Illinois Wrestler Podcast

The Illinois Wrestler Podcast is back.Dalton and Mark return to preview the 2026-27 Illinois high school wrestling season and break down some of the biggest storylines heading into the year.They discuss reports that several top seniors could forgo their final high school seasons to begin training full-time with their future college programs, along with what that growing trend could mean for Illinois wrestling.The guys also break down the latest classification changes, including Grant and Libertyville moving from 3A to 2A and IC Catholic making the jump to 3A, and how those moves could reshape the state tournament picture.Mark gives his early favorites to win team state, and the episode wraps up with a look at a new elite high school tournament expected to bring many of Illinois' top wrestlers together this season.Plenty has changed since last season, and this episode sets the table for what could be a fascinating 2026-27 season.Introduction to the 2026-27 Season: ( 0:12 - 0:45 )Seniors Forgoing Final High School Season: ( 0:45 - 14:38 )IHSA Classification Changes (Grant, Libertyville, JCA, IC Catholic): ( 14:38 - 20:30 )Team State Favorites by Class: ( 20:30 - 22:15 )Transfer Rumors and School Changes: ( 22:15 - 25:50 )New 'Mr. Illinois' Tournament Discussion: ( 25:50 - 34:10 )Final Thoughts and Closing: ( 34:10 - 36:05 )

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, we break down the 2026 Illinois Freestyle State results for the Junior division.We go weight-by-weight through the action, highlight the champions, top placers, standout performances, and key takeaways from one of the biggest freestyle events of the spring. The Junior division always gives a strong look at some of the best high school wrestlers in Illinois, and this year’s results gave us plenty to talk about.We discuss what stood out, which wrestlers made a statement, and what these results could mean as athletes continue through the freestyle season.Whether you were at the event, following from home, or catching up on the results, this episode gives you a full breakdown of the Junior division at the 2026 Illinois Freestyle State Championships.Topics include:2026 Illinois Freestyle State resultsJunior division champions and placersWeight-by-weight breakdownsStandout performancesIllinois high school wrestling freestyle coveragePresented by 815Digital.com

Dalton and Dustin sit down with University of Illinois Assistant Coach Eric Schultz for a conversation that hits close to home for Illinois wrestling fans. A native of the state and a Tinley Park High School graduate, Schultz shares his journey from IHSA State Champion to competing at the highest level in college wrestling.Schultz takes us through his career at the University of Nebraska, where he became a five-time NCAA qualifier, Big Ten finalist, and 2022 All-American at 197 pounds. He reflects on that All-American run, including tight battles with top competition and what it took to finish on the podium.Now back in Illinois after being hired in July 2025, Schultz talks about what it means to coach in his home state, his perspective on developing athletes at the college level, and how Illinois Wrestling can continue to grow moving forward.

On this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Mark, and Jim preview the NCAA D1 & D3 Nationals. The crew starts by going through the 18 wrestlers from Illinois who qualified for the 2026 Division 1 National Championships, breaking down the brackets and where everyone stands heading into the tournament. After that, the conversation shifts to Division 3 Nationals, with a full preview of this weekend’s tournament and the top contenders to watch.

Iowa State assistant coach Chris Perry joins the podcast to talk about the Cyclones’ season, the upcoming Big 12 Championships, and what lies ahead as the final month of the Division I wrestling season begins. The crew also recaps the IHSA Team State Tournament and discusses the recent coaching change at the University of Illinois.

In this episode, the crew finishes breaking down the 2026 IHSA State Tournament, going class by class through 1A, 2A, and 3A from 175 to 285. From tight semifinal battles to dominant championship performances, the guys unpack the moments that defined the upper weights and reshaped the podium. If you want the full picture of how the tournament closed out in Champaign, this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast delivers it.

The crew is back to break down the 2026 IHSA State Tournament in detail. In this episode, we go class by class through 1A, 2A, and 3A from 106 to 165, analyzing the brackets, the upsets, the statement wins, and the performances that defined the weekend. If you want a true deep dive into how the lower and middle weights shook out in Champaign, this full recap on the Illinois Wrestler Podcast has you covered.

