Keegan O’Toole: The “Baby-Faced Assassin” Ready for One Last NCAA Title Run

Two-time NCAA champion Keegan O’Toole has been everything and more for Mizzou wrestling coach Brian Smith, embodying skill, grit, and a heart for his teammates that makes him more than just a standout wrestler—he’s a standout person.

If you scroll through Missouri’s wrestling website, O’Toole’s bio reads longer than some novels, and for good reason. He was practically destined for greatness, starting as a six-year-old ball of energy who needed an outlet. “My dad, Brian, threw me into wrestling because I was a rambunctious little kid,” O’Toole shared. “I guess I was pretty decent right away because I had good balance and flexibility. Then, with the support of my parents, I started to love it, and it kind of took off from there.”

Fast forward to today, and that energetic kid has evolved into a two-time NCAA champion, four-time All-American, and Big 12 powerhouse. This year, he’s chasing another NCAA title, now as the #1-rated 174-pounder after moving up from 165 pounds. If his dramatic sudden-victory win over #2 Levi Haines of Penn State in the Collegiate Duals is any indication, Keegan O’Toole is the man to beat.

The “Baby-Faced Assassin”

When O’Toole first arrived at Missouri, Smith dubbed him the “Baby-Faced Assassin.” “He looked like this kid who hadn’t hit puberty yet, but technically, he was schooling people left and right,” Smith said, laughing. O’Toole didn’t mind the nickname—in fact, he embraced it. “I always kind of had those chubby cheeks,” he joked. “I looked like I was 15 when I was 19, so yeah, I rolled with it. What choice did I have?”

Underneath the boyish looks was a fierce competitor who thrived on technique and intelligence. According to Smith, O’Toole’s ability to outthink opponents on the mat is unmatched. “Keegan’s mat IQ is off the charts. He’s like having an extra coach on the team. The way he analyzes matches and helps teammates improve is incredible. He’s not just about his own success—he’s all about the team.”

A Balancing Act: New Weight Class, Same Hunger

This year, O’Toole made the jump from 165 to 174 pounds, a move he says was necessary for his long-term health. “I held 165 for three years, and it got tougher last season. The extra weight has been better for my body overall, and I feel stronger,” he explained.

That doesn’t mean wrestling gets easier. “College wrestling hurts—it’s hard, plain and simple. You’re always battling little injuries, and practices are brutal. But moving up in weight has taken some pressure off in terms of cutting weight, and I feel good about the change.”

A Relentless Mindset

When asked about his approach to this season, O’Toole’s focus is razor-sharp. “Why would you hold anything back? This is my last year, so I’m going all out. Win or lose, you give everything you’ve got,” he said. And O’Toole’s battles with Iowa State’s David Carr—a frequent nemesis—have only sharpened his skills. “Wrestling Carr has made me better. I know we’ll probably meet again on the world stage, so I’m ready to fight whenever that time comes.”

Beyond Wrestling: The Outdoorsman and Accountant

O’Toole isn’t just a beast on the mat. Outside of wrestling, he’s a man of many passions. “I love being outdoors—hunting, hiking, all of it. I’m also a total numbers nerd. I’m getting my master’s in business with concentrations in financial management and global supply chains, and I actually enjoy crunching numbers. Taxes, accounting—it’s all fun to me,” he said with a grin.

In October, O’Toole married his longtime girlfriend, and in November, he checked off another life goal: bagging two deer on an archery hunt. Come September, he’ll tackle his first elk hunt. “It’s a good balance. Wrestling keeps me in the grind, and hunting lets me recharge.”

An Olympic Dream and a Team-First Mentality

While O’Toole has plenty of post-graduation opportunities to consider, one thing is certain: wrestling will remain a part of his life for the foreseeable future. “I’d like to take a shot at becoming an Olympic champion. That’s a big goal of mine,” he said.

Smith believes O’Toole has what it takes, not just because of his talent but because of his unparalleled team spirit. “He’s the ultimate teammate. I’ll never forget recruiting him. During the Wisconsin state semifinals, he was pinning a kid in a cradle while watching his teammate wrestle on the next mat. When the ref slapped the mat to signal his win, Keegan didn’t even wait to have his hand raised—he ran straight over to cheer for his teammate. That moment told me everything I needed to know about the kind of person he is.”

A Legacy of Leadership

As O’Toole gears up for his final NCAA run, his legacy is already secure. He’s not just a dominant athlete; he’s a leader, a mentor, and a friend to everyone around him. Whether he’s helping younger teammates break down film or chasing his Olympic dreams, one thing is clear: Keegan O’Toole’s story is far from over. And as Missouri fans know, the best is yet to come.