Creighton hasn't played in the Elite Eight since 1941 and hasn't ever reached a Final Four. Ryan Kalkbrenner is trying to change that.
Kalkbrenner is the anchor of the Bluejays' vaunted starting five, an imposing paint presence on both ends of the floor. The Big East Defensive Player of the Year is only in his second season as a starter at Creighton, but he has become one of the most impactful two-way players in recent program history.
Kalkbrenner has helped lead Creighton to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, and his play will only become more important as the Bluejays look to turn a deep tournament run into a historic one.
TSN's MARCH MADNESS HQ
Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Predictor tool
It will be hard to miss Kalkbrenner when he takes the floor in Louisville this weekend. Here's what you need to know about Kalkbrenner's height.
How tall is Ryan Kalkbrenner?
Creighton lists Kalkbrenner as 7-1 and 260 pounds. The Bluejays' website says Kalkbrenner's nickname is "Big Fella," which fits him well.
Despite being so tall, Kalkbrenner isn't the most intimidating rebounder. He averages 6.2 rebounds per game, two fewer than 6-6 teammate Baylor Scheierman.
That doesn't mean Kalkbrenner isn't a hugely impactful presence close to the basket. He leads Creighton's offense with 15.2 points per game while also earning Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors. Kalkbrenner is also averaging more than two blocks per game for the second consecutive season.
MORE: Full March Madness bracket, schedule, TV channels & more
Here's how Kalkbrenner stacks up against some of the other big men still standing in the NCAA Tournament.
How does Ryan Kalkbrenner's height compare to other players?
Kalkbrenner isn't just Creighton's tallest player. He's also four inches taller than UConn's Adama Sanogo, three inches taller than Gonzaga's Drew Timme and one inch taller than Alabama's Charles Bediako. Kalkbrenner stands at least four inches taller than every player on Texas' roster.
Even at 7-1, Kalkbrenner isn't the tallest player remaining in the tournament. UConn freshman Donovan Clingan is 7-2, while FAU's Vladislav Goldin is also 7-1.
Still, as the number of teams remaining shrinks, so does the number of 7-footers. Kalkbrenner's size could give Creighton an advantage against Princeton and ultimately against Alabama or San Diego State if the Bluejays reach their first Elite Eight in 82 years.
Kalkbrenner erupted for 30 points in Creighton's first round win over N.C. State, which didn't have a starter taller than 6-9.
MORE: Where is Creighton from? Location and more to know about Bluejays basketball
Ryan Kalkbrenner stats
| Season | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | FG% |
| 2020-21 | 5.9 | 3.5 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 64.5 |
| 2021-22 | 13.1 | 7.7 | 0.9 | 2.6 | 64.6 |
| 2022-23 | 15.7 | 6.2 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 70.6 |
| Career | 11.6 | 5.8 | 0.8 | 2.0 | 67.1 |
Kalkbrenner didn't take over a starting role until last season, when he recorded six double-doubles. His rebounding totals have decreased this season, but his scoring output has improved.
Kalkbrenner is seventh among Big East players in scoring. His 70.6 field goal percentage easily leads all Big East players, with only five other players above 60 percent.
Kalkbrenner has another year of eligibility remaining if he chooses to return to Creighton next season.