The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing, the crowd was deafening, and every single person knew the stakes couldn’t be higher. Now, the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Champion at 133 pounds, didn’t just win; he carved his name into college wrestling history with a performance that left no doubt about his dominance.
In a nail-biting final against Iowa’s Drake Ayala, Lucas Byrd emerged victorious with an incredibly tight 3-2 decision in double tiebreakers. It was a true battle: Byrd pushed hard with multiple shot attempts, but Ayala’s defense was rock-solid. They went into sudden victory, trading near-scoring moves until Ayala’s counters sent them to tiebreakers. Ayala managed an escape, but a stalling point went to Byrd, and with a crucial six-second riding time advantage, the Illinois senior clinched the national title. But what does this win mean for Byrd?
Well, this wasn’t just a personal win for Byrd; it was a huge statement. He became the 21st Fighting Illini wrestler to claim a national championship, adding to Illinois’ impressive tally of 25 individual national titles. It was a clear declaration that Lucas Byrd isn’t going anywhere. But what does this mean for his rivals as he looks ahead to his next challenge?
“I know I’m the best kid in the country… in two weeks in Philadelphia I’m coming to show out”
Lucas Byrd knew he was going to win a @NCAAWrestling title after claiming a #B1GWrestling championship in Evanston pic.twitter.com/rFa7pl1skH
— Big Ten Wrestling (@B1GWrestling) June 4, 2025
A post on X by @B1GWrestling perfectly captured Byrd’s post-victory mindset. The images show him celebrating, trophy in hand, with a caption proclaiming, “LUCAS BYRD PREDICTED HE’D WIN AN NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER WINNING BIG TITLE.” The accompanying video shows a still-euphoric Byrd delivering a bold, confident message: “I know I’m the best kid in the country… in two weeks in Philadelphia I’m coming to show out.” This isn’t just talk; it’s a direct warning to his competitors that his hunger for success is far from satisfied. That unwavering confidence in his voice is echoing through the wrestling world, setting the stage for some intense showdowns ahead.
A “Short King’s” Triumphant Embrace
In the thrilling heart of the NCAA Wrestling Championships, a 5-foot-5 dynamo, Lucas Byrd, didn’t just grab headlines for his incredible wrestling; he stole hearts with a moment of pure joy. Byrd, a true amateur wrestling star, had just clinched the 133-pound national title, a historic win making him the 21st Illini wrestler to achieve such an honor.
But it was what happened right after the final whistle that truly captured everyone’s attention. Instead of just celebrating with his team, Byrd bolted towards the matside, straight into the arms of his 6-foot-3 girlfriend, former Illini volleyball player Ellie Holzman. She was right there, cheering on her “short king,” and the striking height difference (a mere 10 inches!) made their embrace a picture-perfect blend of love and triumph.
Even former UFC champion and wrestling analyst Daniel Cormier couldn’t contain his emotion on the ESPN broadcast, exclaiming, “He loves her, Ellie!” as the announce table searched for words. Holzman later shared their heartfelt hug on Instagram, her caption bursting with pride: “You freaking did it baby NATIONAL CHAMPION! I am so beyond proud of you. Coming back after a gnarly injury, rehab/recovery, and medical redshirt season to go all the way to the top. My SUPERSTAR!!!!The world is yours ILL” This wasn’t just a celebration of a win; it was a powerful testament to their shared journey of resilience and unwavering support.
As Byrd basks in this heartwarming victory, it leaves us wondering: how will this deeply personal triumph ignite his ambitions for future challenges on the mat?
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