Jason Kelce has already cemented his legacy in Philadelphia, but his roots run deep in Cincinnati — and now the Queen City is ready to give him its highest athletic honor. The University of Cincinnati announced Thursday that the former Bearcats offensive lineman will be inducted into the James P. Kelly UC Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 50th Anniversary Class of 2026.
The ceremony is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, inside Fifth Third Arena, the night before Cincinnati's 100th Homecoming football game against Big 12 rival Texas Tech. It's a fitting backdrop for a player who helped put the Bearcats on the national map during his time on campus.
A Walk-On Who Became a Wall
Kelce's journey in Cincinnati began humbly. He joined the Bearcats in 2006 as a walk-on linebacker, earning Scout Team Defensive MVP as a freshman. But his future was on the offensive line, where he quickly became a dominant force. He earned two All-Big East selections and played a pivotal role in Cincinnati's back-to-back conference titles and major bowl appearances under head coach Brian Kelly.
His college success paved the way for the NFL, where the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. Kelce beat out the incumbent for the starting center job and held it for 13 seasons, a tenure that included seven Pro Bowl nods, six First-Team All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl LII victory in 2017.
A Star-Studded Hall of Fame Class
Kelce isn't the only notable name in this year's class. The 50th Anniversary Class also includes legendary men's basketball coach Bob Huggins, track and field All-Americans Loretta Blaut and Wayne Mason, baseball career batting average leader Mike Kinnett, and record-setting women's soccer goalkeeper Christy Hoffman. Kelce's former UC and Eagles teammate Connor Barwin will also be inducted, making it a mini-reunion of sorts for two key pieces of the Bearcats' rise.
Longtime athletic trainer Bob Mangine will receive the Bob Goin Award for distinguished service, honoring his decades of dedication to Cincinnati athletics.
For Kelce, this honor comes ahead of his eventual Pro Football Hall of Fame eligibility, which he'll reach in about two years. But Cincinnati isn't waiting — they're celebrating him now, and with good reason. His impact on the program is undeniable, and this induction is a testament to his lasting legacy.
As the Bearcats prepare for a big Homecoming weekend, Kelce's presence will add an extra layer of excitement. It's a moment for fans to look back at a player who went from walk-on to legend, and to appreciate the journey that made him one of the most beloved figures in Philadelphia sports history.
For more on Kelce's off-field life, check out his recent steakhouse date night and the trademark buzz around his business ventures.
