The path to professional football stardom is often depicted as a straight line, beginning with high-profile recruitment and ending with a celebrated draft day.
However, the story of Dalton Kincaid offers a far more compelling narrative of self-belief, strategic transitions, and rapid athletic evolution.
For those asking where Dalton Kincaid went to college, the answer reveals a two-stage journey that saw him rise from an unranked high school prospect to a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
His collegiate career was defined by his time at the University of San Diego (2018–2019) and the University of Utah (2020–2022).
This transition from a non-scholarship environment to the heights of the Pac-12 Conference serves as a blueprint for modern athletic success in the era of the transfer portal.
The Early Years: A Late Start in Nevada
Before he was a record-breaking tight end, Kincaid was primarily focused on a different court. Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, his primary athletic passion was basketball.
Attending Faith Lutheran High School in Summerlin, he spent the majority of his teenage years honing his skills as a basketball player, eventually winning an AAU Championship during his senior year.
It was only in his final year of high school that Kincaid decided to join the football team, largely influenced by his friends.
This late start meant he lacked the years of film and camp exposure that typically draw the eyes of major Division I recruiters.
Consequently, when his high school graduation approached, he did not have the traditional path of scholarship offers from powerhouse programs.
The Foundation: University of San Diego (2018–2019)
Kincaid’s journey began in earnest at the University of San Diego (USD), where he joined the program as an unheralded walk-on.
Playing at the FCS level (Football Championship Subdivision), Kincaid immediately demonstrated that his basketball background provided a unique advantage in the passing game, particularly in his ability to use his frame to shield defenders and high-point the ball.
Freshman Impact (2018)
During his freshman season in 2018, Kincaid played in all 12 games. He quickly became a reliable target, recording 24 receptions for 374 yards.
Most notably, he found the end zone 11 times, a figure that ranked second among all USD players for touchdown receptions that year. He averaged an impressive 15.6 yards per catch, signaling his potential as a vertical threat from the tight end position.
Sophomore Dominance (2019)
By 2019, Kincaid had evolved into one of the most dominant tight ends in the FCS. His sophomore campaign saw him haul in 44 receptions for 835 yards and eight touchdowns over 12 games.
These figures placed him second among all FCS tight ends in both total receiving yards and receiving yards per game.
His performance did not go unnoticed by national evaluators. He was named an AP All-American (Third Team) and a HERO Sports FCS Sophomore All-American.
Across his two seasons at USD, he appeared in 24 games and established a firm foundation for what would become an elite professional profile.
The Leap: University of Utah (2020–2022)
Recognizing his own potential and seeking to test his skills against elite Power 5 competition, Kincaid made the strategic decision to transfer to the University of Utah ahead of the 2020 season.
This move was a calculated risk, as he was moving from a program where he was a primary star to a “tight end-heavy” system in the Pac-12.
Integration and Growth (2020–2021)
The 2020 season was abbreviated, and Kincaid’s role was initially limited as he adjusted to the new system, recording just one reception for 14 yards in five games.
However, 2021 served as his breakout year at the FBS level. He played in all 14 games, starting 13, and recorded 36 receptions for 510 yards and eight touchdowns.
Kincaid’s efficiency in 2021 was elite; he averaged 14.2 yards per catch and ranked third among all Pac-12 tight ends in both yards per reception and receiving touchdowns.
Nationally, his eight scores placed him fifth among all FBS tight ends, earning him an honorable mention for the Pac-12 All-Conference team.
The Elite Senior Campaign (2022)
In his final collegiate season, Kincaid solidified his status as the premier receiving tight end in college football.
Over 12 games, he led the Utes in every major receiving category, including receptions (70), receiving yards (890), and touchdowns (8).
The metrics from his 2022 season were staggering:
- Total Yards: 890 (Ranked 1st among all FBS tight ends).
- Yards Per Game: 77.3 (Ranked 1st among all FBS tight ends).
- Receiving Scores: 8 (Ranked 2nd among all FBS tight ends).
These accomplishments led to a flurry of accolades, including First-Team All-Pac-12 honors and All-America recognition from the Associated Press, PFF, and Bleacher Report.
By the time he graduated in 2022, he had amassed 1,414 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns during his tenure at Utah alone.
Academic and Personal Milestones
While his on-field performance was historic, Kincaid also focused on his professional development outside of football.
He graduated from the University of Utah in 2022 with a degree in Business Administration. This commitment to his education, alongside his rapid rise in the sports world, underscores the discipline that has defined his career.
Born on October 18, 1999, Kincaid entered the professional ranks as a mature prospect, having navigated the challenges of two very different collegiate environments.
His transition from a basketball-first athlete in Las Vegas to a business graduate and elite football player in Salt Lake City represents a remarkable four-year evolution.
Transition to the NFL: The Buffalo Bills
The culmination of Kincaid’s collegiate journey arrived during the 2023 NFL Draft. The Buffalo Bills, recognizing his unique skill set as a versatile “F-type” tight end, selected him in the first round with the 25th overall pick.
His collegiate success translated immediately to the professional level. In his rookie season, Kincaid:
- Caught 73 receptions for 673 yards and two touchdowns.
- Broke the Buffalo Bills’ team record for most receptions by a rookie, previously held by Sammy Watkins.
- Scored his first professional touchdown in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Made a significant postseason impact, scoring a touchdown in the Wild Card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and totaling over 100 yards across two playoff appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Dalton Kincaid play college football?
Dalton Kincaid played for two schools: the University of San Diego (2018–2019) and the University of Utah (2020–2022).
Did Dalton Kincaid graduate from college?
Yes, he graduated from the University of Utah in 2022 with a degree in Business Administration.
What were Dalton Kincaid’s stats in his final college season?
In 2022 at Utah, Kincaid recorded 70 receptions, 890 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns, leading all FBS tight ends in total yards and yards per game.
Was Dalton Kincaid a walk-on?
Yes, he began his college career as an unheralded walk-on at the University of San Diego before earning national recognition and transferring to Utah.
What high school did Dalton Kincaid attend?
He attended Faith Lutheran High School in Summerlin, Nevada, where he was a standout basketball player before playing football in his senior year.
The Legacy of the Journey
Dalton Kincaid’s collegiate path is a testament to the fact that it is not where you start, but how you evolve.
By leveraging his background in basketball and taking a strategic leap from the FCS to the Pac-12, he transformed himself into one of the most efficient receiving threats in modern football.
His time at the University of San Diego provided the opportunity to prove his fundamental skills, while his years at the University of Utah allowed him to dominate at the highest level of amateur play.
Today, as a key component of the Buffalo Bills’ offense, Kincaid stands as a reminder of the rewards that come from relentless work and the courage to step into a bigger arena.
