The Illini seem to have a very good strong grip on the ways of the NCAA DI wrestling world in 2026-2027. Where eligibility has run out, they have used the transfer portal to regain. I expect this to be a good season for the blue & orange.
Gone are....
North Carolina transfer Spencer Moore who ended his career a two-time NCAA DI qualifier
Lucas Byrd, who had an outstanding career for the Illini. 5th-5th-R12-1st-8th in the DI nation, and 120 career wins. Won a BIG 10 title in 2025.
Danny Pucino who was unable to earn qualification in Year 5, but did make the dance in Y3 & Y4.
Dylan Connell, a NCAA DI qualifier in 2023. 7th at this year's Midlands.
Luke Luffman, a four-time NCAA DI qualifier for the blue & orange.
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| 125 Ethan Perryman |
The Illini took the shopping cart about 40 minutes north of Des Moines & picked up Iowa State transfer Ethan Perryman in Ames. Perryman has been a reserve for the Cylones the past few years, but has picked up some notable wins. These include national champion Richard Figueroa & Mack Mauger.
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| 133 Troy Hohman |
Troy Hohman comes to Illinois from North Carolina State. Like Perryman, he has some wins worth noting. Including one over Ethan Oakley.
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| 141 Greyson Clark |
Greyson Clark comes to Illinois from Purdue where he was a two-time NCAA DI qualifier for the Boilermakers.
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| 149 Mike Gioffre |
The former Virginia Cavalier had a strong season for the Illini last year. 18 wins on the season, made the Midlands finals & finished 6th at the BIG 10's.
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| 157 Kannon Webster |
25-6 on the year, Kannon Webster earned 5th in the DI nation & 3rd at the BIG 10 championships. Guy seems to smile more now than he used to & I would imagine considering he's a contender for both a BIG 10 & an NCAA DI title this year, we might see him smile even more.
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| 165 Braeden Scoles |
One match shy of being an NCAA DI All-American in Y1, Braeden Scoles won 15 matches last season. He's been 5th & 8th in the BIG 10 thus far.
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| 165 Wyatt Medlin |
Among some good recruits Illinois picked up this year, three-time state champ Wyatt Medlin.
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| 174 Colin Kelly |
21 wins on the year, Colin Kelly ended 2026-2027 one match shy of being an NCAA DI All-American.
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| 174 Aaron Stewart |
I believe Aaron Stewart is going to redshirt this season, or whatever it is we call it now. However, if not, I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't give Kelly a run for his money. Versed in both freestyle & Greco, the two-time state champ is strong in most every position.
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| 184 Chris Moore |
The two-time NCAA DI qualifier won 19 matches last year. Including a 4-2 decision over All-Ameican Brock Mantanona. 4th in BIG 10, he was 2nd at the Midlands.
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| 197 Peyton Thomas |
Peyton Thomas comes to Illinois from the Navy, where he was an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025. He was 8th at last year's Southern Scuffle.
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