There are many reasons why Travis Kelce has become a household name. NFL fans know him for his spectacular plays on the football field. The general public recognizes him through his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. His path to NFL stardom started with an interesting college experience.
The University of Cincinnati shaped Kelce’s future in unexpected ways. His time as a Cincinnati Bearcat wasn’t straightforward. He played multiple positions and faced a tough suspension. Years after joining the NFL, he showed his commitment by completing his degree.
This piece takes you through Kelce’s complete college experience. The story starts from his early years at Cincinnati and continues until his 2022 graduation. You’ll find how the University of Cincinnati helped him grow from a versatile athlete into one of football’s most dominant tight ends.
Contents
Early College Years at Cincinnati
Travis Kelce made a career-defining choice in 2008 when he picked the University of Cincinnati over other attractive offers. Rivals.com rated him as a two-star recruit with options that included Akron, Eastern Michigan, and Miami (OH). The deciding factor came down to something personal – a chance to play with his big brother Jason Kelce, who already stood out as the Bearcats’ starting left guard.
Most tight ends start their careers differently, but Kelce arrived at Cincinnati dreaming of becoming a quarterback. Former UC head coach Brian Kelly sweetened his recruiting pitch with something special – a legitimate shot at the quarterback position. This combination of family ties and a promising future made Cincinnati feel like home for young Travis.
He started his college journey with a redshirt year in 2008. This time helped him adapt to college-level play. The coaching staff quickly noticed Kelce’s athletic versatility, which would become his signature strength.
Kelce showed his remarkable adaptability throughout the 2009 season by playing multiple positions. His first active season looked like this:
- Appeared in 11 games as both tight end and Wildcat formation quarterback
- Recorded eight rushes for 47 yards and two touchdowns
- Made his first collegiate reception for three yards
Kelce’s role in the team’s innovative Wildcat package set him apart. The season opener against Rutgers saw him gain 18 yards on three carries. His biggest highlight came during the Sugar Bowl against Florida with a 19-yard run – the team’s second-longest play that game.
The coaching staff believed in Kelce’s abilities so much they practiced the Wildcat package almost every other day during preseason. “It was all Travis’ world, whatever he wanted to do back there,” teammate Mardy Gilyard remembered. These early signs of versatility pointed to the dynamic playmaker Kelce would become.
The Suspension and Comeback Story
Life throws curveballs sometimes, and Travis Kelce’s college experience hit a major speed bump after the 2009 season. A failed drug test before the 2010 Sugar Bowl led to a season-long suspension that changed his career path.
2010 team rule violation
The suspension meant more than missing games. Kelce lost his scholarship and couldn’t participate in team activities. “I got kicked out of college because of it,” he later admitted. He explained how partying in New Orleans resulted in the failed test. His football future looked uncertain. He found work at a local call center and spent his days explaining Obamacare to residents while getting “yelled at every single day”.
Period of reflection
Jason, Travis’s older brother, became his lifeline during this challenging time. Jason gave him housing and food, and became his strongest supporter. Travis even joined an Ohio baseball league while figuring out his next move, thinking his football days might be over.
Return to the team in 2011
New head coach Butch Jones took over the program, and Jason Kelce made a vital move that would reshape his brother’s future. He went to the coaches’ office and vouched for Travis, putting the family name at stake. The coaching staff gave Travis another chance with one condition – he needed to switch positions from quarterback to tight end.
The comeback included several key milestones:
- Earned his way back onto the team as a walk-on
- Transitioned to full-time tight end position
- Recorded 13 catches for 150 yards in 2011
“It was a process,” Coach Butch Jones later reflected. He noted how Kelce worked hard to become skilled at his new position. The young athlete stayed after practice for extra ball drills and footwork training, showing his steadfast dedication to improvement. This commitment built the foundation for his breakout senior season and eventual NFL career.
The suspension, though difficult at the time, ended up pushing Kelce toward his destiny as a tight end. “What it did was it really kicked me into the tight end room,” Kelce explained, acknowledging how this setback paved the way for his future success.
Athletic Achievements as a Bearcat
Travis Kelce found his place as a tight end at Cincinnati and his athletic achievements became legendary. His switch from quarterback to an elite tight end proved his exceptional talent.
Statistical highlights
Kelce’s numbers at Cincinnati tell an incredible story of a player destined for greatness. His career statistics reveal his impact:
- 59 total receptions for 875 yards
- 10 touchdown catches over his career
- Averaged 14.8 yards per catch
His senior season in 2012 showcased his true potential with 45 catches for 722 yards and eight touchdowns. This outstanding performance set Cincinnati Bearcats’ record for receiving yards by a tight end in a single season.
Position rise
Kelce’s dedication to the tight end position yielded remarkable results after his return from suspension. He showed promise in 2011 with 13 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns. His senior year brought everything together as he nearly tripled his reception total and emerged as one of the nation’s premier tight ends.
Notable games and performances
The 2012 Belk Bowl stands out as Kelce’s finest moment. He delivered an outstanding performance with five receptions for 123 yards. The game’s defining moment came with his spectacular 83-yard touchdown that caught every NFL scout’s attention.
His senior season featured numerous standout moments. He set UC’s record for receiving yards by a tight end in a season against USF with seven catches and 58 yards. His big-play ability shone against Fordham with three catches for 101 yards and a touchdown, including a remarkable 78-yard score.
The Bearcats thrived during Kelce’s time with an impressive 42-9 record across four seasons. The team claimed Big East titles each year under coaches Brian Kelly and Butch Jones. Kelce’s athletic versatility was so remarkable that he threw a pass in his senior year, completing it for 39 yards and a touchdown.
