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University of Illinois Athletics

2025-26 Wrestling Roster

Dylan Connell

  • Class Graduate Student
  • Hometown Marengo, Ill.
  • High School Marian Central Catholic
  • Major Agribusiness, Markets, & Management
  • Position 197
  • Instagram dylan.connelll
  • NIL dylsn-connell

Biography

NIL Opportunities

NCAA Badge 1x NCAA Championships Qualifier

2024-25

  • Went 11-8 overall
  • Recorded two falls, one tech. fall and four major decisions
  • Academic All-Big Ten

2023-24

  • Went 6-12 overall, 4-7 in duals and 2-5 in Big Ten duals with 13 dual points
  • One of nine Illini to score double digit dual points
  • Academic All-Big Ten

2022-23

  • Went 18-18 overall, 5-8 in duals and 4-4 in Big Ten duals
  • Recorded 2 falls and had the fastest fall on the team (0:30) to place fifth at Midlands Championships
  • Scored 16 dual points
  • Academic All-Big Ten

2021-22

  • Went 25-6 overall as a redshirt with seven falls
  • Fastest fall, 0:51 at the Harper Open on 1/22/22

Career Record

Year Overall Dual Conference Falls TF MD Big Ten NCAA
2021-22* 25-6 -- -- 6 4 4 -- --
2022-23 18-18 5-8 4-4 2 2 3 -- DNP
2023-24 6-12 4-7 2-5 0 0 2 -- --
2024-25 11-8 -- -- 2 1 4 -- --
Total 35-38 9-15 6-9 4 3 9

*Redshirt Season

High School

  • Three-time IHSA state champion
  • Compiled a 167-5 high school record
  • IWCOA state champion
  • Four-time letterwinner
  • Coached by David Silva

Personal

  • Son of Patrick and Mary Connell 
  • Was coached by head coach Mike Poeta in 7th and 8th grade
  • Chose Illinois because of the team atmosphere and coaches, and felt like a family during his visits
  • Plans to become an entrepreneur following school

Historical Player Information

  • 2021-22Freshman

    184 lbs

  • 2022-23Redshirt Freshman

    184
    184 lbs

  • 2023-24Redshirt Sophomore

    184
    0 lbs

  • 2024-25Redshirt Junior

    184
    0 lbs

  • 2025-26Graduate Student

    197
    0 lbs