CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois wrestling begins its Big Ten-only season Sunday at Indiana. The dual begins at 11:00 a.m. CT and will air on BTN.
PROBABLE STARTERS
QUICK HITS
- Illinois begins its season on the road at Indiana. The dual meet against the Hoosiers will be televised on BTN (11 a.m. CT).
- Illinois is 49-41-1 all-time against Indiana. Their last matchup was January 12, 2020 when the Illini defeated the Hoosiers, 32-3.
- Jim Heffernan enters his 12th season at the helm of the Fighting Illini, and 29th season with the program overall.
- The Illini return five NCAA Qualifiers from the 2019-20 season: Justin Cardani, Dylan Duncan, Danny Braunagel, Zac Braunagel, and Luke Luffman.
- Four of the five returning NCAA qualifiers received national-ranks in their respective weight classes. FloWrestling lists them as the following: Cardani (No. 22), Duncan (No. 13), D. Braunagel (No. 11), and Z. Braunagel (No. 10).
- Mike Carr is currently ranked No. 7 by FloWrestling in the 149-pound weight class.
- The Illini will have three first-year starters in their lineup with Lucas Byrd, Johnny Mologousis, and Trey Sizemore.
- The 2020-21 Illinois roster features 7 newcomers.
- Illinois is heading into its 27th consecutive season of having at least one All-American.
- The Illini are scheduled for nine Big Ten-only duals during the 2021 regular season.
- Illinois is set to host four duals this season at Huff Hall, beginning with Ohio State on January 17.
ILLINI NOTES
Illinois returns five NCAA Championships qualifiers from 2019-20
The Illini are set to return five NCAA qualifiers who started for the team during the 2019-20 season. Justin Cardani, Dylan Duncan, Danny Braunagel, Zac Braunagel, and Luke Luffman all return for the Illini after qualifying for the 2020 NCAA Championships which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Danny Braunagel secured a 20-6 record during the 2019-20 season, finishing with the second-highest number of wins on the team and earning NWCA Honorable Mention All-American honors at 165-pounds. Zac Braunagel went 18-8 on the season, also earning NWCA Honorable Mention All-American honors at 184-pounds.
Illini Wrestlers in the National Rankings
Four of the five returning Illini NCAA qualifiers from last season begin the 2021 campaign nationally ranked in their respective weight classes across a variety of national polls. FloWrestling ranks as the following: Cardani (No. 22), Duncan (No. 13), D. Braunagel (No. 11), and Z. Braunagel (No. 10).
Illini to Watch
2018 B1G Runner-Up and two-time NCAA qualifier Mike Carr is expected to have a big season in 2021. The senior holds a 34-14 career record and is expected to compete at 149-pounds this season. Urbana native Luke Luffman enters the 2021 season after qualifying for the 2021 NCAA Championships following 17 wins during his true freshman campaign. Senior Dylan Duncan is also expected to make an impact for the Illini during the 2021 campaign. The three-time NCAA qualifier finished seventh at the 2020 Big Ten Championships at 141-pounds, securing an automatic bid to nationals. Duncan racked up 20 wins during the 2019-20 season.
Scouting the Hoosiers
The Hoosiers return two-time NCAA qualifier Brock Hudkins who is currently ranked No. 13 nationally at 125-pounds. Graham Rooks, another 2020 NCAA qualifier, ranks No. 15 nationally at 149-pounds.
*All rankings from FloWrestling
UP NEXT FOR THE ILLINI
Illinois hosts a tri-meet at Huff Hall as Ohio State and Wisconsin come to Champaign for the home opener next Sunday, January 17. The TV stream and start times are to be announced.
For complete coverage of Fighting Illini Wrestling, visit FightingIllini.com, follow the Illini on Twitter (@illiniwrestling) and Instagram (illiniwrestling) and like Fighting Illini Wrestling on Facebook.
