Purdue @ Illinois

Illinois knocked off Purdue 35-8 in Champaign, Illinois on Feb. 1, 2025, cruising to a 27-point dual meet win at the State. The margin came from a string of bonus-point outcomes that swung the scoreboard firmly in Illinois' favor.

Purdue's Matt Ramos stole a moment with a 19-1 technical fall at 125 pounds, accounting for the bulk of the Boilermakers' scoring. That burst, however, was answered quickly by Illinois pressure on both sides of the bracket. Lucas Byrd delivered a 25-8 technical fall at 133 to flip momentum, and Braeden Scoles' fall at 165 delivered the knockout blow, putting six decisive team points on the board for the Illini.

Zac Braunagel added to the gap with a 17-3 major decision at 197, helping Illinois pad the lead down the stretch. Between Byrd’s technical fall, Scoles’ pin and Braunagel’s major, Illinois assembled the bonus points that decided the dual and limited Purdue’s chances to climb back in.

In the end Illinois’ collection of bonus victories made the difference, turning a competitive night into a comfortable win. Purdue got a big individual effort from Ramos, but Illinois’ ability to convert in several bouts produced the final 35-8 result in Champaign.