The Illinois wrestling team is ranked No. 11 in the first USA Today/NWCA Coaches poll of the season, released Tuesday.
The Illini posted a 13-5 record last season and earned 165 points in the poll. They placed 12th at nationals in March with their entire lineup making the trip to St. Louis. Illinois coach Jim Heffernan's team is also ranked No. 10 in WIN Magazine's preseason tournament power index.
Returning national champion Isaiah Martinez will lead the team alongside Zane Richards (133) and Zac Brunson (174).
The Big Ten makes up the majority of the top 25 with nine schools, including four of the top five: Penn State (2), Michigan (3), Iowa (4), Ohio State (5).