Hall of Fame
Keelan’s dynamic play on the gridiron helped put Great Midwest football on the map in the sport’s early years. During his time as a Panther, Cole was not only a standout in the league but also nationally. The receiver finished in the top-10 of six of the NCAA’s national statistical categories during his stint with KWC including No. 2 finishes in receiving touchdowns (17) and receiving yards per game (134.5). In 2014, Keelan was the NCAA Statistical Champion for receiving yards (1,577).
The Louisville, Ky., native was named a two-time Don Hansen First-Team All-America honoree, named a D2Football.com and AP First-Team All American in 2016, and an AP Third-Team All American in 2015 as well as a Super Region 4 first team honoree in 2015 and 2016, and a second-team honoree in 2014.
Keelan still holds the Great Midwest record for all-purpose yards in a season with 2,181 and is second in a single game with 347. He holds the G-MAC record for receiving yards/game with 127.4 in 2016. Cole finished his collegiate career with 258 receptions, 4,852 yards, and 59 touchdowns. Keelan was also named Great Midwest Track Athlete of the Year in 2014.
After graduating from Kentucky Wesleyan, Keelan was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 where he spent three seasons. Cole then spent one season with the New York Jets before signing with Las Vegas in 2022 where he is currently an active member of the Raiders’ roster.