First rumored to be dating in July 2023, Swift and Kelce have remained at the center of pop culture ever since. As a highly discussed couple, reactions to their engagement have been far from one-sided.

Finance sophomore Thomas Meyer said Swift and Kelce are the perfect match, because he believes both are equally “overhyped.”

“Travis is a mid tight end, Taylor is a mid singer with one or two good songs,” Meyer said. “So they’re perfect for each other.”

Swift has often been criticized for her short-lived relationships and the breakup songs they inspire. While some call her themes repetitive, others find comfort and connection in her storytelling.

Environmental science and zoology sophomore Sarah Valinski said Swift’s breakup songs helped her through personal relationship struggles. She was in the STEM building when she heard the news and wanted to “jump and shout” with excitement.

“Here at MSU there are so many guys that you will meet that will break your heart,” Valinski said. “However, this gives me so much hope.”

Human biology sophomore Charlotte Jones shared Valinski’s enthusiasm, saying that she burst into tears in the library upon seeing Swift and Kelce’s Instagram post. 

“I felt so overwhelmed with excitement, I didn’t even know what to do with myself,” Jones said. “Taylor Swift is like the most important thing ever to me and I am so happy she’s in love.”

Psychology junior Ileen Shukri said it’s interesting to see how much attention Swift’s personal life attracts, noting the media has followed her relationships throughout her career.

“At the end of the day it’s just nice to see her find somebody who makes her happy,” Shukri said. “I guess there won’t be anymore breakup songs though.”

Some students like Nathan Johnson, a human resources sophomore, responded with humor. Johnson joked that Kelce might retire from the NFL to join Swift on tour, and even take her last name.

Criminal justice sophomore Cassie Younggren said she was aware of their relationship but unsure of the timeline.

“I thought they’ve been engaged for three years,” Younggren said. “Didn’t they also break up before the Super Bowl?”

Nursing sophomore Cate Klein said she had many questions about the wedding, including the guest list, the venue, and the legal logistics.

“I’m wondering if or how they are going to do a prenuptial agreement, especially since Taylor just got (the rights to) her songs back,” Klein said. “I thought they wouldn’t get married and would just be life partners, but I’m so happy that they are.”

Like Valinski, Klein said Swift and Kelce’s engagement feels like a happy ending to stories that did not start out so well.

“If Taylor can write The Prophecy and You’re Losing Me and then end up getting married to Travis Kelce, I think there’s hope for all of us out there,” Klein said. 

Whether met with joy, humor, skepticism or tears, Swift and Kelce’s engagement has stirred strong emotions on campus. For some MSU students, it is simply another moment in pop culture to observe. For others, it is a symbol of hope, proof that even amid heartbreak and media scrutiny, love can take center stage.