As a team, taking out No.7 Missouri in 2023 was a huge precedence for the seven NCAA qualifiers returning this year. With Legendary National Champion Parker Keckeisen and Big 12 Champion Ryder Downey back in the saddle, they have a real shot at carrying UNI into the top 10.
125–Trevor Anderson not having the best season last year posting a 10-13 season, there were glimmers of hope as a redshirt as he took out No. 1 Jakob Camacho (NC State) at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and No. 27 Nick Babin (Columbia) in his debut, he has a chance to prove himself and separate himself from a 7- dual record last year.
133- Julian Farber has a chance to step up this year as well, with a 20-11 record at 133 placing 7th at the Big Ten Championships, this could be a turn around year for him. With four top 30 wins and an upset of No. 12 Nic Bouzakis (Ohio State) at the Collegiate Duals last year, he could be a top ten guy this year.
141- High expectations for Cael Happel this year, showcasing a 23-9 record and going 3-2 in the NCAA Championships as a No.7 seed shows he has what it takes. Without a question their man at 141. Last season Cael fell just short of reaching the podium.
149- Struggling a little bit at the 149 this could go one of two ways, Stay with Adam Allard who competed in the Big 12 Championships putting a 3-6 dual record on the board last year as a redshirt sophomore. With a 6-10 record overall, will they try Ethan Basile who moved up from 141 who did very well as a freshman three years ago, coming off of a covid diagnosis to beat Charlie Klepps (Iowa State) and Nick Termini (Northern Illinois) in the Big 12 Championships show us he could have better luck at this weight. Colin Realbuto
157- Ryder Downey holds the crown at 157, being the 2024 Big 12 champion there is no need for anyone else. 23-6 record overall and going 3-2 at the NCAA Championships as the 5th seed, expectations of a big season are at hand. Could he take out Jacori Teemer?
165- Jack Thomsen will take the 165, covering a 18-9 record as a redshirt junior last year. He placed 6th at the Big 12 championships last year. Also An NCAA qualifier beating Jake Logan (Lehigh) at the NCAA Championships proves he holds this spot.
174- Jared Simma took a 28th seed at the NCAA Championships last year shocking the world with an upset against 5th seed Philip Conigliaro (Harvard) and Tyler Eischens the 21st seed in the first two rounds. With an 18-10 overall record and 9-5 in duals, he will be the starter, there is no reason to think otherwise.
184- Parker Keckeisen is the most undisputed position at UNI. The four time Big 12 Champion, Dan Hodge Trophy finalist and NCAA National Champion posted a perfect 31-0 and has been the programs first undefeated national champion since Bill Dotson way back in 1963. Could he repeat a perfect season? Another national title? We are excited to watch this year.
197-Wyatt Voelker had a fantastic year last season going 20-8 and 2-3 at the NCAA tournament. Back for his sophomore season Voelker has potential to have a breakout year.
285- Adam Ahrendsen has a career 39-21 record competing mostly at 197 lbs. Jose Valdez is a bit of an unknown but he is a NJCAA National Champion with a career record of 40-10. I expect both of these 2 to see mat time this season, and its hard to say who will finish the year as the starter.
There is a lot to be excited about with Parker Keckeisen, Ryder Downey, and Cael Happel returning. This is a solid program with a chance for something special in the 24-25 season.