Illinois Wrestling Announces 2026 Nonconference Schedule
September 15, 2026 | Wrestling
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois wrestling head coach Jeremy Hunter revealed the team's upcoming 2026 nonconference schedule on Wednesday (Sept. 16).
The season begins on the road Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Fighting Illini travel to Bethlehem, Pa., to face Hofstra at WrangleMania. The following day Sunday, Nov. 8, Illinois will compete in the Journeymen Collegiate Classic also in Bethlehem, Pa. The Illini's next dual comes Saturday, Nov.14, when they travel to Charleston, S.C. to take on The Citadel.
Two additional tournaments round out the schedule, beginning with the Cougar Clash on Sunday, Dec. 6, in Edwardsville, Ill. Illinois will then compete in the Midlands Championships on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 28-29, at Ryan Fieldhouse in Evanston, Ill.
| 2026 Nonconference Wrestling Schedule | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Date | Opponent | Location |
| Sat. | Nov. 7 | Hofstra | Bethlehem, Pa. |
| Sun. | Nov. 8 | Journeymen Collegiate Classic | Bethlehem, Pa. |
| Sat. | Nov. 14 | The Citadel | Charleston, S.C. |
| Sun. | Dec. 6 | Cougar Clash | Edwardsville, Ill. |
| Mon-Tue. | Dec. 28-29 | Midlands Championships | Evanston Ill. |
| * All dates and times are subject to change | |||
