Travis Kelce attended the University of Cincinnati, playing college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats from 2008 to 2012. He arrived on campus initially as a quarterback before transitioning into the tight end position that later defined his legendary professional career. Though he left school to enter the NFL Draft in 2013, he completed his remaining coursework years later to officially earn his degree.
Understanding his academic and athletic evolution reveals a winding path marked by positional shifts, suspension setbacks, and a delayed college graduation that culminated in professional stardom with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Early Life and High School Background
Before heading to Ohio's collegiate ranks, Kelce grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, alongside his older brother, Jason Kelce. At Cleveland Heights High School, he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. On the gridiron, he played quarterback and earned All-Lake Erie League honors.
His physical play style and dual-threat capability attracted attention from regional college scouts. While his brother Jason had already committed to the University of Cincinnati as an offensive lineman, Travis followed suit, committing to play for the Bearcats under head coach Brian Kelly.
The University of Cincinnati Career Path
Kelce's time at Cincinnati wasn't a straight line to success. It featured major adjustments, off-field challenges, and a total positional reinvention.
Starting as a Quarterback
When Kelce arrived at campus in 2008, coaches evaluated him as a quarterback. He redshirted his true freshman season to learn the playbook and adjust to the speed of the college game. However, crowded depth charts and a throwing style that suited a running-heavy offense better meant his future under center was limited.
During the 2009 season, he appeared in 11 games primarily in a wildcard or quarterback-rush package, gaining traction as a runner and utility athlete rather than a pure pocket passer.
The 2010 Suspension and Positional Switch
A major turning point occurred ahead of the 2010 season. Kelce failed a campus drug test, testing positive for marijuana, which resulted in a full-season suspension from the football team. He lost his athletic scholarship for the year and had to sit out games entirely, working odd jobs around campus and reevaluating his commitment to football.
When he returned to the team in 2011, coaching staff—now under Butch Jones—persuaded him to switch positions entirely. Recognizing his frame, athleticism, and blocking potential, they moved him to tight end. This shift unlocked his athletic upside. He spent the 2011 season learning the intricacies of route running, inline blocking, and pass protection.
The Breakout 2012 Senior Season
As a redshirt senior in 2012, Kelce delivered a breakout campaign that put him squarely on NFL scouts' radars. Playing under new head coach Tommy Tuberville, he recorded 45 receptions for 722 yards and 8 touchdowns.
He earned First-Team All-Big East honors and helped lead the Bearcats to a 10-3 record, culminating in a victory over Duke in the Belk Bowl. His combination of receiver-like speed and tight-end size made him an unstoppable matchup problem in college football, setting the stage for his entry into the professional ranks.
Transition to the NFL Draft
Following his standout 2012 season, Kelce declared for the 2013 NFL Draft. Evaluators loved his receiving traits and yards-after-catch ability, though questions regarding his character and past suspension caused some teams to hesitate.
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Kelce in the third round with the 63rd overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, reuniting him with former Cincinnati head coach Andy Reid, who was then leading the Chiefs. This pairing launched an elite professional career featuring multiple Pro Bowl selections, First-Team All-Pro nods, and Super Bowl titles.
Finishing the Degree Years Later
Though Kelce left Cincinnati early for the NFL, he never forgot his academic roots. In 2022, he completed his remaining credit hours through online and remote coursework, fulfilling the requirements for a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the College of Arts and Sciences.
University officials officially recognized his completion during a live event in April 2024, presenting him with his diploma alongside his brother Jason. Furthermore, Kelce established the Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation, which funds a health, wellness, and mental health endowment supporting student-athletes at his alma mater.
Frequently Asked Questions
What major did Travis Kelce study at Cincinnati?
He earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the university's College of Arts and Sciences.
Why was Travis Kelce suspended in college?
He was suspended for the entire 2010 football season after failing a university drug test for marijuana, which also cost him his athletic scholarship for that year.
Did Travis Kelce play with his brother Jason in college?
Yes. Jason Kelce played as an offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bearcats from 2006 to 2010, meaning their college careers overlapped for multiple seasons.
When did Travis Kelce get drafted into the NFL?
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted him in the third round (63rd overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
