Byrd comes to Philadelphia after a decorated collegiate career at Illinois, leaving the Land of Lincoln a four-time NCAA All-American and a 2025 national champion at 133.
 
The Cincinnati native compiled an 119-21 overall record at 133 with the Fighting Illini, led by a stout 23-1 record during the 2024-25 campaign, winning the 133 Big Ten and NCAA titles.

Byrd earned All-America honors off fifth-place (2020-21, 2021-22), first-place (2024-25), and eighth-place (2025-26) finishes to become the second four-time All-American in Illinois history.