Luffman.

Head coach Mike Poeta enters his fifth season with Illinois following a campaign where the team finished with a 9-4 overall record and placed fifth in the Big Ten Championships and tenth at the NCAA Championships—its best national finish since 2016.

Rider University concluded its last season with a 9-8 record overall and finished fifth in the Mid-American Conference. Under head coach John Hangey, Rider placed 39th at last year’s NCAA Championships. Illinois and Rider have met once before, in November 2014, when Illinois won by a score of 29-6.

The upcoming match will be an early test for both teams as Rider seeks to challenge a top-ranked opponent while Illinois aims to secure a strong start to its season during Military Appreciation Day at home.

Fans attending are encouraged to use available parking lots near the Armory, including Lot C9 north of the building—which is free after 5 p.m.—and other lots that are also free after business hours or on weekends. Metered parking is available nearby; attendees are advised to check meters for rates and enforcement times due to varying city regulations.

Doors will open one hour before the event begins, with fans encouraged to enter through the north side of the Armory building.