Travis Bell Bio
Travis Bell is an American professional football nose tackle who has competed at both the NFL and UFL levels. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Bell attended Jefferson Davis High School before playing college football at Kennesaw State University, where he became the first player in school history to be selected in the NFL Draft when the Chicago Bears chose him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Bell has since appeared on rosters for multiple NFL franchises and joined the Louisville Kings of the United Football League in January 2026. At the professional level, Bell has been recognized as a durable defensive presence, finishing his collegiate career with 11 sacks and 24.5 tackles-for-loss across 54 games played.
Early Life and Background
Travis Bell was born on October 27, 1998, in Montgomery, Alabama, where he grew up and attended Jefferson Davis High School. Bell was a four-year letter winner for the Volunteers football program, developing into a productive defensive end during his high school career. Across his four seasons at Jefferson Davis, he recorded 20.0 sacks and 229 total tackles, consistently making an impact along the defensive line.
His senior season proved particularly impressive, as Bell accumulated 80 tackles and 9.0 sacks in only eight games played, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses at a high rate. He helped lead Jefferson Davis to playoff appearances in each of his final two high school seasons, demonstrating his value as a clutch performer on big stages. Off the field, Bell maintained strong academic standards, posting a perfect 4.0 GPA during his final semester of high school, reflecting the discipline and work ethic that would define his football career.
Path to Professional Football
Despite his productive high school career, Bell entered the collegiate recruiting process as a two-star prospect, a ranking that belied his future accomplishments. He chose to continue his football career at the Division I level by committing to play for the Kennesaw State Owls, a program that was still building its reputation in college football’s top tier. Bell arrived at Kennesaw State ready to contribute immediately and earned a starting role as a true freshman, a testament to his preparation and readiness for the college game.
His transition from high school to Division I football proved smooth, as Bell quickly established himself as a reliable interior defender for the Owls defense. Throughout his five-year collegiate career from 2018 to 2022, Bell developed from an eager freshman into a polished defensive tackle capable of consistently pressuring quarterbacks and stuffing opposing rushing attacks. His trajectory exemplified steady improvement and dedication to his craft, ultimately positioning him for professional opportunities despite his modest recruiting ranking.
Travis Bell Career
College Career at Kennesaw State (2018–2022)
Bell saw immediate playing time upon arriving at Kennesaw State and earned a starting role as a true freshman, compiling 24 tackles while helping the Owls reach the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. His early success provided momentum for his continued development as he adjusted to the speed and physicality of college football’s highest level.
During his sophomore season, Bell appeared in 13 games with eight starts, contributing 30 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 9.0 tackles-for-loss as the Owls ranked third nationally in total defense. The 2020 season was postponed to spring 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Bell appeared in four games that year, recording 11 stops, two tackles-for-loss, and a half-sack. In 2021, he made 4.0 sacks and 6.0 tackles-for-loss, earning second-team All-Big South Conference honors. As a senior in 2022, Bell recorded 34 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks in 11 games, concluding his Kennesaw State career with 11 sacks and 24.5 tackles-for-loss across 54 games played.
Professional Career
Bell was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine but showcased his strength at his pro day by posting 30 bench press repetitions. Despite the lack of combine invitation, his collegiate production caught the attention of NFL scouts. Bell was selected in the seventh round with the 218th overall pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2023 NFL Draft, making him the first player in Kennesaw State history to be drafted into the NFL. His selection represented a landmark moment for the growing program.
Following the draft, Bell joined the Bears for his rookie season but was waived during final roster cuts in August 2023 before being re-signed to the practice squad. On November 1, 2023, he was signed by the Atlanta Falcons off the Bears practice squad, providing him an opportunity to continue his development with another organization. Bell was released by the Falcons in December 2023 and was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, completing a rapid sequence of roster transactions that characterized his rookie year.
Bell remained with the Bengals through the 2023 season before being waived during final roster cuts on August 27, 2024. He returned to the Bears on September 26, 2024, signing with their practice squad but was released less than a month later on October 15. Bell then joined the Minnesota Vikings practice squad on November 6, 2024, and signed a reserve/future contract with Minnesota on January 16, 2025. During his time in the NFL, Bell recorded two total tackles across limited game appearances, demonstrating his abilities in brief opportunities while continuing to work toward a more established role.
Louisville Kings (2026–Present)
On January 14, 2026, Bell was selected by the Louisville Kings of the United Football League, joining the spring professional football league that features players developing their skills with aspirations of returning to NFL rosters. The UFL provides an alternative pathway for players like Bell who have experience with NFL organizations but have not yet secured a consistent role at the highest level of American football.
Travis Bell Career Wins
Bell has continued playing professional football at the UFL level following his time with NFL organizations. While his NFL statistics reflect limited game appearances, his collegiate career provided a foundation of production and achievements that shaped his professional trajectory.
Professional Highlights
At the NFL level, Bell appeared in regular-season games with multiple franchises during his tenure from 2023 to 2025, recording two total tackles across those appearances. His journey through several organizations provided valuable experience in different defensive systems and locker room environments. Bell’s selection as the first Kennesaw State player ever drafted into the NFL stands as a significant milestone in his career, representing the program’s growth under head coach Brian Bohannon and opening doors for future Owls players pursuing professional opportunities.
College Achievements
During his collegiate career, Bell earned second-team All-Big South Conference honors following his 2021 season, recognizing his consistent production as an interior pass rusher. His career totals of 11 sacks and 24.5 tackles-for-loss demonstrate the disruptive presence he provided along the Kennesaw State defensive line for five seasons. These achievements laid the groundwork for his professional career and validated his decision to develop at the Division I level despite modest recruiting recognition.
Travis Bell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While detailed information about Bell’s family background is not publicly available, his roots in Montgomery, Alabama, provided the foundation for his football journey. His successful completion of high school with a perfect 4.0 GPA suggests a supportive home environment that valued both athletic and academic excellence.
Personal Life
Bell maintains connections to his Alabama heritage, having grown up and attended high school in Montgomery. He can be followed on social media at @travisb_98. Information regarding Bell’s marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available. His athletic profile lists him at 6 feet 0 inches tall and approximately 310 pounds, physical dimensions suited for the nose tackle position in both the NFL and UFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented a significant transition period for Bell. After beginning the year with the Minnesota Vikings organization, Bell was waived during the 2025 season, continuing the pattern of roster volatility that characterized his early professional career. Following his release from Minnesota, Bell pursued opportunities in alternative professional football leagues, ultimately finding a new opportunity in the UFL.
Bell’s journey through multiple NFL teams highlighted the competitive nature of professional football, where players at the nose tackle position must consistently demonstrate value to maintain roster spots. His ability to remain in the professional football ecosystem despite these challenges reflects his determination to continue pursuing his career goals. The 2025 season reinforced that earning a sustained NFL role requires not only physical tools but also luck with injuries and team circumstances beyond a player’s direct control.
Looking ahead, Bell’s selection by the Louisville Kings in January 2026 provided a fresh start in the UFL, a league that has become an important development platform for players seeking to showcase their abilities for NFL scouts. The spring football schedule allows UFL players to perform in game situations while maintaining visibility with professional scouts. Bell’s experience across multiple NFL organizations gives him a foundation of professional-level training and habits that could benefit the Kings defensive line rotation as he competes for playing time in his new league environment.