Jason Kelce played college football for the University of Cincinnati. He was a walk-on running back and was redshirted in 2006. The next year, he switched to the offensive line and played in nine games. His collegiate career began to take off playing left guard as a sophomore, helping the Bearcats make the Orange Bowl in 2008. Kelces junior year saw Cincinnati win its conference again and make it to the Sugar Bowl. He moved to center for his final college football season in 2009.