The University of Cincinnati is contending with a weird mystery. One that would’ve made for an interesting episode of “Columbo” or “Monk.” I’m talking about the case of Jason Kelce’s missing Super Bowl ring.

On the night of April 11th, Jason Kelce and his brother Travis hosted an event at UC’s Clifton campus. A live recording of their “New Heights” podcast at Fifth Third Arena. The event featured a contest between students dubbed “The Lombaby Games.” One of the games featured UC students searching for rings in a pool of Cincinnati-style chili. This contest probably wouldn’t have worked as well with other chili styles.

Three rings were put in socks and then put in the chili pool. Two socks had replicas of Jason’s Super Bowl LII ring. The other sock apparently had Jason’s real ring. Students found the replicas, but days later, Jason revealed that his actual ring was missing. A police report has been filed but Jason Kelce does not think that the ring was stolen. To date, the ring hasn’t been found. It’s suspected that the ring was accidently dumped in the trash after the event.

While a missing championship ring worth six-figures itself isn’t a laughing matter. Losing that ring in chili sounds like the most comically Cincinnati thing ever. Even though it sounds more like a “Florida Man” story. It’s also a lighthearted story compared to many other headlines regarding college these days. Colleges have a lot of difficult issues to deal with right now.

This week, several of America’s most high-profile colleges have had to contend with campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war. These protests have disrupted some college’s in-person class schedules. Along with disrupting some college’s graduation plans. It’s been one headache after another for colleges this year. If I were in UC’s president’s shoes, I would rather discuss Jason Kelce’s missing ring. Compared to the polarizing dynamics of the Israel-Hamas war. A topic that has led to some university presidents losing their jobs.

Universities are also navigating through changes to the FASFA financial aid system. Causing delays in prospective students access to financial aid. These delays could have an impact on future enrollment. At a time when some schools are dealing with declining enrollment. Along with angry boosters and funding shortfalls.

Sports-wise, schools are dealing with a landscape full of changes. From conference realignment to the transfer portal. To a name, image and likeness compensation landscape that didn’t legally exist five years ago. It’s worth noting, the “New Heights” live taping also doubled as a fundraiser for UC’s official NIL compensation collective. This changing landscape led to Reggie Bush getting his Heisman Trophy reinstated this week.

Consider what Bush’s alma mater, the University of Southern California has had to deal with in the last month. The school wooed Eric Musselman away from Arkansas to be their new men’s basketball coach. That program’s most notable player Bronny James simultaneously entered the NBA Draft and the transfer portal. USC Football quarterback Caleb Williams is the top overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Meanwhile, USC is preparing to join the Big Ten Conference. All while facing protests and shambled graduation plans. All of that is happening at one university.

Less wild developments are happening at Cincinnati area universities. Protests haven’t massively disrupted Cincinnati area campus activities. Northern Kentucky University hired a new women’s basketball coach this week. Hiring Jeff Hans away from nearby Thomas More University. Hans is leaving Thomas More after 13 successful seasons.

TMU won eight conference regular season and tournament titles with Hans. Along with one NAIA and two NCAA Division III national championships. That success should help TMU attract a promising new head coach. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Men’s Basketball is adding USC transfer Arrinten Page. After UC two alumni that happen to be two of America’s most notable football players. One of whom is dating famed singer/songwriter Taylor Swift. Plus, it’s been a relatively quiet spring at Xavier University.

At this point, a quiet spring day is at the top of every college’s wish list.