Ben Nikkel Bio
Ben Nikkel is an American professional football safety for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 24, 1999, in McPherson, Kansas, Nikkel has built his career through a steady climb that began at the NAIA level and reached the highest tier of American football. Known for his versatility, he transitioned from wide receiver in his early college years to a defensive back and special teams contributor at the FBS level before landing a role in the NFL.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and listed at 210 pounds, Nikkel has earned a reputation for toughness and adaptability. After going undrafted in 2024, he signed with the Washington Commanders and later joined the Indianapolis Colts, where he continues to develop as a professional safety. His story reflects the patience and persistence required to reach the NFL without the benefit of a draft selection.
Early Life and Background
Ben Nikkel was born on September 24, 1999, in McPherson, Kansas, a small city in the central part of the state. He grew up in the same community where he would later begin his football journey, attending McPherson High School and graduating in 2018. The Midwestern setting provided a familiar backdrop for a young athlete who would eventually carry his hometown pride to the biggest stage in American football.
At McPherson High School, Nikkel played on the football team as a wide receiver and defensive back, giving him early exposure to both sides of the ball. Playing multiple positions at the high school level helped him develop a well-rounded understanding of the game and prepared him for the position changes that would come later in his career. His high school years laid the foundation for the work ethic and versatility that would define his path.
Path to American Football
Nikkel enrolled at McPherson College to play college football for the McPherson Bulldogs, the same town that had shaped his early years. He spent three seasons as a wide receiver from 2018 to 2020, recording 107 receptions for 1,570 yards and 14 touchdowns during that span. His production earned him recognition as a team captain and a two-time all-conference selection, establishing him as one of the most reliable offensive players in the program.
Following his time at McPherson, Nikkel transferred to Iowa State University to play for the Iowa State Cyclones. He joined the program as a walk-on and redshirted during the 2021 season while adjusting to a higher level of competition. After being awarded a scholarship and named a team captain in 2023, he found a role on defense and special teams, signaling the start of his transition to a new position at the FBS level.
Ben Nikkel Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Nikkel’s early college career at McPherson College showcased his skills as a pass catcher. Across three seasons with the Bulldogs, he tallied 107 receptions for 1,570 yards and 14 touchdowns, becoming a trusted target in the offense. His leadership qualities were evident as he served as a team captain, and his two all-conference honors reflected the consistency of his play in the NAIA ranks.
The experience at McPherson gave Nikkel a strong foundation, but it also revealed the need for a fresh opportunity at a higher level. His decision to transfer to Iowa State opened the door to bigger competition and a new role on the defensive side of the ball, setting the stage for the next chapter of his development.
Iowa State Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Nikkel joined the Iowa State Cyclones as a walk-on and used the 2021 season to adjust to the speed and complexity of FBS football while redshirting. Once he stepped onto the field, he made the most of his opportunities, playing in all 12 games in 2022 and recording three tackles while contributing on special teams. The 2022 season served as his introduction to Big 12 play and allowed him to earn the trust of the coaching staff.
His senior season in 2023 marked a true breakthrough. Nikkel played in 12 games with two starts, recording 40 tackles, one tackle for loss, and three pass breakups, along with a blocked punt recovery. He was awarded a scholarship and named a team captain, capping his Iowa State career with his most productive campaign and positioning himself for a shot at the professional ranks.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2025–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft, Nikkel signed with the Washington Commanders practice squad on October 22, 2024, earning his first opportunity at the professional level. The Commanders signed him to a future contract on January 28, 2025, before releasing him on August 26. The brief stint in Washington gave him valuable NFL experience and exposure to a professional environment.
The Indianapolis Colts signed Nikkel to their practice squad on August 28, 2025, providing him with a fresh opportunity to continue his development. He later signed a reserve/future contract with Indianapolis on January 5, 2026, securing his place with the organization. Wearing jersey number 34, Nikkel remains active on the Colts roster as he works toward a larger role on defense and special teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Nikkel’s college career came during his senior season at Iowa State in 2023, when he recorded 40 tackles and earned team captain honors after beginning his Cyclones tenure as a walk-on. His transition from undrafted free agent to a future-contract signing with an NFL franchise represents another key milestone in a career built on perseverance.
Ben Nikkel Career Wins
Across his college and professional career, Ben Nikkel has accumulated a body of work that highlights his consistency and willingness to contribute in multiple phases of the game. While detailed professional win totals are limited at this early stage, his verified achievements at McPherson College and Iowa State form the foundation of his on-field résumé. His career continues to unfold with the Indianapolis Colts, where he is working to expand his role in the NFL.
Iowa State Highlights
During his time with the Iowa State Cyclones, Nikkel played in 24 games across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, contributing 43 total tackles, one tackle for loss, three pass breakups, and a blocked punt recovery. His 2023 season stood out as his most impactful, with two starts and a scholarship recognition that highlighted his growth from walk-on to team leader. These performances helped him earn an opportunity in the NFL despite going undrafted.
Other Wins & Performances
At McPherson College, Nikkel was a two-time all-conference selection and a team captain, finishing with 107 receptions for 1,570 yards and 14 touchdowns across three seasons. His leadership at the NAIA level translated directly to his success at Iowa State and ultimately to his professional opportunities with the Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts.
Ben Nikkel Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ben Nikkel was raised in McPherson, Kansas, where his family has ties to the local community. His path through McPherson High School and McPherson College reflects the strong roots he developed in his hometown. The support of his hometown community helped shape his early development as a multi-sport athlete.
Personal Life
Nikkel maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his updates through his verified accounts. He has continued to base his professional life around football while remaining connected to his Midwestern roots. Additional details about his personal life are not publicly confirmed at this time.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Ben Nikkel as he moved from the Washington Commanders practice squad to the Indianapolis Colts. After being released by Washington on August 26, 2025, he quickly signed with Indianapolis two days later, joining the Colts practice squad. His swift signing reflected the demand for versatile defensive backs capable of contributing on special teams.
With the Colts, Nikkel had the opportunity to compete in a defensive system that values depth and special teams play. His experience as a team captain at both McPherson College and Iowa State, combined with his transition from wide receiver to safety, gave him a unique skill set that aligned well with the team’s developmental approach. His reserve/future contract signed on January 5, 2026, confirmed the organization’s confidence in his long-term potential.
Looking ahead, Nikkel is positioned to compete for an expanded role within the Indianapolis Colts secondary. His blend of size, athleticism, and special teams value provides a clear pathway toward an active roster spot, and his track record of overcoming adversity suggests he will continue to push for greater opportunities in the NFL.