BUIES CREEK, N.C. -- Campbell has elevated assistant coach and former three-time All-American T.J. Dudley to head wrestling coach for the Fighting Camels, announced today by University President Dr. William Downs and Director of Athletics Hannah Bazemore.

"T.J. Dudley embodies all the qualities that I was looking for as we set out to hire the next head coach of Campbell's storied wrestling program," affirmed President Downs. "He is a proven winner. He is a fierce competitor driven by the desire to exceed—not just match—previous heights of excellence. He knows and appreciates our mission at Campbell, where the job is to turn student-athletes into champions on and off the mat. Perhaps most importantly, T.J. commands a room with his authenticity…no drama, just a will to succeed. There's a ton of fight in this Camel…I'm eager to see his impact!"

"I am excited to welcome T.J. Dudley as our next head wrestling coach," said Bazemore. "Through this process, Coach Dudley separated himself through his dedication to our student-athletes and Campbell University. As one of the greatest wrestlers in the history of the region, Coach Dudley also knows this area as well as anyone, and will continue to recruit and develop championship caliber student-athletes at Campbell. He knows Campbell, is a connector, and is a great fit to lead our program."

"I'm extremely excited and beyond grateful to step into this opportunity as head coach at Campbell University," said Dudley. "This journey has taken a lot of hard work, faith, and perseverance, and I couldn't have gotten here without my Lord and Savior, my family and friends, and support from incredible people I've met in my time here at Campbell. A special thank you to the President of Campbell University, Dr. Downs, and Athletic Director Hannah Bazemore for believing in me to take on this role and giving me this incredible opportunity."

Dudley joined the Camels in the summer of 2024, helping the program to a share of the 2024-25 Southern Conference regular season championship, while the team was tabbed No. 17 in the 2025 NCAA DI Scholar All-America rankings, as announced by the NWCA, with an outstanding 3.491 GPA. It was the eighth time in nine years the Camels have finished in the top-30 of the NWCA Team Scholar All-America rankings.

"This is a special place that develops and nurtures special people and I'm overjoyed to be chosen to lead Campbell Wrestling into its next era," added Dudley. "We will continue to bring in and develop talented bright young men that share our beliefs as a university and who can compete at the highest level, adding to the success of this great program."

In addition to the program's team success last season, Dudley coached All-SoCon selection Levi Hopkins to a conference title at 197 pounds. Following the season, Hopkins was named one of two Campbell NWCA Scholar All-Americans. Dudley also guided All-American heavyweight Taye Ghadiali to a win at the 2024 NWCA All-Star Classic, defeating Ohio State's Nick Feldman, ranked No. 3 nationally, in an 8-3 decision.

Prior to Campbell, Dudley spent three seasons at Brown University, where he helped the Bears gain their first NCAA qualifier in five seasons.

Dudley wrestled collegiately at Nebraska where he was a three-time All-American at 184 pounds, including a runner-up finish in 2016. The Irmo, S.C. native also took eighth as a sophomore and third as a senior at the NCAA Championships to cap his historic career.

A four-time NCAA qualifier and three-time Big Ten placer was named the Nebraska Male Athlete of the Year in 2016, and the Cornhuskers' most outstanding wrestler in 2015-16 and 2016-17.
He graduated from Nebraska in spring of 2017 with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

At the prep level, Dudley finished his career as the most decorated wrestler in South Carolina history, claiming three state championships, as well as a Senior NHSCA National Championships title (195). Winning nearly 200 matches during his storied high school career at Irmo High School, Dudley went 63-0 with 50 pins as a senior to become the 4A Senior Wrestler of the Year, earning a No. 2 national ranking at 195 pounds, and No. 17 overall (InterMat).

Additionally, Dudley placed in the U.S. Open five times on the senior level, finishing as high as third in the event.

What they're saying about Campbell head coach T.J. Dudley

"Coach Dudley is an outstanding pick, well-respected by both coaches and the existing wrestling team. He is talented, motivated, and has outstanding charisma. With the support of Campbell University administration and alumni, Coach Dudley is capable of leading Campbell University wrestling above and beyond where it has ever been." -- Jerry Hartman '82, former Campbell head coach, Campbell Athletics Hall of Fame '23

"T.J. Dudley is a great hire due to his pursuit of having been a tremendous assistant at numerous universities, as well as his work ethic and positive connection to the student- athletes he's been blessed to work with. Campbell University got a winner in T.J., as he will bring energy and the mentality to win at the highest level." -- Mark Manning, Nebraska head coach

"T.J. was a tremendous asset to our program. He brought great energy every day, ran the room with professionalism, and connected well with our athletes. I'm excited to see him take this next step as a head coach -- he's going to do a great job leading and inspiring his team." -- Scotti Sentes, former Campbell head coach, current WIBN executive director

"This is an exciting moment for Campbell Wrestling. Coach Dudley is a proven leader who knows how to compete and win at the highest level. His vision and energy will inspire our wrestlers and rally the wrestling community around our program." -- Noah Geoghegan, Campbell '03, Wrestling letterman

"T.J. is a great guy with experience competing and training at the highest level. He is a three-time All-American and NCAA finalist. His commitment to excellence will definitely rub off on the athletes he's working with. He's very personable which will allow him to be an effective recruiter as well." -- Darrius Little, 2012 All-American (NC State), former World Team Trials Qualifier and US Open placer