Travis Kelce, fresh off his engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift, was back on hand to cheer for his alma mater. Swift joined him, drawing as much attention as the action on the field. Kelce’s brother Jason, the seven-time Pro Bowl center and fellow Bearcats alum, was also in attendance, along with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
A fan of the athletics and the sports and the Bearcats
Great to have you with us tonight, @taylorswift13 pic.twitter.com/Nar6miuhsr
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) August 29, 2025
The Kelce brothers remain Cincinnati royalty — Jason played there from 2006-10, earning All-Big East honors, while Travis suited up from 2008–12 before launching a Hall of Fame-caliber career in Kansas City. The two have never shied away from showing love for Cincinnati, often reminiscing about their college days on their podcast New Heights.
Bearcat Brothers in the house@tkelce @JasonKelce pic.twitter.com/w8OJXZpG3j
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) August 29, 2025
In addition to Swift and the Kelce brothers, Mahomes was spotted talking to the parents of Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola before the game. Raiola has notably modeled himself after the Chiefs star, from sporting a similar haircut to wearing the same No. 15 jersey to even working with the same quarterbacks coach and trainer.
With all of those storylines going on Thursday night, Cincinnati’s season opener felt like a cultural moment as much as it did a football game.
(Photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
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