CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois wrestler Lucas Byrd was named to the 2024-25 Academic All-America Men's At-Large First Team by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) on Wednesday (July 9).
The recognition marks the first CSC Academic All-America selection for Byrd and the fourth for an Illini wrestler in the program's history following in the footsteps of John Lockhart, Steve Marianetti and Alex Tirapelle. Byrd was also recognized as an Academic All-Big Ten performer for the fourth-straight season.
Byrd had a stellar senior season in the Orange and Blue wrestling in 24 matches last season, carrying a 23-1 (.958) record en route to winning both NCAA and Big Ten titles, the program's 25th national title and 79th Big Ten title. He recorded a pin and six major decisions with 42 points scored in dual action, the second-most on the team, during his historic 2024-25 campaign.
Byrd joins fellow first-team CSC Academic All-America selection Kenta Miyoshi (men's tennis) and second-team selection Ryan Voois (men's golf) to give Illinois three honorees in 2024-25. Overall, Illinois Athletics has now produced 116 CSC Academic All-Americans in program history.
