The University of Illinois wrestling team, ranked No. 10 nationally, secured victories over No. 18 Cornell and No. 20 Lehigh at the 2025 Journeymen Collegiate Wrestling Duals in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday. The Illini concluded their nonconference schedule with a record of seven wins and two losses.
In the matchup against Cornell, Illinois took an early lead with Spencer Moore winning at 125 pounds and Lucas Byrd securing a decision at 133 pounds. Cornell responded by winning three consecutive bouts to move ahead, but Braeden Scoles and Colin Kelly helped Illinois regain momentum. After Cornell tied the score at 14-14, Dylan Connell’s win at 197 pounds and Luke Luffman’s major decision at heavyweight sealed a 21-14 victory for Illinois.
Against Lehigh, Illinois won seven out of ten matches. Lucas Byrd earned his second win of the day, while Danny Pucino and Will Baysingar added victories in their respective weight classes. Kannon Webster extended the lead with a technical fall at 157 pounds. Scoles recorded an upset over Max Brignola at 165 pounds, and Kelly followed with another win. Although Lehigh captured some points late in the dual and Luffman was injured during his match, Illinois finished with a 24-12 win.
Illinois will compete next at the Midlands Championships in Evanston, Illinois on December 29-30.