Beyond the Mat: Getting to Know Alan Koehler
October 08, 2026 | Wrestling
Learn more about one of UW's newest wrestlers
MADISON, Wis. – As the Wisconsin wrestling team prepares for its first dual of the season, transfer Alan Koehler is ready to show Badger fans who he is.
Koehler enters his senior year after wrestling three seasons with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, where he had a career record of 33-19 at 125 pounds.
“I think the biggest thing for me was I think it was time for a change,” Koehler said. “Just a new setting, discussing it over with my parents and my teammates, I decided that it was best to open the door and look for new opportunities.”
When looking for what came next, Koehler’s search took him to Wisconsin, a fellow Big Ten program.
“Ultimately, when I took my visit here, I loved the coaches. I love Coach Bono and the other coaches’ visions for me. There’s a bunch of reasons why I wanted to come here. It took me a week to get super close with them and they really welcomed me with open arms.” Koehler said.
Koehler grew up a few hours west in Prior Lake, Minnesota, where he was a three-time Minnesota state champion. He was also a six-time Fargo All-American and a two-time Pan Am Champion.
In just a short time, Koehler has made an impact on both the team and his coaches.
“He’s done nothing but come in and work his tail off,” Coach Bono said. “We are really excited to see how far we can take these next two years with him and he’s just one of the best kids I’ve ever been around.”
Out on the mat, Koehler hopes to leave a similar impression on Badger fans as well. Studying Health Promotion and Health Equity, Koehler is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and aims to be a role model to the next generation of wrestlers.
“I think it’s more important that people see me as who I am as a person. I think that’s more important than the wins. I want to go out there and be able to give God the glory but then also be a good role model for the next generation of kids that have goals of wrestling at the Division I level.” Koehler said.
While Koehler prioritizes character, he also brings an aggressive mindset to the mat.
“As a competitor, I want people to see how hard I work and how passionate I am for the sport. I am always looking to score points and ultimately just never giving up. I’m hoping to provide a new part to this team as well.”
Koehler praises his teammates and coaches for helping foster that competitiveness, explaining that everyone is working toward a similar goal.
“We have been wrestling pretty much all summer and I think it’s really cool to see how hard the team works. Also, no one has an ego on this team… everyone’s just putting their heads down and they’re working at it. It is easy to do the same thing when you’re surrounded by people like that.” Koehler said.
Koehler is eager to see the work that the team has put in this summer translate to success throughout the season. He feels that the talent and hard work around him inspires him to be a stronger wrestler.
“I’m looking forward to November 1st, ” Koehler said. “We pretty much started on June 1st and now four or five months later, it’s almost time, it’s almost here. I am truly excited to go out there and compete at a new place now, it’s a new opportunity. I feel free to be able to compete and go out there and put on a show.”
The Badgers open up their season at the Wisconsin Wrestling Showcase at Parkside University on Sunday, Nov. 1, where they’ll face off against the Bloomsburg Huskies.
