Longtime Illini staffer Jeremy Hunter was named the 16th head coach in Illinois wrestling program history on Feb. 26, 2026.
"For 25 years, Jeremy Hunter has committed himself to Illinois Wrestling," Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "During his time as an assistant coach, Jeremy has played a significant role in many milestone moments for both the team and individual wrestlers. He is an incredible technician and an avid recruiter, and he has first-hand appreciation for the proud history and tradition of this program. That said, he is excited to leave his own stamp on the program and move it to even greater heights. I want to thank Jeremy for his trust and commitment and look forward to partnering with him for the advancement of Fighting Illini Wrestling in the years ahead."
Hunter previously served Illinois Wrestling as an assistant coach for 25 years. He arrived in the fall of 2001 as a volunteer coach and was elevated to a full-time assistant in 2009. His time with the program spanned three previous head coaches: Mark Johnson, Jim Heffernan, and Mike Poeta.
During Hunter's time at Illinois, Fighting Illini wrestlers have won six NCAA titles – Matt Lackey (165) in 2003, Jesse Delgado (125) in 2013 and 2014, Isaiah Martinez (157) in 2015 and 2016, and Lucas Byrd (133) in 2025. He has coached 50 All-Americans and 165 NCAA qualifiers. Under Hunter's tutelage, 18 Illini wrestlers have won Big Ten individual titles.
Hunter carries on a rich tradition of wrestling success at Illinois, which has recorded 19 top-25 NCAA finishes, including eight in the top 10 over the past 25 years. In just his fourth year on the job, Hunter helped lead Illinois wrestling to the 2005 Big Ten team championship, which featured a program record-tying five All-Americans.
As a collegian, Hunter won the 125-pound NCAA title in 2000 and was the runner-up in 1999 as a member of the Penn State wrestling team. He was a three-time All-American, 2000 Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, 1999 Big Ten Champion, and 1997 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. His 123 total victories were tied for fifth in the Nittany Lion record books at the conclusion of his career.
Hunter and his wife, Leslie, have two sons, Landan and Dylan.
Last updated Feb. 2026
