Minnesota @ Illinois

Minnesota knocked off Illinois 27-9 at the University of Illinois in Champaign on January 10, 2026. The Golden Gophers collected several big wins across the lineup, and bonus-point victories created separation that Illinois could not erase.

The bonus points were the difference. No. 6 Jore Volk rolled to a 22-6 technical fall over Cj Campbell, and No. 9 Koy Hopke put together a 9-1 major decision at heavyweight. Those two bonus-point outcomes supplied Minnesota with a cushion that turned the dual decisively in their favor.

Minnesota also picked up key ranked decisions. No. 3 Max McEnelly handled Chris Moore 9-3 at 184 pounds, and an upset at 157 saw No. 21 Charlie Millard edge No. 9 Kannon Webster 4-1. Millard’s victory over a top-10 opponent was a pivotal result in the middle of the card and kept Illinois from mounting a comeback.

The Gophers’ combination of bonus-point production and wins over higher-ranked opponents produced an 18-point margin. Illinois had chances in a few matches, but Minnesota’s top-end performances and bonus scoring ultimately decided the dual.