As the NFL enters another offseason of uncertainty about Travis Kelce’s future, the only thing that’s absolute is the known fact that he will be wedding Taylor Swift later this year. If the tight end ultimately decides to retire from the Kansas City Chiefs, then replacing him on the offensive line will be a monumental task for head coach Andy Reid.
Professional teams are already eyeing the 2026 draft class ahead of the new league year next month, and there are a number of college players from the FBS who are candidates for replacing Travis Kelce if he announces his retirement amid wedding planning with Taylor Swift. Here are the players who are being speculated as Travis Kelce replacements.
Kenyon Sadiq From Oregon
GettyUniversity of Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
Perhaps the most talked about Kelce-style prospect in the 2026 draft class is Kenyon Sadiq from the University of Oregon. Widely regarded as the top tight end in this draft crop, Sadiq has shown a strong receiving presence in the Ducks’ offense with a grand total of over 500 receiving yards and eight touchdowns during his 2025 season.
Max Klare From Ohio State
GettyMax Klare #86 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops a pass during the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
If there is a top prospect to replace Travis Kelce, then Sadiq is that prospect – but that’s not to discount a second name on the list of possible Kelce replacements whom Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs are believed to be considering. That prospect is Max Klare out of Ohio State’s national championship-winning football program. While Klare’s 2025 season had its ups and downs, collegiate analysts and commentators have noted that he plays a balanced game overall and is a dependable player at tight end.
Eli Stowers From Vanderbilt
GettyEli Stowers #9 of the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates with Diego Pavia #2 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt is a name that is rising very rapidly on draft boards as the tight end has emerged as one of the most productive tight ends in college football after having led Power Five TEs with impressive receiving numbers. Stowers is also the recipient of the John Mackey Award, which is the national award given to the best tight end in college football.
Lake McRee from USC
GettyLake McRee #87 of the USC Trojans gains a second down as Scooter Jackson #28 of the UCLA Bruins tackles him during the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Another prospect analysts and fans are buzzing about is Lake McRee out of the University of Southern California (USC) who decided to forgo his final collegiate football season to declare for the 2026 draft in a shock move. McRee finished as one of USC’s key receiving options and, perhaps as a sign, he is already number 87 on the FBS program’s team, so perhaps he’s destined to replace Travis Kelce.
As His Wedding to Taylor Swift Nears, These Players Are Being Considered to Replace Travis Kelce on Chiefs