Starocci Triumphs Over Keckeisen in Epic NCAA Finals Showdown
The 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships concluded with a thrilling finale, as Penn State’s Carter Starocci defeated Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen in a nail-biting 184-pound championship match. The bout, a rematch of their NWCA All-Star Classic encounter, was a closely contested affair decided by the narrowest of margins. Starocci’s victory secured his fifth NCAA title, cementing his legacy as one of the most decorated wrestlers in Penn State history.Keckeisen, a formidable opponent, ended his career as a five-time NCAA All-American, five-time Big 12 Champion, and one-time national champion.
An Intense Battle from Start to Finish
From The opening whistle, both wrestlers displayed incredible intensity and defensive prowess. The first period saw each competitor launch one offensive attack, but neither could convert, resulting in a scoreless tie heading into the second. Starocci, starting from the bottom position, escaped in a swift 10 seconds to take a 1-0 lead. He maintained this advantage throughout the middle frame, showcasing his exceptional control and defensive skills.
Keckeisen, also starting from bottom in the third period, mirrored Starocci’s quickness, escaping in just three seconds to level the score at 1-1. The tension escalated midway through the period when a scramble ensued. After a review of the call by, It was Starocci who emerged with a crucial takedown, earning a 4-1 lead. Keckeisen’s corner challenged the call, but the takedown was confirmed.
With less than 30 seconds remaining, Keckeisen managed another escape and benefited from a stalling call on Starocci, narrowing the gap to 4-3. However, despite his relentless efforts, he was unable to secure the decisive takedown, ultimately handing Starocci the victory and his historic fifth NCAA title.
A Night of Champions Crowned
The final session of the championships featured a unique order of matchups, beginning with the 184-pound clash and then shifting to the lighter weight classes, starting with 125 pounds. The finals were bookended by compelling narratives: Keckeisen’s quest to deny Starocci a fifth title and Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson’s pursuit of his third NCAA championship.
The Championship Matchups
The lineup for the NCAA finals showcased a range of exciting contests.The championship matchups will show a diversity of styles that will be sure to make for a great lineup.
125 – No.4 Vincent Robinson of North Carolina State was pitted against No.7 seed, Troy Spratley, from Okalahoma State.
133 – No.1 Lucas Byrd from Illinois took on No.2 Drake Ayala of Iowa.
141 – No.1 Brock Hardy of Nebraska faced No.3 Jesse Mendez of Ohio State.
149 – No.1 seed Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech matched up against No.2 Ridge Lovett of Nebraska.
157 – No.8 Joey Blaze from Purdue faced No.3 seed Antrell Taylor of Nebraska.
165 – No.1 Mitchell Mesenbrink squared off against No.3 Michael Caliendo of Iowa.
174 – No.1 Keegan O’Toole of Missouri battled No.3 Dean Hamiti of Oklahoma State.
184 – No.1 Carter Starocci from Penn State against No.2 Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa.
197 – No.2 Stephen Buchanan of Iowa faced No.4 Josh Barr of Penn State.
285 – No.1 Gable Steveson of Minnesota against No.2 Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State.
Schwab Recognized as Coach of the Year
Adding to the evening’s highlights, UNI coach Doug Schwab was honored with the 2025 NWCA Coach of the Year award. Schwab, in his 15th season at the helm, has guided UNI to its most successful season yet. His leadership and dedication have played a pivotal role in the team’s impressive performance throughout the year.
Team Standings and Individual Performances
As a whole, Penn State dominated the team standings, amassing 169 points to secure the overall title. Nebraska finished second with 109 points, followed by Oklahoma State with 94.5. Iowa secured fourth place with 77 points.
Individual performances of note:
– Iowa’s Patrick Kennedy finished in 4th place after entering at seed eleven showing great determination throughout the tournament.
– UNI’s Cael Happel concluded his college career with a fifth-place finish, becoming a first-time All-American.
– Iowa State’s Jacob Frost secured a seventh-place finish at 141 pounds.
– Iowa’s Ben Kueter attained All-American status, finishing in 8th place at heavyweight.
A Championship to Remember
The 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships delivered a captivating spectacle, showcasing the incredible talent, determination, and sportsmanship of collegiate wrestlers. From Starocci’s historic fifth title to Schwab’s well-deserved coaching accolade, the event provided a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating season. The battles on the mat, the emotional highs and lows, and the individual stories of triumph and perseverance will undoubtedly resonate with wrestling fans for years to come. In particular, the order in which weight classes were wrestled was notable. This ordering, while not following the traditional low-to-high weight class order, will stick in the minds of wrestling fans. The final session’s unique format, starting with the heavier 184-pound matchup and then moving to the lighter weights, added a layer of intrigue and excitement.
