CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois wrestling head coach Mike Poeta announced on Wednesday (Dec. 3) the signing of eight incoming freshman who will join the Illini roster next fall as freshman for the 2026-27 season.
Nicholas Garcia I 133 pounds I Bartlett, Ill. I Marmion High School
ABOUT GARCIA:
- 2x IHSA State Champion
- 3x All-American
- Great at Spike Ball
WHY ILLINOIS: "It felt like home."
Josh Hoffer I 285 pounds I Washington, Ill. I Washington Community High School
ABOUT HOFFER:
- 1x State Champion
- Chose Illinois because "It's close to home and I have good connections with the staff/team."
WHY ILLINOIS: "Illinois was the obvious choice for me because it is close to home and I made good connections with the staff and team."
Liam Kelly I 157/165 pounds I Mokena, Ill. I Mount Carmel High School
ABOUT KELLY:
- IHSA State Champion
- 4x IHSA State Championships qualifier
- Brother, Collin Kelly (RS Freshmen) currently on the roster
WHY ILLINOIS: "Illinois has amazing coaching staff, it's close to home and my brother, Colin goes there!"
Jake Knight I 125/133 pounds I Bettendorf, Iowa, I Bettendorf High School
ABOUT KNIGHT:
- 2x State Champion
- 3x Fargo All-American
- 3x All State
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois because of the incredible coaches and teammates, I was excited to join them here at Illinois."
Wyatt Medlin I 157-165 I Washington, Ill. I Washington Community High School
ABOUT MEDLIN:
- 2x State Champion
- Ranked No. 38 in the class of 2026 by FloWrestling
WHY ILLINOIS: "Illinois was the place for me because I loved the coaching staff and was excited to be with my future teammates."
Jaxon Penovich I 184/197 pounds I Mount Prospect, Ill. I Prospect and Saint Viator
ABOUT PENOVICH:
- IHSA State Champion
- Third and fourth place at Fargo Nationals
- 2x All State
WHY ILLINOIS: "Illinois stuck out to me because it's close to home and Orange and Blue feels like home."
Griff Powell I 141/149 pounds I Western Springs, Ill. I Lyons Township High School
ABOUT POWELL:
- USA Wrestling Preseason National Champion
- 2x All American at Preseason Nationals
- Academic All State, Team MVP
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois because of the elite coaching staff, training partners, and team culture."
Aaron Stewart I 184/197 pounds I Gurnee, Ill. I Warren Township High School
ABOUT STEWART:
- 2x IHSA State Champion
- 3x All State
- 2025 World Team member
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois because it truly felt like home every time I visited."
