Parker Keckeisen
Athlete
Position: Wrestler (184 pounds)
Parker Keckeisen is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in UNI history, renowned for his dominant performances and relentless style at 184 pounds. Over his five-year collegiate career, he amassed an extraordinary list of accolades, including an NCAA championship, five Big 12 titles, and five All-American honors. His record-setting achievements and victories over top-tier opponents have solidified his legacy as a cornerstone of UNI wrestling.
Collegiate Accomplishments
Parker Keckeisen’s collegiate career is marked by consistent excellence and historic milestones. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of his achievements:
NCAA Championships
2024: NCAA Champion at 184 poundsCompleted a perfect 31-0 season, becoming UNI’s first undefeated national champion since 1963.Defeated Dustin Plott (Oklahoma State) in the finals with a 14-5 major decision.2025: NCAA Runner-Up at 184 poundsReached his third consecutive NCAA final, losing a close 4-3 decision to Carter Starocci (Penn State).2023: NCAA Runner-Up at 184 poundsAdvanced to the finals but was defeated by Aaron Brooks (Penn State).2022: 3rd Place at 184 poundsSecured third place by defeating Bernie Truax (Cal Poly) in the consolation final after avenging an earlier loss.2021: 3rd Place at 184 poundsAs a redshirt freshman, became UNI’s first redshirt freshman All-American since 2017 and the highest-placing freshman at the NCAA Championships since 1952.
Big 12 Championships
Five-Time Big 12 Champion (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)One of only two wrestlers in Big 12 history to win five conference titles.Named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the 2024 Big 12 Championships.
All-American Honors
Five-Time NCAA All-American (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)UNI’s first five-time Division I All-American in the program’s 100-year history.UNI’s sixth four-time All-American, achieving this milestone in 2024.
Awards and Honors
2024 Big 12 Wrestler of the YearRecognized for his undefeated season and national championship win.Big 12 Wrestler of the Week (Multiple Times)Earned this honor repeatedly, including in the 2025 season.NWCA Scholar All-American (Multiple Years)Honored for academic excellence alongside his athletic achievements.Dan Hodge Trophy Finalist (2024)Finished second in voting for college wrestling’s most prestigious individual award.
Career Records
Career Record: 133-6Third-most wins in UNI history.Winning Percentage: .956Highest career winning percentage in UNI history.Consecutive Wins: 59Streak ran from the start of the 2023-24 season through the 2025 NCAA semifinals.Bonus-Point Victories: 90Includes 47 major decisions, 34 technical falls, and 9 pins.Defensive Record:Never surrendered bonus points to any opponent in his career.
Additional Achievements
Second UNI Wrestler in Three Consecutive NCAA Finals (2023-2025)
Joined Bill Koll (1946-48) as the only UNI wrestlers to achieve this feat.
Notable Victories
Keckeisen’s career is highlighted by victories over some of the nation’s top wrestlers. Here are his most significant wins:
2024 NCAA Finals:Defeated Dustin Plott (Oklahoma State), 14-5 (major decision), to claim the national title.2024 NCAA Semifinals:Defeated Trey Munoz (Oregon State) to advance to the finals.2022 NCAA Championships:Defeated Trent Hidlay (North Carolina State) in the consolation semifinals.Defeated Bernie Truax (Cal Poly) in the third-place match, avenging an earlier loss.2021 NCAA Championships:Defeated No. 5 Hunter Bolen (Virginia Tech).Defeated No. 6 John Poznanski (Rutgers).Defeated No. 9 Dakota Greer (Oklahoma State) en route to third place.2023 CKLV Invitational:Defeated William Feldkamp (Iowa State), 14-4 (major decision), to win the title.
2025 Big 12 Championships: Secured his fifth conference title
Career Overview
Parker Keckeisen began his UNI career in the 2019-20 season, redshirting and competing unattached with a 16-1 record, including 15 bonus-point wins. As a redshirt freshman in 2020-21, he burst onto the national scene, finishing third at the NCAA Championships and winning his first Big 12 title with an 18-1 record. In 2021-22, he again placed third at NCAAs and claimed his second Big 12 championship. The 2022-23 season saw him reach the NCAA finals for the first time, finishing as runner-up with a 26-2 record and winning his third Big 12 title. His pinnacle came in 2023-24, when he went 31-0, won the NCAA championship, and was named Big 12 Wrestler of the Year. In his final season (2024-25), he won a fifth Big 12 title and finished as NCAA runner-up, cementing his status as a UNI legend.
Legacy at UNI
Keckeisen’s impact extends beyond statistics. He elevated UNI wrestling to its highest NCAA team finish since 1962 in 2025 and brought national recognition to the program. His combination of technical skill, consistency, and competitive spirit made him a standout, while his academic success and character endeared him to the UNI community.