Former Nebraska wrestling All-American TJ Dudley named new Campbell head coach

Former Nebraska wrestling star TJ Dudley was named the new head coach of Campbell, according to a release from the school Saturday. Dudley was previously the assistant coach for the Fighting Camels, joining the program last summer.

Dudley replaces the outgoing Scott Sentes, who stepped down earlier this summer to pursue another opportunity outside of coaching. A three-time All-American at Nebraska, it’ll be the first head coaching role for Dudley.

After helping lead Campbell to a share of the 2024-25 regular season title in the Southern Conference, he’ll look to elevate the program to new heights. Dudley released a statement after being named head coach.

“I’m extremely excited and beyond grateful to step into this opportunity as head coach at Campbell University,” Dudley said in a release. “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.”

Prior to Campbell, Dudley spent three seasons at Brown University as an assistant coach. In a short span, he proved his ability to develop and coach and is now a head coach.

“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,” Dudley said. “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.”

Making the podium three times as a Husker, Dudley was a star when he wrestled collegiately. He was also the NCAA runner-up in 2016 at 184 pounds. Dudley was the Nebraska Male Athlete of the Year in 2016 and graduated in the spring of 2017.

“TJ was a tremendous asset to our program,” Sentes said. “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.”

That sentiment was supported by Dudley’s former coach, Mark Manning. Manning is regarded as one of the top coaches in all of college wrestling and just came off a second place finish at NCAAs, a historic year for Nebraska.

“TJ 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,” Manning said. “Campbell University got a winner in TJ, as he will bring energy and the mentality to win at the highest level.”