Drake University is a trendy March Madness pick by many analysts, and by one future first-ballot Hall of Famer NFL tight end.
The Bulldogs, an 11-seed that won the Missouri Valley Conference, are officially being supported by Chiefs legend Travis Kelce.
Kelce, who attended the University of Cincinnati (which didn’t make the NCAA Tournament), has given himself a new team to cheer for.
On his New Heights podcast, Kelce explained his fandom.
MORE: Inside Drake’s fun rise to prominence
Why is Travis Kelce a Drake fan?
Kelce loves the story of the Bulldogs, who play in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Drake University, they have a fun story,” Kelce said. “Their coach at least four of their players are from Division II. They got some guys that could play, although I think Missouri is a really good team, and that’s going to be a tough game for them.”
Kelce went on with his final point: “That’s like my Cinderella team this year. I’m rooting for them.”
Drake is coached by Ben McCollum, who was a four-time national champion at the Division II level. When the Bulldogs hired McCollum, he brought four of his now-starters with him, led by superstar Bennett Stirtz.
Kelce recognizes that grind, and he’s even going against the Chiefs’ in-state team Mizzou to do so.
On the same podcast, Kelce also praised Texas Tech, a 3-seed and Patrick Mahomes’ alma mater. If the Bulldogs and Red Raiders both win in the first round, they’d play this weekend in the Round of 32.
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