Michigan State Wrestling Set to Face No. 11 Illinois in Key B1G Matchup
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State wrestling is back on the mat Friday night, and the challenge is a big one-literally and figuratively. The Spartans are set to host No. 11-ranked Illinois at Jenison Field House, with the first whistle set for 7:00 p.m. The dual will stream live on B1G+, giving fans a front-row seat to a matchup packed with ranked talent and postseason implications.
Spartans Looking to Rebound, Regroup
Michigan State enters the dual at 3-3 on the season, coming off a tough 43-3 loss to in-state rival Michigan. That result stung, no doubt, but Friday night offers a chance to reset against another Big Ten powerhouse.
Historically, the Spartans have had the edge in this series, holding a 41-22-4 all-time record against the Illini. That includes a convincing 29-10 win in their last meeting back in February of 2024.
But this Illinois team is no pushover. The Illini come in at 7-3 overall, though they’re still searching for their first Big Ten win after falling 27-9 to Minnesota last weekend. Both squads will be hungry-Illinois to bounce back in conference play, and Michigan State to prove it can hang with the best in the nation.
Ranked Spartans Ready to Lead
Two Spartans cracked the FloWrestling rankings this week, and they’ll be key to any upset bid. Redshirt sophomore Caleb Weiand is now ranked No. 31 at 133 pounds, fresh off a gritty 9-6 decision over Michigan’s Gauge Botero-MSU’s lone win in last week’s dual.
Since moving up to 133, Weiand is 4-2, with a pair of wins over ranked opponents at the Southern Scuffle. He’s gaining momentum at just the right time.
At 197 pounds, Kael Wisler continues to climb. The redshirt junior moved up to No. 28 in FloWrestling’s rankings and checks in at No. 29 in InterMat. He’s been a steady presence all season and will need to bring his best against an Illinois lineup that features depth across the board.
All Eyes on Heavyweight: Campbell Returns
One of the more intriguing developments heading into Friday is the expected return of heavyweight James Campbell to the dual lineup. The redshirt junior has quietly been one of the most dangerous finishers in the country this season, racking up eight wins by fall against Division I opponents.
That ranks him eighth nationally in pins, and here's the kicker-only one of his wins this season hasn’t come via pin. When Campbell steps on the mat, fireworks tend to follow.
This will be his first appearance in the dual lineup this season, and his presence could be a game-changer. Against a ranked Illinois squad, bonus points matter, and Campbell has shown he can deliver them in bunches.
Illinois Brings the Firepower
Illinois rolls into East Lansing with a lineup stacked with ranked wrestlers-nine in total. Leading the charge is Lucas Byrd, the No. 1-ranked wrestler at 133 pounds.
That sets up a marquee showdown with Weiand, who’s been surging in recent weeks. It’s a tall task for the Spartan sophomore, but also a golden opportunity to make a national statement.
Other standout Illini include Spencer Moore at 125 (No. 21), Danny Pucino at 141 (No. 24), and a trio of top-10 talents in Kannon Webster (157), Braeden Scoles (165), and Colin Kelly (174).
Simply put, Illinois doesn’t have many soft spots in its lineup. Every weight class will be a battle.
Probables Breakdown
Here’s a look at the likely starters for both squads:
Michigan State Probables:
- 125: Nick Corday (R-Jr.)
- 133: #31 Caleb Weiand (R-So.) OR Andy Hampton (R-Sr.)
- 141: Jaden Crumpler (R-Fr.)
- 149: Sammy Agnello (R-Fr.)
- 157: Darius Marines (R-Fr.) OR Braden Stauffenberg (R-Jr.)
- 165: DJ Shannon (Gr.) OR Jack Conley (R-So.)
- 174: Connor O'Neill (Gr.)
- 184: Ryan Boucher (R-Sr.)
OR Cory Thomas (R-Fr.)
- 197: #28 Kael Wisler (R-Jr.)
- HWT: Josh Terrill (R-Jr.) OR James Campbell (R-Jr.)
Illinois Probables:
- 125: #21 Spencer Moore (Gr.)
- 133: #1 Lucas Byrd (Gr.)
- 141: #24 Danny Pucino (R-Sr.)
- 149: #28 Michael Gioffre (R-So.) OR Will Baysingar (R-So.)
- 157: #9 Kannon Webster (R-So.) OR Ryan Bennett (R-So.)
- 165: #9 Braeden Scoles (R-So.) OR Logan Swaw (R-So.)
- 174: #24 Colin Kelly (R-Fr.)
- 184: #32 Chris Moore (R-So.)
- 197: Dylan Connell (Gr.) OR Cade Lautt (Gr.)
- HWT: Ryan Boersma (R-Jr.)
What to Watch For
This dual is packed with storylines. Can Weiand hang with the nation’s top 133-pounder?
Will Wisler continue to rise against a tough Illinois upper-weight? And what kind of spark can Campbell provide in his return to the lineup?
For Michigan State, this is more than just another dual-it’s a chance to show growth, resilience, and maybe pull off a statement win. Illinois brings the rankings and the resume, but the Spartans have home mat advantage and a few wrestlers who know how to flip the script.
Friday night at Jenison Field House should be a good one.