Just as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit unveiled its four cover models for the 2026 edition, Travis Kelce's former flame, Kayla Nicole, decided to make her own splash. The influencer and entrepreneur posted a jaw-dropping series from a tropical paradise, and the internet is already buzzing with a clear message: give her a cover.
Nicole, who dated the three-time Super Bowl champion tight end for several years, shared a set of photos that show her rocking a black and teal bikini. In one shot, she playfully uses her hands to cover up, adding a touch of mystery to an already fiery look. The post quickly racked up over 25,000 likes, with fans flooding the comments section with praise and bold predictions.
“🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥,” wrote Pilar Sanders, echoing the sentiment of thousands. Another fan directly tagged the magazine, saying, “@sportsillustrated Your next cover girl !!” The enthusiasm didn't stop there. One admirer wrote, “And God said on the 8th day…let there be Kayla,” while another declared, “We can all go delete instagram now it’s ok game over.”
Nicole is no stranger to the spotlight, especially when it comes to swimwear. She's built a reputation for turning up the heat with her beachside looks, and this latest drop feels like a deliberate pitch for a major modeling gig. With Jared Goff's wife Christen already making waves in the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue, Nicole's timing couldn't be more perfect.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit franchise has a history of featuring athletes' partners and bold personalities, from Simone Biles turning heads in a bold blue swimsuit to Joy Taylor turning heads in a fiery red swimsuit during boat day. Nicole's confidence and fan support could easily land her a spot in the iconic pages.
While Kelce has moved on with pop star Taylor Swift, Nicole is clearly carving her own path. This photoshoot isn't just about looking good—it's a calculated move to step out of the shadow of her famous ex and into the world of high-profile modeling. The question now is whether SI will answer the call.
For now, fans are eating it up. The comments section is a mix of hype, humor, and genuine belief that she deserves a cover. As one user put it, the game might already be over. Whether the magazine agrees remains to be seen, but Nicole has undoubtedly made her pitch loud and clear.
