While the news dominated headlines, Kelce’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole chose not to comment, instead announcing that her sister Layla has joined the women’s basketball team at Langston University, an HBCU in Oklahoma.

 

 

The engagement of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and global pop icon Taylor Swift dominated headlines on Tuesday, lighting up the internet with congratulations, debates, and speculation about what’s next for one of the most famous couples in the world.

But while millions of fans dissected photos of Swift’s engagement ring and the couple’s joyful announcement, Kelce’s ex-girlfriend, model and media personality Kayla Nicole, chose a very different path.

Rather than reacting publicly to the news that her former partner of five years had officially committed to the biggest superstar in music, Nicole used her platform to shine a light on her own family — specifically her younger sister Layla.

On her Instagram story, Nicole shared a heartfelt announcement that Layla has transferred to Langston University, a historically Black college in Oklahoma, where she will be suiting up for the Lady Lions women’s basketball team.

“My little sister Layla just transferred to Langston University, a HBCU, where she’s suiting up for the women’s basketball team,” Nicole wrote, adding a call for community support.

“They’re raising funds to support the program this season, and every dollar truly helps these women chase their dreams on and off the court. If you can, tap the link below to donate and show some love to Layla and the LU Lady Lions.”

 

 

The timing of the announcement could not have been more striking. Just hours earlier, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had taken to Instagram to share their own big news with the world:

a set of elegant, professionally shot photos showing Kelce down on one knee, followed by a joyful embrace that sent the Swiftie universe into a frenzy.

Swift, dressed in a flowing pale gown, leaned into Kelce, who wore a tailored suit, in a series of images that instantly went viral.

Nicole, who had been with Kelce on and off for five years before their final breakup in 2022, did not make any reference to the engagement.

For many observers, her decision to highlight her sister’s basketball journey on the very same day seemed less like coincidence and more like a deliberate reminder that her identity is not tied to her famous ex.

This is not the first time Nicole has had to navigate the harsh spotlight that comes with being connected to Kelce. Since Swift and Kelce went public with their relationship in 2023, Nicole has often found herself the target of hostile comments online.

Appearing on Angel Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel, in 2024, Nicole admitted that the hate she receives is relentless.

 

 

“I would be lying if I said that that level of hate and online chaos didn’t impact me, even to this day,” she said. “You could go to my most recent posts, and people would be debating why I am worthless. It has nothing to do with me.

I think there is something about that level of fame that attracts crazy people, which is unfortunate because I don’t think I have done anything to warrant that kind of backlash.”

For her part, Nicole has continued to focus on her own career and causes.

She has modeled for major brands, hosted media events, and in October 2024, appeared at the ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit in Atlanta, where she spoke about resilience and creating opportunities for women of color.

Away from the spotlight, she has remained close with her family, often posting about her siblings and the pride she feels in their accomplishments.

 

 

Layla’s move to Langston University adds another chapter to that story. Founded in 1897, Langston is the only historically Black college in Oklahoma, with a strong tradition of athletics.

The women’s basketball program, though small compared to powerhouse Division I schools, has built a reputation for grit and determination in the NAIA ranks.

Nicole’s public push for fundraising highlights the challenges that many smaller programs face — limited budgets, fewer resources, and the constant need to rely on community support.

Meanwhile, Kelce and Swift’s engagement is already being treated as one of the cultural moments of the year.

Swift, who has spent much of 2025 continuing her record-shattering Eras Tour, is now stepping into a new phase of life with the NFL star, who has hinted that his football career may soon be nearing its end.

Reports have circulated for months that Kelce could retire within the next two seasons, with some close to him suggesting that starting a family with Swift has become a top priority.