These accomplishments served as stepping stones that helped Travis develop from a college athlete into an NFL-ready tight end who would revolutionize the position.
Academic Journey and Graduation
Travis Kelce dominated the football field, but his academic experience at the University of Cincinnati differed from his brother’s path. Jason excelled as an honors student in advanced classes, while Travis admits he wasn’t the strongest academic performer.
Pursuing Interdisciplinary Studies
Travis selected a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. His brother Jason earned a marketing degree with the dedication of an honors student. “He was an honors student, tested well and all that,” Travis said about Jason. “He decided to be in all advanced classes. I was like, ‘That’s too much homework for me'”.
Balancing athletics and academics
The path had its challenges. Travis didn’t deal very well with academic obstacles, especially when he had history class. He shared honestly: “I just stay in there. But any history questions, I’m like, ‘I don’t know if anybody knows that,’ and sure enough, everybody does but me”. He found it challenging to balance his academic and athletic commitments during the transition from high school to college.
2022 degree completion
Travis completed his remaining credit hours in 2022 to earn his Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. His diploma ceremony became an unforgettable event in April 2024. The celebration unfolded this way:
- Received his diploma during a live recording of the New Heights podcast at Fifth Third Arena
- UC President Dr. Neville Pinto personally presented the diploma in full academic regalia
- Celebrated in true Kelce style by chugging a beer while “Fight for Your Right” by The Beastie Boys played through the arena
Both Kelce brothers made the graduation ceremony special by receiving their diplomas together. Travis had finished his degree requirements in 2022 but missed the formal ceremony – reportedly because he still had one of the college’s helmets in his possession. This unique celebration wrapped up his college experience perfectly!
Travis now gives back to his alma mater through his foundation. He created a health and wellness endowment for UC athletes in 2022, which funds a psychology and counseling department for future Bearcats. This support system helps other student-athletes achieve success, just as it helped him.
Legacy at University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati shaped Travis Kelce into the superstar we know today. His legacy at UC runs deeper than catching passes and scoring touchdowns.
Effect on Bearcats program
The Bearcats proved absolutely unstoppable while Kelce played there. The team posted a stellar 42-9 record under coaches Brian Kelly and Butch Jones during his playing years. His success story serves as inspiration for current UC coaches, particularly how he turned his suspension into triumph. “We talk about the tradition of excellence that UC has in the tight-end position,” the coaches often tell their players.
Records and achievements
Kelce’s final year set remarkable standards for future Bearcats. His achievements include:
- Setting the Cincinnati record for receiving yards by a tight end (722 yards)
- Securing 45 catches in his final season
- Scoring eight touchdowns in 2012
Continued connection to alma mater
Travis Kelce remains deeply committed to his alma mater beyond his NFL career. He launched a Health and Wellness Endowment for UC student-athletes through his Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation in 2022. “During my time at UC I developed a solid infrastructure of people around to help me navigate through daily life as a student-athlete,” Kelce explained about his desire to give back.
Travis and his brother Jason continue to elevate UC’s NIL program. Their “New Heights Live” podcast event at Fifth Third Arena supported Cincy Reigns. The event turned into a massive success with some tickets selling for over $100,000!
The Kelce brothers show genuine dedication to Cincinnati. “Go Bearcats! Anybody that has a problem with it, fight me. It’s all about Cincinnati, baby. I love it,” Travis declared proudly. Their commitment goes beyond financial support. The brothers actively help build UC’s NIL program, earning a nomination for the Best Institutional Program Award at the 2024 NIL Summit Awards.
Kelce stays true to his Bearcat roots despite his NFL success and high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. “I always feel extremely prideful about coming from the University of Cincinnati,” he shared. UC coaches now share his story with current players to show how determination and resilience lead to extraordinary success.
Where Did Travis Kelce Go to College Frequently Asked Questions
Did Travis Kelce actually graduate from college?
Yes, Travis Kelce graduated from college. He attended the University of Cincinnati, where he played football for the Cincinnati Bearcats. Despite facing some challenges during his time in college, Kelce successfully completed his degree and earned his diploma.
Where did Travis Kelce play football in college?
Travis Kelce played football at the University of Cincinnati. He was a key player for the Cincinnati Bearcats, where he excelled as a tight end. His performance in college football eventually led to his successful career in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.
What did Travis Kelce do to get kicked out of college?
Travis Kelce was suspended from the University of Cincinnati for a period due to violations of team rules. He had a brief stint of disciplinary issues, including testing positive for marijuana, which led to his suspension and exclusion from the team temporarily. Despite this setback, Kelce was able to return and complete his college career.
Where did Travis Kelce grow up?
Travis Kelce grew up in Westlake, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. He was raised in a sports-oriented family and played various sports growing up, which helped him develop his athletic skills. His hometown played a significant role in shaping his passion for sports and football.
What was Travis Kelce GPA in college?
Travis Kelce’s GPA in college was reported to be around 3.0. While his academic performance was solid, it wasn’t the primary focus for him during his college years, as he was more dedicated to his football career. His GPA was above average, reflecting his ability to balance academics with athletics.
Was Travis Kelce ever a quarterback?
No, Travis Kelce was never a quarterback in college or the NFL. He played as a tight end at the University of Cincinnati and has continued in that position throughout his professional football career with the Kansas City Chiefs. His versatility and athleticism as a tight end have made him one of the best in the NFL.
