Kyle Kempt

Classroom

Kyle Kempt graduated in the Spring of 2018 and is now working on a second degree in computer science. He is scheduled to earn his second diploma from Iowa State in the Spring of 2019. Kempt has maintained a 3.0 GPA during his studies in both degrees, even with the computer science program being extremely demanding. He was a second-team Academic All-Big 12 recipient in 2017.

Character

Kempt’s story has been well-documented. He is the epitome of perseverance and resolve. He spent his first four years of college football attempting just two passes. He was at Oregon State for two seasons and was told by a coach that he wasn’t good enough to play there. He then transferred to a junior college and was told he wasn’t good enough to play there. He then transferred to Iowa State as a walk-on and spent the 2016 season as fourth-string. In 2017, his fifth year in college, he entered the season as third-string. He finally got his chance to play in the fifth game of the year, and would lead Iowa State to one its best seasons in 20 years. He never gave up on his dream, and he was ready when his number was called. The NCAA granted Kempt a sixth season of eligibility in 2018 and was placed on scholarship. His story is an inspiration to many people, especially in a world of instant gratification. He never wavered on his commitment, and he kept waiting for his time to come. It did, and he seized it.

Community

Kempt is heavily involved in the community. He makes regular hospital and elementary school visits where he reads to the younger kids.

Competition

Kempt returns as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. He is a member of the Davey O’Brien, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm and Manning Award watch lists. In 2017, Kempt was an honorable mention All-Big 12 honoree when he led ISU to 5-3 record (as a starter) and to its fourth bowl win in school history. Kempt tossed 15 TDs to just three interceptions and broke the school record for completion percentage. (66.3). He entered his senior season with a string of 130-straight passes without an interception and a streak of 8-straight games with a TD pass—both ranked in the top 10 in school history. So far, he has two 300-yard passing games and had led ISU to two defeats over top 5 opponents (Oklahoma, TCU).