Jeremy Hunter has been named the permanent head coach of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini wrestling program, following 25 years as an assistant coach. The announcement was made by Director of Athletics Josh Whitman, who confirmed that Hunter would become the 16th head coach in the program’s history.
Hunter joined Illinois Wrestling in 2001 as a volunteer coach and became a full-time assistant in 2009. He has worked under three previous head coaches: Mark Johnson, Jim Heffernan, and Mike Poeta.
Throughout his tenure at Illinois, Hunter has helped guide wrestlers to 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. In addition, he has coached 50 All-Americans and 165 NCAA qualifiers. Eighteen Illini wrestlers have won Big Ten individual titles during his time on staff.
“For 25 years, Jeremy Hunter has committed himself to Illinois Wrestling,” said Whitman. “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.”
The Illinois wrestling program has had consistent success over the past quarter-century, achieving 19 top-25 NCAA finishes—including eight top-10 placements—and winning a Big Ten team championship in 2005 with five All-Americans. Hunter played a key role in that championship season.
“I am honored to carry on the proud tradition of Illinois Wrestling and am grateful for the opportunity to lead our student-athletes,” Hunter said. “I’ve spent my entire coaching career at the University of Illinois; this place means everything to me. I am grateful to Josh Whitman for placing his trust in me to lead our program. And I especially want to thank our current team for their hard work and dedication during some uncertain times these last few months. I admire their steadfast commitment and competitive drive, and I am excited about our opportunities entering this important postseason.”
Before joining Illinois as a coach, Hunter competed at Penn State where he won the NCAA title at 125 pounds in 2000 after finishing runner-up in 1999. He was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Year in 2000, claimed a conference title in 1999, earned Freshman of the Year honors in 1997, and concluded his collegiate career tied for fifth all-time at Penn State with 123 victories.
Hunter succeeds Mike Poeta as head coach after Poeta was placed on administrative leave by the university on December 19. Details regarding Poeta’s departure are still being finalized.
Hunter lives with his wife Leslie and their two sons.