The full crew is back to break down sectional results from across the state and turn their focus to Champaign. In this episode, the guys go weight class by weight class, analyzing matchups, debating contenders, and making their official picks for the 2026 IHSA State Tournament. If you want insight, bold predictions, and a complete preview heading into the biggest weekend of the year, this is a must-listen on the Illinois Wrestler Podcast.

On today’s episode, the crew is joined by Wes Hand, All-American and national finalist for the University of Iowa. Wes shares insights from his time competing at the highest level of college wrestling and reflects on the transition into coaching at Pleasant Valley High School, where he’s now in his second season. The conversation also dives into the differences between Illinois and Iowa wrestling, from culture and training styles to the overall competitive landscape.

Big news across Illinois wrestling, Liam Kelly has won his court case and is officially back in the IHSA State Series. The podcast crew breaks down what led to this moment, what the ruling means for Kelly, and how it immediately reshapes the bracket and the postseason landscape. This episode dives into the implications, the reactions around the state, and what to expect next as the road to State just took a major turn.

The Illinois Wrestler podcast crew is back to recap team sectional results from around the state, share the latest updates on the Liam Kelly situation, and break down what to watch for in the upcoming weekend. With the postseason moving fast, the guys focus on key takeaways, emerging storylines, and where things stand as Illinois wrestling pushes deeper into February.

Dalton, Jim, Dustin, Mark, and Aaron are back to break down a busy week across Illinois high school wrestling. The crew recaps regional results from around the state, discusses the impact of Liam Kelly being out of the state series, previews key team sectional matchups, and looks ahead to what’s coming at the state tournament. It’s a full postseason check-in on the Illinois Wrestler Podcast as the stakes continue to rise.

The Illinois Wrestler podcast crew—Dalton, Mark, Jim, and Dustin—are back together after a few weeks off to catch up on everything that’s happened across the state. With the Illinois high school wrestling regular season officially wrapped up, the guys break down key results, late-season storylines, and what stood out heading into the postseason.

Mark Jolcover, head wrestling coach at Grant High School, joins the Illinois Wrestler Podcast to recap the season to date. We hit on standout performances, team progress, and what’s ahead as Grant prepares for key upcoming competitions.

Lincoln-Way Central head coach Tyrone Byrd joins the Illinois Wrestler Podcast to share his journey in the sport, break down the Knights’ program and team culture, and preview the upcoming Illini Classic. We dive into what makes this tournament a key stop on the Illinois wrestling calendar, what fans should watch for this weekend, and how Lincoln-Way Central is preparing for the final stretch of the season.

Dalton, Jim, Dustin, and Aaron break down a busy weekend on the mats, recapping key performances and storylines from the PIT and the Cheesehead tournaments. We cover standout results, team trends, and what these tournaments tell us heading into the next stretch of the season.

St. Charles East assistant coach Joe Barczak joins the Illinois Wrestler Podcast to break down the 2025–2026 wrestling season. We dive into the Saints’ varsity lineup, early-season results, and what lies ahead over the next few weeks as the season ramps up. A must-listen for fans tracking Class 3A contenders and one of Illinois’ most competitive programs.

On the latest episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton Bullard and Dustin Ehler dive into the Class 1A landscape with a full rankings show. They break down recent results, key performances, and notable movement across the state as they adjust the 1A rankings.The full, updated Class 1A rankings are now live on Illinois Wrestler — head to IllinoisWrestler.com to see the complete list and stay locked in as the postseason approaches.

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, we break down a busy stretch of the high school wrestling season with recaps from three major tournaments: the Dvorak Invitational, Abe’s Rumble, and The Flavin.We discuss standout performances, emerging contenders, team results, and what these tournaments reveal about the current landscape of Illinois high school wrestling. As the season continues to take shape, these events give us a clearer picture of who’s separating themselves—and who still has work to do.

The Illinois Wrestler Podcast crew — Dalton, Jim, Mark, Aidan, and Dustin — break down a loaded slate of topics shaping the Illinois wrestling scene. This episode recaps Ironman results, dives into recent IHSA rule changes, and opens up an honest discussion on officiating and how it impacts matches at every level.From national-level tournaments to state policy changes, this episode delivers insight, perspective, and real conversation for anyone invested in Illinois wrestling.